Introduction to world missions Culture & Missions

Culture Culture defined: “Kultur” – early 19th century German usage Culture is the integrated system of learned patterns of ideas, values, behavior, and products characteristic of a society. “Kultur” – early 19th century German usage E. B. Tylor pioneer anthropologist borrowed in 1871 to designate “the total nonbiologically transmitted heritage of man” Considered one of the most important contributions of anthropology to the missionary endeavor (Luzbetak 1963, 59).

Culture Elements of Definition of Culture Integrated Learned Ideas Values Behavior Products Society

Culture Cultural Diversity Language Physical items Life style Relationship with others Values Gestures Personal space

Cultural Perspective Cultural Perspectives 1.  We tend to view other cultures from our home culture perspective. a) Western - technology and economic strength (thing or task oriented) b) African - social cohesion in tribe and clan (people oriented) 2. Every culture has it good and evil aspects. a) Africa - one God but distant with personal spiritual beings in between. God is not personally involved in the world. b) U.S. - the world is basically viewed materialistic with little or no spiritual influence but controlled by the laws of nature. c) We bring the Christian perspective. d) God is the ultimate judge.

Cultural Adaptation Cultural Adaptation 1. Enculturation - is the process by which a child learns to be a functioning member of its home culture. 2. Acculturation - is the process by which and adult acquires the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and behaviors to function within a new culture. 3. Culture Jolts - experiencing cultural differences which one adapts to after an initial experience of newness and uncomfortableness. 4. Culture shock - experiencing cultural differences but not being able to adapt and live in harmony with the differences. 5. Reverse culture shock

Stages of Cultural Adaptation Stages One of Missionary Acculturation a) The idealized stage (glamour, honeymoon, or fascination) (1) Everything is new and neat. (2) Everything is seen as ideal and greater than it really is. (3) Receiving information via translation to fit ones own thought forms. (4) Early stage of exciting adventure.

Stages of Cultural Adaptation Stage Two of Missionary Acculturation b) Critical stage (rejection or fear stage) (1) High anxiety due to growing awareness of cultural diversity cultural conflicts (2) Difficulty of language learning bears down (3) Awareness of being in a foreign environment with less control than in one's home culture (4) Begin to idealize home culture (5) Ways of coping: (a) Going home (b) Withdrawal (psychological and physical) (c) Going native (d) Adapting (see the culture in a realistic light)

Stages of Cultural Adaptation Stage Three of Missionary Acculturation c) Identification stage (1) Sees culture as their home with its strengths and weaknesses. (2) Interpersonal identification takes place. (a) Missionary must know themselves. (b) Must know the people and their language. (c) Missionaries must be coworkers with the people. (d) Missionaries must practice reciprocity. (e) Missionaries must love the people. (f) Missionaries must be culturally appropriate under God.

Evangelism & Cultural Distance Four Levels of Cultural Distance E-0 – is Christians teaching nominal Christians who attend their churches but have not made Christ their Lord E-1 – is where evangelism occurs among people of highly similar cultures in the same language E-2 – is evangelism among people in similar cultures but with differing languages E-3 – is evangelism among distinctively different cultures and languages

Evangelism & Cultural Distance Terms: Bridging - being able to bridge cultural barriers to effectively communicate the gospel “Worldview - is a fundamental cognitive, affective and evaluative assumptions a group of people make about the nature of things, and which they order their lives.” – Paul Hiebert

Evangelism & Cultural Distance Problems with just supporting nationals so as not to have to bridge cultural barriers. Often times support ends up supporting local preachers not church planters. They are simply E-0 or E-1 evangelists. We often do not know how the money is being used and are susceptible to exaggerated claims. The greatest problem is that we use it as an excuse not to go or to send our son and daughters. There are some difficulties with people reaching their own culture. Tribalism, ethnic fighting, and clan animosity hinder evangelism from a national.