I am fortunate to be a member of a large evangelical church with significant resources. We offer a multitude of ministry opportunities, operate a Christian school (grades 1-12), have an impressive recreation center and offer social activities galore. It is also heavily involved in worldwide missions. I’m grateful to be a member of such a caring, missional congregation and a church that offers so many opportunities. However, with everything that the church has to offer, it’s possible and tempting to effectively wall oneself off from a culture that is sliding deeper into postmodern paganism and has abandoned a collective Judeo-Christian worldview. One can very easily find themselves with minimal/no interaction with unbelievers, figuratively surrounded by a moat with the drawbridge up, safely ensconced in Fortress Church.

But this would be a significant misuse of the gospel and an abandonment of apologetics. Daniel Arter argues here that “The Bible is clear on the need for Christians and churches to practice what is often called biblical separation, which is the requirement for believers to separate themselves from the sins of the world.” He also warns that “Cultural separatism, particularly in the name of theological separation is utterly dangerous.” Arter makes a valid point that “If the Bible does not call something sin directly or indirectly, the issue at hand is that of conscience and Christian liberty (1 Cor 8:1-13).” I agree with him.

Ryan Nelson makes the point here that Christians are to be IN the world, but not OF the world by affirming “Christianity in and for culture.” Paul articulates a balanced view of separatism for the church for us: “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world” (1 Cor 5:9-10).

The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation is a 2017 book by Rod Dreher on Christianity and Western culture. Drawing very loosely on the writings of early Christian monk Benedict of Nursia and the philosophy of Alasdair MacIntyre, Dreher argues for the formation of isolated, virtuous Christian communities in response to an increasingly secular culture. Although Alasdair MacIntyre was claimed as an inspiration for the movement, MacIntyre has criticized its proposal of retreating from broader society. I disagree with the Benedict Option. It is all too easy as today’s culture spirals into darkness, to find oneself unintentionally exercising the Benedict Option.

My 20 years on Active Duty with the U.S. Army, brought me into contact with many unbelievers. My wife and I were competitive ballroom dancers for 15 years, which opened the door for us to regularly interact with many unbelievers. I was a commercial drone pilot (as a hobby) for a few years which again brought me into regular contact with unbelievers. Working 28 years in the Aerospace Industry offered multiple opportunities to engage with many unbelievers. I’ve had homosexual friends, and one was a good friend that I regularly spent time with. Through my 51 years (so far) as a Christian, I have had multiple unbelieving good friends whom I regularly spent time with and deeply cared for. There were some with whom I spent a lot of time (in some cases, many years) and who, from my perspective, lived thoroughly pagan immoral lives, but who later became incredibly powerful believers after years of sowing seed.

There is risk involved in venturing outside Fortress Church and interacting with the culture. But it’s far riskier (and much more dangerous) to separate oneself from the culture and stay cocooned in Fortress Church. Of course we will often face rejection and ridcule and sometimes——persecution. Occasionally it is diffcult to know precisely when and where to “draw the line” when it comes to acceptable actions and behavior; even Peter had difficulty with this (Gal 2:11-14). But there is risk in all combat, and that is precisely what we engage in when we shine the light of Christ into a darkening culture (Eph 6:12).

How many unbelieving friends do you have that you regularly interact with? If the answer is none, you might unfortunately be the third servant in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, who buried his talent in the ground and sowed and reaped nothing for the Lord. Let the drawbridge down and come out into a hurting, fallen world that badly needs you. The Holy Spirit wants to use you.