History

EVOLUTION OF CULTURE

by Morris Inch
10/20/16
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EVOLUTION OF CULTURE

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Is there some characteristic way in which culture is thought to evolve? This is the question that came to mind when I read concerning the ancient mid-east that it followed a three stage pattern: from domestication, through political establishment, to democratic implementation. Unless hindered or reversed by invested interests.

Domestication is thus set forth as the initial stage in cultural adaptation. This brings to mind the extended family, eventuating in tribal associations. It is one in which the father figure serves as the supreme authority, along with due consideration for the elders.

The role of women in this arrangement is complementary rather than competitive. This recalls the village culture in which I was raised. In which my father took care not to infringe on the domain assigned to my mother.

Political establishment was said to be a subsequent development in the evolution of mid-east culture. In this regard, the elders pled with Samuel: "Give us a king to judge us"—in keeping with the precedent set by other ethnic groups (1 Sam. 8:6). Thus to provide greater security and continuity. While failing to take into consideration the divine initiatives and the burdensome character of such an arrangement. Nor was it their intention to eliminate the tribal legacy they had inherited.

Now the monarchy consisted of a system of checks and balances. There was the king. Qualifications aside, the people would prosper under his righteous reign. Conversely, they would suffer for lack of his righteous resolve or ineptness.

There was also the priestly structure. This served to accent the role of the populace as set apart both to reflect God’s character and serve his purposes. This was in keeping with the dual commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind," and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37, 39).

While most striking was the input of the prophets. It was their monumental task to fine-tune the monarchy to its covenant obligations. Accordingly, it often seemed as if they were tuned into a cadence too high for others to hear. Then, as appropriate, to caution concerning the seriousness of sin or encourage the people not to despair.

Not to be overlooked, there were the sages. As attributed to the elders, or persons charged with counseling persons in authority. In any case, as retained in wisdom literature, and passed on from one generation to the next as a cherished legacy.

Finally, there was the populace. Since their cooperation was necessary for success. This also had critical implications for the next step in the evolution of culture.

If by any other designation, there remained a democratic implementation. E. John Hamlin addresses this feature by way of contrasting the Canaanite and Israelite pattern of society. As for the former, "Sociological studies indicate that the aristocracy, temple, and government officials, making up about 2 percent of the population of Canaan, had control over 50 percent of the land as patrimonial holdings" (Joshua: Inheriting the Land, p. 110).

As for the latter, "According to the Israel pattern, God is the ultimate landowner. God grants the whole land not to a king but to all the people, tribe by tribe, family by family. There is no privileged class" (Ibid.). So that persons should not expect others to do for them what they are unwilling to do for themselves.

This line of thinking seems to have prevailed in the formation of the American culture. In brief, the balance of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches was meant to assure a government of, by, and for the people. Moreover, it serves to discourage an elitist mentality, which may be expressive of idolatry.

It goes without saying that the construct touched on above needs to be explored at much greater length. Perhaps best served in a corporate manner, drawing on the expertise of various disciplines. While giving due consideration to theological considerations, which seems to have been the intent in both the ancient mid-east and its American alternative.