The leaves are already turning here, but it is scenic - witnessed in this picture of my friend, the missiologist Andrew Kirk, as after supper we walked together through the Sarka Valley outside the seminary here in Prague. Today, another friend and student here, Constantine Prokhorov from Omsk, successfully completed his 'viva voce' for his doctorate. His thesis persuasively demonstrates how powerful the influence of the Orthodox Church is on the convictions and practices that characterise Russian Baptists: an unpopular message as it is for some. Just as some in Scotland might prove resistant to recognising how powerful is the influence of Calvinism, and not just the Bible, in shaping so much that characterises our practices and convictions. But there it is. We can never fully separate ourselves from the context and culture in which we live - and are often affected by it far more than we would readily admit.But on reflection, I'd sooner be shaped by Calvinism than by the 'X factor', EastEnders or River City! Let's be careful about the default culture we adopt and choose to live with. It will shape us, whether we like it or not.
