sustain:if:able kiwi

Racing for a cause: Christian responses to the horsies

Earlier this year, I gave my Reading Cultures class a case study. I had presented them with some theory – 5 different approaches that over time, Christians have chosen to relate to their culture

• withdrawal into pietism
• fusion of church and state
• reformationist, working with structures and powers to bring about change
• liberationist, prophetic action that begins with the poor and marginalised
• local congregational mission, in which the life of the communal church becomes a beacon for societal transformation.

I then gave the case study and invited them to be “mission consultants” working to identify how this case study might relate to the theory. Since today is Melbourne Cup, I offer the case study here, slightly adapted.

Racing for a cause (Southern Cross News). This year’s annual Racing Mass, to be held on Adelaide Cup weekend, will have added reason for celebration, thanks to the generosity of a local couple. They have leased their promising filly to help raise money for a local mission. The total currently stands at over $100,000. The silks of the horse will feature in the Offertory Procession of the Mass. The owner said it had been great to see the horse succeed and thereby benefit local mission. The owners connection to the local mission go back to their mother, who volunteered for 27 years in the kitchen serving meals to the homeless. The 47th Annual Racing Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. All are invited.

How is this church relating to culture in this case study? What are the upsides and downsides of these ways of relating?