Introduction

Cultural studies provide profound insights into human societies, identities, and worldviews, critical for navigating today’s globalized world. These disciplines, including anthropology, cultural geography, folk studies and intercultural communication, illuminate cultural dynamics, aiding effective mission. Yet, many Christians remain unconcerned, prioritizing spiritual frameworks over sociological ones, rooted in a faith-centered worldview. This article explores seven reasons for this disinterest, grounded in an incomplete reading of Scripture, and examines how each hinders participation in the missio Dei—God’s redemptive mission to reconcile all creation (2 Corinthians 5:19). The analysis highlights tensions between biblical fidelity and cultural neglect, urging balance to fulfill Matthew 28:19’s Great Commission. By understanding these reasons, believers can better engage cultures for God’s glory, echoing Acts 17:28.

 

1. Trust in Biblical Sufficiency Over Human Insights

Many Christians prioritize Scripture’s sufficiency, viewing cultural studies’ insights as redundant. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped.” While cultural studies explores cultural nexuses, believers trust Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet.” Frame’s The Doctrine of the Word of God (2010) argues Scripture addresses all life domains, sidelining anthropology’s ethnographic methods. Evangelicals, per Barna’s 2020 report, favor Bible study over anthropology’s relativism, fearing dilution of truths like Genesis 2:24’s marriage definition. This empowers direct gospel proclamation (Acts 17:28), bypassing cultural analyses for Spirit-led witness. Critics like Geertz (The Interpretation of Cultures, 1973) see this as simplistic, but believers find liberation in biblical clarity, ensuring uncompromised faith.

However, this stance risks undermining the missio Dei (mission of God) by limiting contextualized gospel proclamation. Hiebert’s Transforming Worldviews (2008) stresses that understanding cultural frameworks enhances evangelistic relevance without compromising truth. Ignoring cultural studies can lead to miscommunication, as seen in early missionary failures documented in Missiology (Vol. 47, 2019), where Western assumptions alienated indigenous groups. Without cultural insight, believers may impose foreign frameworks, hindering the gospel’s reception, contrary to Paul’s adaptability in 1 Corinthians 9:22. This insularity isolates communities, reducing the Christian’s witness in diverse settings. Revelation 7:9 envisions a multicultural redeemed multitude, requiring cultural fluency to fulfill. Unwillingness to utilize appropriate cultural tools can foster arrogance, alienating those God seeks to reach, thus stunting the global mission.

 

2. Focus on Eternal Priorities Over Temporal Cultures

Christians prioritize eternal salvation over temporal cultural insights, per Matthew 6:33: “Seek first his kingdom.” Thus folklore studies seem secondary to Philippians 3:20’s “citizenship in heaven.” Bosch’s Transforming Mission (1991) notes early Christians emphasized eternity over sociology. Pew’s 2019 report shows evangelicals prioritize evangelism, viewing migration studies as less urgent than Revelation 22:20’s reference to Christ’s imminent return. Practically, this means preaching over kinship analysis, trusting the gospel’s transcendence (Romans 1:16). Missiology (Vol. 47, 2019) critiques this as narrow, but believers, like Wesley’s revivalists, transform societies through proclamation. This unconcern streamlines mission, focusing on eternal destinies.

Yet, prioritizing eternity over cultural engagement can disconnect believers from the missio Dei’s incarnational mandate. Bosch (1991) argues that God’s mission engages temporal realities, as Jesus did in John 4’s Samaritan encounter. Ignoring migration insights risks overlooking diaspora needs, contrary to Leviticus 19:34’s call to love sojourners. Evangelical Missions Quarterly (Vol. 55, 2019) documents how cultural ignorance leads to shallow conversions, lacking discipleship depth. This focus can foster escapism, neglecting God’s call to transform societies (Romans 12:2). Without cultural studies, believers miss opportunities to address systemic issues like poverty, hindering holistic mission. The missio Dei seeks redemption that results in personal, social, and cosmic transformation, and disengagement limits the believer’s transformative impact.

 

3. Fear of Cultural Relativism Undermining Absolute Truth

Believers avoid cultural studies to guard against relativism, which, for example, the study of Asian religions may promote by validating diverse practices. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns against cultural entanglement: “Do not be ensnared by their gods.” Van Til’s Christian Apologetics (1976) argues relativism contradicts John 14:6’s exclusive truth. The Journal of Evangelical Theology (Vol. 42, 2018) warns Buddhism studies risk “anonymous Christianity.” Lifeway’s 2021 survey shows evangelicals prioritize doctrinal purity, choosing Bible study over postmodern analyses. Practically, this means rejecting syncretistic rituals while proclaiming Christ (1 Kings 18). This protects faith’s integrity, ensuring gospel clarity.

