Cultural Relativism and Contextualization Dr. David Sills

Cultural Relativism Biblical Relativism Biblical Absolutism Cultural Absolutism Situational Ethics Traditionalist Cultural Relativism Antinomian Mutual Respect C U L T R A

Cultural Perspectives Emic = that perspective or point of view that sees, feels, and communicates as a natural insider. Etic = that perspective which observes, describes, and reports on a culture from the position of an outsider.

Contextualization Glocalization Contextualization combines those two thoughts and asks, “How do you transfer what God has said through ‘holy men of old’ who lived in an ancient cultural context, into the language of people who live in a drastically different age and cultural context? Defining Contextualization: “Meaningful and appropriate cross-cultural transmission of Biblical truth which is faithful to its original intent and sensitive (understandable) to culture.” We seek to be biblically faithful and culturally understandable.

Contextualization Theology done from within a system Clothing the Gospel in culturally relevant garments. Losing the excess baggage so that the Gospel is clearly seen.

Which of these are biblical?

Which of these are sinful?

3 Eras of Contextualization Non-Contextualization Cultural superiority and arrogance Little to no regard for host culture Gospel looked foreign Over-Contextualization Influence of anthropologists Home culture bashing Syncretism

3 Eras of Contextualization Critical Contextualization Biblically faithful but culturally understandable 4 steps Exegete the culture Exegete the Scripture Come to a crux regarding some cultural issue Implement a functional substitute Always done “round table” style with the missionary and locals having a seat at the table