Reference no: EM131707995
Many anthropologists tend to believe that culture is neutral and that we cannot say that one culture is better than another. However, we know that there are biblical ideals that should be sought after from a personal, corporate, and cultural level.
The Lausanne Movement - A worldwide movement that mobilizes evangelical leaders to collaborate for world evangelization notes the Following on evangelism and culture:
The development of strategies for world evangelization calls for imaginative pioneering methods. Under God, the result will be the rise of churches deeply rooted in Christ and closely related to their culture. Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture. Because men and women are God's creatures, some of their culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because they are fallen, all of it is tainted with sin and some of it is demonic. The gospel does not presuppose the superiority of any culture to another, but evaluates all cultures according to its own criteria of truth and righteousness, and insists on moral absolutes in every culture. Missions have all too frequently exported with the gospel an alien culture and churches have sometimes been in bondage to culture rather than to Scripture. Christ's evangelists must humbly seek to empty themselves of all but their personal authenticity in order to become the servants of others, and churches must seek to transform and enrich culture, all for the glory of God. (Mark 7:8, 9,13; Gen. 4:21,22; I Cor. 9:19-23; Phil. 2:5-7; II Cor. 4:5) - (The Laussane Movement 2011)
• What should be the biblical and theological framework for evaluating culture?
• As Christians, what goals should we have when we come into contact with those from other cultures?
• Evaluate your own culture using this same biblical and theological framework.
If you need help developing your thoughts please see the following videos:
• Critical Response to Christian Missionaries
• Don Richardson Interview Part 1
• Don Richardson Interview Part 2
• The Laussane Movement