Nevertheless, this fear can stifle the missio Dei by preventing contextualized ministry. Kraft’s Christianity in Culture (1979) advocates “critical contextualization” to distinguish cultural neutrality from idolatry, enhancing gospel relevance. Acts 15’s council balanced truth with cultural sensitivity, avoiding syncretism. Ignoring cultural studies risks cultural insensitivity, alienating seekers, as seen in colonial missions (Missiology, Vol. 47, 2019). This fear-driven approach can reject valid cultural expressions, contrary to God’s redemptive work in all cultures (Acts 2). It limits dialogue, hindering the believer’s witness in pluralistic contexts, thwarting the missio Dei’s global vision.

 

4. Emphasis on Spiritual Warfare Over Cultural Analysis

Christians attribute societal dynamics to spiritual warfare, not cultural structures, per Ephesians 6:12: “Our struggle is… against spiritual forces.” Cultural assumptions in anthropology pale against Wagner’s Spiritual Warfare Strategy (1996), linking strongholds to 2 Corinthians 10:4. Missiology (Vol. 47, 2019) notes preference for prayer over Buddhist geographies. Early fathers like Origen prioritized spiritual lenses. Practically, believers engage through intercession, not Judaism studies, wielding Ephesians 6:17’s “sword of the Spirit.” Arnold’s Three Crucial Questions (2002) supports this focus. This unconcern redirects energy to prayerful battles.

Despite this, overemphasizing spiritual warfare neglects the missio Dei’s call to engage cultural realities. Winter’s Perspectives (2009) argues that cultural understanding informs spiritual strategies, enhancing intercession’s effectiveness. Jesus’ cultural engagement in John 4 shows holistic ministry. Ignoring cultural studies risks misdiagnosing societal issues, limiting breakthroughs, per the Evangelical Missions Quarterly (Vol. 55, 2019). This approach can foster superstition, overlooking systemic injustices God seeks to redeem (Isaiah 1:17). Cultural disengagement weakens the church’s prophetic voice, hindering the missio Dei’s transformative scope.

 

5. Prioritizing Individual Salvation Over Collective Narratives

Christianity’s focus on personal salvation overshadows cultural studies’ collective insights. John 3:16 emphasizes individual belief, rendering religious movements secondary. Kierkegaard’s Concluding Unscientific Postscript (1846) critiques collectivism, favoring personal faith. An article in Themelios (Vol. 45, 2020) notes evangelicals prioritize conversion, as in Acts 16’s jailer. Barna’s 2022 data shows altar calls trump anthropological analyses. Practically, this means soul-focused ministry, per Bonhoeffer’s Life Together (1939). This unconcern ensures direct gospel encounters.

By contrast, this individualism undermines the missio Dei’s communal scope. Bevans’s Models of Contextual Theology (2002) stresses that cultural narratives shape collective identities, crucial for discipleship. Matthew 28:19’s “all nations” implies cultural engagement. Ignoring collective dynamics risks shallow conversions, per Missiology (Vol. 47, 2019), neglecting systemic transformation. This focus isolates believers from community needs, contrary to Acts 2:44-45’s shared life. Cultural studies enable holistic ministry, vital for the missio Dei’s redemptive vision.

 

6. Distrust of Secular Methodologies Versus Divine Sovereignty

Skepticism toward secular methodologies drives unconcern, trusting “God’s sovereignty” instead (Proverbs 21:1). Anthropoligical theories seem presumptuous against divine omniscience. Dooyeweerd’s A New Critique (1953-1958) critiques reductionism, per Evangelical Quarterly (Vol. 92, 2021). Puritans shunned humanism, favoring James 1:5’s wisdom. Practically, believers like Hudson Taylor relied on divine guidance over ethnography, avoiding the complexities anthropological analysis. Lewis’s Miracles (1947) counters scientism. This ensures sovereignty-centered mission.

To the contrary, distrusting secular tools limits the missio Dei’s practical impact. Hiebert (2008) argues that methodologies like ethnography reveal God’s work in cultures, (Romans 1:20). Paul’s use of Greek philosophy (Acts 17) shows sanctified secular tools. Evangelical Missions Quarterly (Vol. 55, 2019) notes cultural ignorance hinders mission effectiveness. This distrust can foster anti-intellectualism, alienating educated seekers, contrary to 1 Peter 3:15’s reasoned defense. Cultural studies enhance mission, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.

