Surviving Babylonian Captivity

Surviving Babylonian Captivity


Children raised in First Century Jewish families would have been very familiar with the story of Daniel and the conquest of Israel by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, “Babylon” became synonymous with oppression, idolatry and general sin. Modern-day writers (some seriously and some not-so-seriously) have even used the term to describe the rank immorality in our culture today. The Apostle John used it in a similar way nearly 2,000 years ago.

In the book of Revelation, John uses Babylon as the label for all that goes wrong with the world in the last days, under the Antichrist. “Babylon” stands for the corrupt political/governmental, economic and religious systems that are doomed to fall in the end. But in the meantime, they exist. And few would argue that “Babylon” describes today’s afore-mentioned systems well. So, the question for the Christian is, how do we exist in a culture that seems to be getting more Babylonian by the minute?

As Christians, we walk a sort of tightrope. Many of us grew up with this admonition: “Be in the world but not of the world” (which is not actually a Bible verse, by the way). Nonetheless, we’re faced daily with whether or not to bow the knee to the contemporary idols in society. Can you stay faithful with such pressure all around? Well, there are basically three ways to respond while in “Babylonian captivity”—separate, succumb, or stand.

First, there are those who separate in response to Babylonian influences. They identify those things that are associated with a corrupt, sinful culture and then set up rules and systems of accountability—some biblical; some not—to “protect” them and fellow believers from being tainted. As a result we have everything from the Amish to the ultra-conservative, fundamentalist Christians. Attempting to avoid the Babylonian stigma, they are instead seen as hyper-legalistic and ultimately are not taken seriously by those who need the good news of Jesus. In essence, they have created a subculture that is self-limiting in its potential effect for the gospel.

In response to the ineffectiveness of those who legalistically separate themselves, some swing to the other end of the spectrum and succumb to questionable aspects of the culture. Their goal is to avoid the stereotype of dogmatic, legalistic Christians and blend with society, like stealth followers of Jesus. Since legalism is an obstacle to bringing people to Christ, license is sometimes treated as a good thing.

For example, a Christian men’s movement, exemplified by author Paul Coughlin’s book, No More Christian Nice Guy, which ostensibly encourages men to return to a “biblical model” of manhood, complete with swearing! Much of the book and the movement associated with it may be helpful to some, but the pendulum swings too far when using foul language is encouraged as part of true manliness. The Bible is clear concerning the tongue and “unwholesome talk” (Eph. 4:29 NIV). But, when the need to conform to some preconceived, cultural notion of masculinity is more important than clear biblical standards, a line can get crossed; Christians can often succumb.

The third option is to simply stand. Daniel is an example of one who was able to stand, despite pressure from the culture and those who disagreed with his faith. He was balanced. Daniel was liked and respected by most, but he knew where to draw the line when pressured to violate his relationship with God. He knew the Word well and was not simply going through the motions of attempting to appear spiritual. He was not legalistic, but he was not lax when it came to obedience to God.

For now, you are captive in Babylon. How will you survive? Will you separate, succumb or stand? Be like Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Do the best you can with what God has entrusted to you, but refuse to bow to the American idols like power, popularity and prosperity.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”
─1 Corinthians 6:13 NKJV