We should especially seek to answer the questions arising from the culture’s worldview
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1. Annemarie Nechodom
Our readings from this week demonstrate that communicating the never changing Biblical truth, in a relevant way to an ever changing culture is not easy. In the process of contextualization there are different challenges that arise. One key challenge is syncretism. This occurs when Biblical values are accepted by a culture, but added onto existing beliefs and practices without arriving at a worldview change. Cooper writes, “Conversion without personal conviction will often result in some form of “split-level” Christianity.”[1] This can lead to new doctrines and practices which are incompatible with Scripture. By focusing on changing the external behaviors, internal beliefs can remain enacted below the surface.
I cannot claim to have the “one solution” to avoiding syncretism. If there was an easy linear solution, I assume this would no longer be an issue, but would already have been solved. Dr. Klausli claims even Paul faced syncretism, and not because Paul did not preach a full gospel message.[2] However, I do think there are ways we can do our best to avoid syncretism, as we rely on the Holy Spirit to work in spite of our human faults and weakness. In speaking of worldview change Barnett writes, “Missionaries introduce worldview change through a Trinitarian theology that rests in the Father’s providence, the Son’s presence, and the Spirit’s power.” [3]
One way to avoid syncretism is preaching and demonstrating our full reliance on all of the Scripture. We should show the Bible to have the upmost authority in our own lives. This also allows us to not create an unhealthy dependence on the missionary to interpret and apply Scripture. Instead, teaching in a way that challenges the readers to also ask questions of the Scripture, and actively read and participate. We should especially seek to answer the questions arising from the culture’s worldview, in light of the whole Bible. When deeply held beliefs are revealed that do not align with Scripture, the truth of the Bible will challenge and enlighten in a way that results in personal conviction which transforms from the inside out. All this is done in humility, prayer and complete dependence on the Triune God.
[1] Dr. Gailyn Van Rheenen, Contextualization and Syncretism (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2006), 196.
[2] Dr. Markus Klausli, “The Challenge of Syncretism: Historical Examples” (lecture, Columbia International University, Columbia, SC, March 25, 2016),
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN6bR6WC7Dw (Links to an external site.)
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[3] Barnett, Mike, and Robin Martin, editors. Discovering the Mission of God: Best Missional Practices for the 21st Century. IVP Academic, 2012. 388-389
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