 

7. Reliance on Holy Spirit for Cultural Navigation

Believers trust the Holy Spirit for discernment, per 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, over cultural studies. John 16:13’s promise of “all truth” guides adaptation. Yong’s The Spirit Poured Out (2005) highlights pneumatological success, per Pneuma (Vol. 41, 2019). Practically, this means Spirit-led ministry over the study of folklife and material culture, ensuring contextualization without academia. Bevans (2002) notes Spirit-driven flexibility. This fosters dynamic witness.

But cultural studies can enhance perceptive communication and avoid risking ineffective mission. Yong (2005) emphasizes that the Spirit works through cultural knowledge to contextualize truth. Acts 17’s cultural engagement shows Spirit-led strategy. Pneuma (Vol. 41, 2019) notes that cultural ignorance leads to missteps, hindering outreach. This approach can foster laziness, neglecting God’s call to diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15). Cultural studies amplify Spirit-led mission, advancing the missio Dei’s global reach.

 

Conclusion

Despite the profound insights cultural studies offer into human societies, identities, and worldviews, many Christians remain unconcerned, prioritizing biblical sufficiency, eternal goals, spiritual warfare, individual salvation, doctrinal purity, divine sovereignty, and Spirit-led discernment. These reasons, seemingly rooted in Scripture and reinforced by scholars like Frame, Van Til, and Wagner, reflect a deep commitment to a Christ-centered worldview that resists worldly patterns, as Romans 12:2 urges. However, each reason carries significant risks to the missio Dei—God’s redemptive mission to reconcile all creation (2 Corinthians 5:19). By sidelining cultural studies, believers may miss opportunities to contextualize the gospel, engage communities holistically, and address systemic issues, thus limiting the church’s transformative impact. Revelation 7:9 envisions a diverse redeemed multitude, underscoring the need for cultural fluency to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Neglecting cultural studies can lead to cultural insensitivity, shallow discipleship, and missed evangelistic opportunities, as documented in Missiology (Vol. 47, 2019). Historical examples, like Paul’s culturally astute preaching in Acts 17, demonstrate that understanding culture enhances gospel proclamation without compromising truth. Scholars like Hiebert (2008) and Bevans (2002) advocate for a balanced approach, where cultural insights inform Spirit-led mission. This calls for a re-evaluation: Christians must integrate cultural studies to embody Christ’s incarnational love, ensuring the gospel speaks to every tribe and tongue. By embracing cultural wisdom alongside biblical truth, believers can advance God’s kingdom with relevance, humility, and power, glorifying Him across all nations in a globalized world.

 

Source List

Scripture References

• Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Zondervan, 2011.

Academic Books

• Arnold, J. M. (2002). Three Crucial Questions about the Future. Baker Books.
• Bevans, S. B. (2002). Models of Contextual Theology. Orbis Books.
• Bonhoeffer, D. (1939). Life Together. HarperOne.
• Bosch, D. J. (1991). Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Orbis Books.
• Dooyeweerd, H. (1953-1958). A New Critique of Theoretical Thought. Presbyterian & Reformed.
• Frame, J. M. (2010). The Doctrine of the Word of God. P&R Publishing.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Hiebert, P. G. (2008). Transforming Worldviews: An Introduction to the Mind of the West and the Rest. Baker Academic.
• Kierkegaard, S. (1846). Concluding Unscientific Postscript. Princeton University Press.
• Kraft, C. H. (1979). Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Orbis Books.
• Lewis, C. S. (1947). Miracles. Macmillan.
• Van Til, C. (1976). Christian Apologetics. P&R Publishing.
• Wagner, C. P. (1996). Spiritual Warfare Strategy. Destiny Image.
• Winter, R. D., & Hawthorne, S. C. (Eds.). (2009). Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader. William Carey Library.
• Yong, A. (2005). The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh: Pentecostalism and the Possibility of Global Theology. Baker Academic.

Journal Articles and Reports

• Barna Group. (2020). State of the Bible Report. Barna Group.
• Lifeway Research. (2021). The State of American Evangelism. Lifeway.
• Pew Research Center. (2019). Global Christianity Report. Pew Research.
• Barna Group. (2022). Reviving Evangelism Report. Barna.
• Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Vol. 55 (2019). Billy Graham Center.
• Journal of Evangelical Theology, Vol. 42 (2018). Evangelical Theological Society.
• Missiology: An International Review, Vol. 47 (2019). SAGE Publications.
• Themelios, Vol. 45 (2020). The Gospel Coalition.
• Evangelical Quarterly, Vol. 92 (2021). Paternoster Periodicals.
• Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, Vol. 41 (2019). Brill.