14. A paraphrase of Philippians 2 Let your cross-cultural perspectives have as their vantage point the life of Christ. For Christ belonged to a celestial culture, where he fit in perfectly enough to rank with the best. But he put aside and entered a terrestrial culture, carrying with him no extra baggage, no sense of superiority, no chauvinism, no presumptions. He joined its peoples, and became one of them until he could not only see from their point of view but could live their kind of life. His identification was so complete that he died for their cause. God noticed, and honored the venture by making Christ the universal focal point, in whom all people can have a common vision. (quoted by Burnett, The Healing of the Nations: The Biblical Basis of the Mission of God , pp. 117 )
30. 19 th Century Missionaries “ to civilize in order to evangelize” import “culture” “ primary task” “ natives are savages” “ viewpoint” “ Establish a colony” “ goal” Nationalistic “ thinking” Colonial – theology couched in nationalism “ mentality”
31. 20 th Century Missionaries “ to socialize in order to evangelize” Import “social structures” (i.e. schools, hospitals) to improve the nationals standard of living “ primary task” “ nationals are children” “ viewpoint” Establish a denomination “ goal” Denominational “ thinking” Paternal – theology couched in superiority and evolutionary thought “ mentality”
32. 21 st Century Missionaries “ to mobilize to evangelize” Equip indigenous leaders through encouragement, vision-clarification, etc. “ primary task” “ We are brothers” “ viewpoint” Foster vision, encouragement for Kingdom advancement “ goal” “ Kingdom” & “Charismatic” “ thinking” Fraternal “ mentality”
33. A paraphrase of Philippians 2 Let your cross-cultural perspectives have as their vantage point the life of Christ. For Christ belonged to a celestial culture, where he fit in perfectly enough to rank with the best. But he put aside and entered a terrestrial culture, carrying with him no extra baggage, no sense of superiority, no chauvinism, no presumptions. He joined its peoples, and became one of them until he could not only see from their point of view but could live their kind of life. His identification was so complete that he died for their cause. God noticed, and honored the venture by making Christ the universal focal point, in whom all people can have a common vision. (quoted by Burnett, The Healing of the Nations: The Biblical Basis of the Mission of God , pp. 117 )