Original PhotoFolk Religions Enhanced Photo Local Folk Religions: Cubs Baseball

The “Scientific” Study of Religion The scientific approach reminds us of the need for careful observations. It also helps us understand the context of the culture in which the religion is found. The scientific approach reminds us of the need for careful observations. It also helps us understand the context of the culture in which the religion is found. The theological approach provides the evaluative paradigm or hermeneutical grid through which our analysis is to take place. The theological approach provides the evaluative paradigm or hermeneutical grid through which our analysis is to take place.

Adherent or insider Adherent or insider Seeker or inquirer: one who explores religious teachings with the intention of considering conversion. Seeker or inquirer: one who explores religious teachings with the intention of considering conversion. Explorer: through dialogue the explorer exchanges religious ideas Explorer: through dialogue the explorer exchanges religious ideas Reporter: outsiders whose job is to accurately describe or report the religion they encounter Reporter: outsiders whose job is to accurately describe or report the religion they encounter Specialists: reporters who specialize in one religion or one aspect of religion Specialists: reporters who specialize in one religion or one aspect of religion Advocate of a new religion: respects people of other religions, but continuously and gently challenges people them to reconsider their beliefs and practices. Advocate of a new religion: respects people of other religions, but continuously and gently challenges people them to reconsider their beliefs and practices. Apologist or antagonist: positively living and teaching the truth as a means of encouraging people to change allegiances Apologist or antagonist: positively living and teaching the truth as a means of encouraging people to change allegiances Types of Observers

Taking the Other Seriously Respect: We are to carefully handle the religious beliefs of the people we serve. Respect: We are to carefully handle the religious beliefs of the people we serve. Humility: we encounter those of other religions fully aware that we have deep limitations as human beings and that we do not have all the answers. Humility: we encounter those of other religions fully aware that we have deep limitations as human beings and that we do not have all the answers. Sensitivity: Sensitivity means understanding not only the worldview of the other; it also involves connecting with their feelings and frustrations. Sensitivity: Sensitivity means understanding not only the worldview of the other; it also involves connecting with their feelings and frustrations. Advocacy: How you advocate is as important as what you advocate. The cross is already a stumbling block to adherents of non-Christian religions; don’t add to that stumbling block a type of advocacy that demeans people made in God’s image and for whom Christ died. Advocacy: How you advocate is as important as what you advocate. The cross is already a stumbling block to adherents of non-Christian religions; don’t add to that stumbling block a type of advocacy that demeans people made in God’s image and for whom Christ died.

Emic and Etic Perspectives Emic Method: in-depth vernacular interviews Method: in-depth vernacular interviews Intent: seek categories of meanings from insider’s perspectives Intent: seek categories of meanings from insider’s perspectives Inductive orientation Inductive orientationEtic Method: observation of behavior Method: observation of behavior Intent: seek patterns of behavior defined by the observer Intent: seek patterns of behavior defined by the observer Inductive or deductive in orientation Inductive or deductive in orientation

The Dimensions of Religion Doctrines are truths framed in religious teaching. Doctrines are truths framed in religious teaching. Rituals are regularized ceremonies of life Rituals are regularized ceremonies of life Ethics focus on how people are to behave as they interact with other people, the spiritual realm, and the physical world. Ethics focus on how people are to behave as they interact with other people, the spiritual realm, and the physical world. (Supernatural) experiences are the ways we experience the transcendent or supernatural in our lives (Supernatural) experiences are the ways we experience the transcendent or supernatural in our lives Myths are the stories we tell ourselves that embody values and ideals that we cherish Myths are the stories we tell ourselves that embody values and ideals that we cherish Artifacts (material/artistic) are items/actions that symbolically capture values, thoughts, ideas and themes. Artifacts (material/artistic) are items/actions that symbolically capture values, thoughts, ideas and themes. Social (religious) institutions (association, kinship, economics, education and law) keep order and establish identity in light of religious values. Social (religious) institutions (association, kinship, economics, education and law) keep order and establish identity in light of religious values.

Critical Contextualization Hiebert, Anthropological Reflections Exegete the culture through phenomenological analysis 1 Community exegesis of the scriptures related to the question at hand 2 Community-wide critical evaluation of cultural practice in light of Scripture; decision on how to respond 3 Arrange any new practices into a contextualized ritual that expresses the Christian meaning of the event 4 1.Keep 2.Reject 3.Modify: a. Giving new meanings b. Substitute symbols/rites c. Adopt Christian rites

Psychological Cultural Values Holy Spirit Demonic Influencing Factors Social Situation Physiological

Missiological Analysis What is it? Interpretation: Phenomenological Level What should be done about it? Application: Missiological Level Is it right? Evaluation: Ontological Level