The Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century is a collection of essays which discuss cultural contact points for sharing the Gospel within a variety of cultures. Written from a Lutheran perspective, these essays highlight several important points of interest when it comes to fulfilling Christ's command to take the Gospel to all nations and peoples.
One important point that gets highlighted throughout the various essays is that no one culture has a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, each individual in a culture has been shaped differently by that culture. While we may speak of, for example, a Hispanic culture, the recognition that there are a wide variety of nationalities that fall into this cultural category means that each one has different, though likely similar, touch points. But to assume that one approach will reach all sets one up for a great deal of difficulty.
A second important point deals with the dignity that each person and culture needs to be shown. Too often, Christians have approached other cultures, intentionally or not, as inferior and in need of change. The authors support an approach that shows dignity to the person and the culture, looking for the touch points where the Gospel can be proclaimed, and God's love and forgiveness in Christ Jesus shown.
Overall, the authors demonstrate just how large a task sharing the Gospel really is, but give good thoughts which can guide those who share the Gospel with people of other cultures. The authors deal with a great number of cultures, both internationally (i.e. Islamic, African, Asian) and nationally for North America (i.e. postmodern, New Age, African-American, Hispanic). These helpful essays will help any individual who desires to share the Christian faith with other cultures to think about how they will approach the people of that culture with the Gospel.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Review: Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century
The Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century is a collection of essays which discuss cultural contact points for sharing the Gospel within a variety of cultures. Written from a Lutheran perspective, these essays highlight several important points of interest when it comes to fulfilling Christ's command to take the Gospel to all nations and peoples.
One important point that gets highlighted throughout the various essays is that no one culture has a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, each individual in a culture has been shaped differently by that culture. While we may speak of, for example, a Hispanic culture, the recognition that there are a wide variety of nationalities that fall into this cultural category means that each one has different, though likely similar, touch points. But to assume that one approach will reach all sets one up for a great deal of difficulty.
A second important point deals with the dignity that each person and culture needs to be shown. Too often, Christians have approached other cultures, intentionally or not, as inferior and in need of change. The authors support an approach that shows dignity to the person and the culture, looking for the touch points where the Gospel can be proclaimed, and God's love and forgiveness in Christ Jesus shown.
Overall, the authors demonstrate just how large a task sharing the Gospel really is, but give good thoughts which can guide those who share the Gospel with people of other cultures. The authors deal with a great number of cultures, both internationally (i.e. Islamic, African, Asian) and nationally for North America (i.e. postmodern, New Age, African-American, Hispanic). These helpful essays will help any individual who desires to share the Christian faith with other cultures to think about how they will approach the people of that culture with the Gospel.
One important point that gets highlighted throughout the various essays is that no one culture has a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, each individual in a culture has been shaped differently by that culture. While we may speak of, for example, a Hispanic culture, the recognition that there are a wide variety of nationalities that fall into this cultural category means that each one has different, though likely similar, touch points. But to assume that one approach will reach all sets one up for a great deal of difficulty.
A second important point deals with the dignity that each person and culture needs to be shown. Too often, Christians have approached other cultures, intentionally or not, as inferior and in need of change. The authors support an approach that shows dignity to the person and the culture, looking for the touch points where the Gospel can be proclaimed, and God's love and forgiveness in Christ Jesus shown.
Overall, the authors demonstrate just how large a task sharing the Gospel really is, but give good thoughts which can guide those who share the Gospel with people of other cultures. The authors deal with a great number of cultures, both internationally (i.e. Islamic, African, Asian) and nationally for North America (i.e. postmodern, New Age, African-American, Hispanic). These helpful essays will help any individual who desires to share the Christian faith with other cultures to think about how they will approach the people of that culture with the Gospel.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Review: Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith in Action
I recently completed the book of the title. It provided some very deep thoughts about how Christians are compelled by God's mercy to then show mercy to their fellow man. The author, Matthew Harrison, emphasizes mercy from a Lutheran perspective, using some very personal examples of mercy, and how his faith and action has been shaped by them.
Overall, this is a somewhat technical book. Anyone not familiar with Lutheran theology or worship will likely have significant questions afterward. For those familiar with the accoutrements of Lutheran faith and belief, a basic familiarity will be in place.
Mercy is God's way of interacting with humans. Created in God's image, mankind has fallen into sin through the initial disobedience. As such, mercy is an act that has its beginning in God, who looks not to His own good, but to the good of others. When Christians respond in mercy, they are demonstrating something different from what comes naturally, which finds its source and origin in God.
Harrison definitely presents some challenges with his thoughts. In a fashion, he almost says that lack of showing mercy is to deny heavenly mercy in our lives. At the same time, he reflects on just how great is the mercy that God has toward us human beings. This is why the plea is present from God's creatures: Lord, have mercy.
Overall, this is a somewhat technical book. Anyone not familiar with Lutheran theology or worship will likely have significant questions afterward. For those familiar with the accoutrements of Lutheran faith and belief, a basic familiarity will be in place.
Mercy is God's way of interacting with humans. Created in God's image, mankind has fallen into sin through the initial disobedience. As such, mercy is an act that has its beginning in God, who looks not to His own good, but to the good of others. When Christians respond in mercy, they are demonstrating something different from what comes naturally, which finds its source and origin in God.
Harrison definitely presents some challenges with his thoughts. In a fashion, he almost says that lack of showing mercy is to deny heavenly mercy in our lives. At the same time, he reflects on just how great is the mercy that God has toward us human beings. This is why the plea is present from God's creatures: Lord, have mercy.
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