What is the Christian faith’s perspective on the many different human cultures?

The essence of the whole Christian faith is that God is not isolated in heaven, creating the world and setting in motion, then leaving it to the laws He set for it, as Aristotle thought. Rather, God is the Lover of humanity. Humanity occupies a special place in His heart, so to speak. The prophet says, “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph. 3:17). He is like a mother who embraces her only child and expresses her joy through jubilation and song.

The incarnation of the Word of God and His dwelling in our world, becoming one of us, sanctified our lands, deeds, minds, emotions, talents, and capabilities. It is not surprising that His appearance was followed by rapid development and progress. Monasteries became centers of learning populated by clergy who were scholars intent on making constant progress

838 Translators’ Note: The Greek word gnosis means ‘knowledge.’ In his writings, Clement pointed out the errors of the contemporary movement called Gnosticism which claimed for its members unique and esoteric knowledge. True knowledge or gnosis , he said, can only be found in Christianity, and the only true gnostic (or knower) is the true Christian.

839 E. G. Jay, The Church: Its changing image through twenty centuries, Vol. 1 (London: SPCK, 1977): p. 59.

840 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) 1.1 (ANF 2:209).

without expecting anything in return. Our Messiah came to sanctify the mind as well as the emotions. Humanity did not cease its diligent research, even invading the realm of space, and making rapid advances in technology. Such progress will continue, for the Word of God Himself came down to sanctify and nurture the fullness of human life and thought.

Now, extremely briefly, we will present a living portrait of the early Church’s views on social life. Even if there is a tiny narrow-minded minority who adopt an attitude of opposition to society, the Church lives out the Gospel mindset and therefore never ceases to support the world in what is true and edifying.