Theology and culture are symbiotic and have influenced each other throughout history. Religious beliefs dictate morals and behaviors, which can shape a group’s culture. Art, literature, and customs often reflect a people’s religious beliefs. The influence can flow in reverse, with culture influencing religion. Both concepts evolve and influence each other bidirectionally.
The concepts of theology and culture are not just connected, the concepts are symbiotic. By definition, theology is the specific doctrine or spiritual belief system adopted by a particular religious denomination. Similarly, by definition, culture can be defined as the set of customs, beliefs, art and ideas of a people, group or tribe. Historically, a religion typically affects all areas of a follower’s life, including morals, behaviors, artistry, laws, and customs. At times, the influence has flowed in reverse, with culture influencing religious beliefs.
Followers of specific religious theologies typically look to the doctrines of their religion for guidance in matters of moral or ethical choices. Morals are often drawn from religious beliefs based on divine approval, thus dictating correct behavior. The behavior of a group of individuals and the collective beliefs of the group regarding a life in line with religious beliefs can have a great influence on the expressive arts, religious observances and customs. Practicing certain religious customs, sharing artworks and passing on personal stories with the younger generation creates a unique culture.
The connections between theology and culture can be traced back to the beginning of human history. Early human tribes developed belief systems and explanations for a variety of natural occurrences. Such examples of early theology include pictorial stories of spirits, gods, and a variety of divine beings. Pictorial paintings and stories were a way of passing on beliefs to the next generation, creating a culture that was often unique to each tribe.
The modern connections between theology and culture are equally evident through works of art and literature, moral and ethical belief systems, as well as holiday celebrations and other customs. Contemporary examples of the connection between theology and culture are, like examples from ancient times, unique to each group. Many examples of Asian, European, and American artwork and other cultural icons depict religious symbolism or represent solutions to ethical dilemmas that are unique to each culture. Belief systems, both ancient and contemporary, draw considerable influence from a people’s religious beliefs.
Researchers often focus on the effects of theology on a culture, but both concepts influence each other. Changes in a people’s religious beliefs are often reflected through changes to cultural symbols, such as literature and other works of art. The evolution of one culture’s ideas, arts and beliefs can, in turn, influence other beliefs, including religion. For example, alternative lifestyles are more accepted in modern society than in previous generations. The cultural acceptance of a way of life outside the confines of religious doctrine has influenced many denominations to change their religious views, illustrating the bidirectional influence between theology and culture.
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