Relating the Mission of God to the Impact of Ethnocentrism

The mission of God calls His people to proclaim the Gospel and embody His love across cultures and nations. However, fulfilling this mission requires Christians to navigate the complexities of cultural differences with wisdom and humility. Ethnocentrism, the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior, often hinders effective intercultural engagement, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and even unintentional offense. Cultural anthropology offers valuable tools to help Christians recognize and address these biases, fostering a deeper understanding of others and promoting meaningful connections in diverse contexts.

By integrating anthropological principles with biblical teachings, believers can cultivate self-awareness, embrace a learner’s mindset, and practice culturally sensitive missional living. These approaches not only align with God’s desire for unity and reconciliation but also enable His people to reflect His love in a way that transcends cultural boundaries. The text below explores five key approaches—grounded in both cultural anthropology and Scripture—that equip Christians to engage effectively in the mission of God while avoiding ethnocentric pitfalls.

1. Practicing Cultural Relativism with Biblical Discernment

Cultural relativism, a key concept in anthropology, involves understanding a culture based on its own values, norms, and practices rather than evaluating it through the lens of another culture. This approach enables individuals to appreciate the internal coherence and richness of diverse traditions and behaviors, even when they differ from their own. From a biblical perspective, cultural relativism must be paired with discernment, recognizing that while many cultural practices reflect human creativity and God’s common grace, others may contradict His revealed truth. Practicing cultural relativism with biblical discernment requires humility and a willingness to engage in thoughtful evaluation, balancing respect for differences with fidelity to Scripture.

Biblical Illustration:
When Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon (Daniel 1:1–20), they were immersed in a new and unfamiliar culture. The Babylonians renamed Daniel and his companions and enrolled them in their educational system, teaching them Chaldean literature, language, and science. Daniel respected these cultural norms, willingly learning and engaging in their ways, even excelling in their education. However, when it came to food offered to idols, Daniel made a respectful request to maintain a diet consistent with Jewish dietary laws, which aligned with his commitment to God. His actions demonstrated an ability to adapt and engage with Babylonian culture while discerning and upholding God’s standards. This blend of cultural sensitivity and biblical faithfulness not only preserved Daniel’s integrity but also earned him respect and influence in Babylonian society.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Approach cultural differences with a learning mindset
  Whenever you encounter cultural practices that seem unusual or unfamiliar, rather than judging them through the lens of your own culture, take time to understand why they exist and what they represent. For example, if you’re working or interacting with people from a culture that has different ways of showing respect (such as bowing or formal greetings), instead of feeling uncomfortable or superior, learn about the historical or cultural significance behind these actions. This will open doors for deeper relationships and demonstrate humility in your interactions.
• Practice cultural humility and discernment in your choices
  Just as Daniel respectfully chose a diet that aligned with his faith, discern when cultural practices require compromise or adaptation to your Christian convictions. In settings like work, church, or social events, you might face choices that reflect cultural expectations (e.g., the way certain holidays or rituals are observed). With sensitivity, make decisions that align with your faith while respecting the local customs, showing that you are a learner who values others while standing firm in your convictions.

2: Recognizing and Analyzing Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior, often leading to negative judgments of other cultures based on different values, customs, or traditions. Recognizing and analyzing ethnocentrism requires a deliberate process of self-reflection to uncover hidden biases and assumptions. Cultural anthropology provides tools for this work, encouraging individuals to question their perspectives and evaluate how these influence their interactions with others. In a missional context, ethnocentrism can create barriers to effective mission, as it prevents people from fully appreciating or engaging with the cultural identity of those they are called to serve. Developing this awareness is crucial for aligning one’s attitudes and actions with God’s love for all people.

Biblical Illustration:
The story of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 4:1–11) powerfully illustrates ethnocentrism. Jonah, a prophet of Israel, harbored a deep prejudice against the Assyrian people of Nineveh. Even after delivering God’s warning to the city and witnessing their repentance, Jonah became angry at God’s compassion toward them. He felt that the Ninevites, whom he viewed as enemies and morally inferior, were undeserving of God’s mercy. God gently rebuked Jonah by pointing to His care for all creation, including the 120,000 people of Nineveh who could not distinguish right from wrong. Jonah’s struggle highlights the destructive power of ethnocentrism and the need to align one’s heart with God’s universal love and justice.

Applications to Everyday Life:

1. Engage in reflective exercises to identify biases
   Set aside regular time for self-reflection and journaling, asking yourself challenging questions about any biases or prejudices you may have about certain groups or cultures. For example, reflect on situations where you might have made assumptions about people based on stereotypes, such as regarding their religion, customs, or language. Use these moments as opportunities for growth, humility, and repentance.
2. Cultivate intercultural friendships
   Build relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds to learn about their experiences, beliefs, and challenges. This direct engagement helps you to deconstruct stereotypes and replace them with real, human stories. Whether it’s inviting a colleague from a different culture to lunch or participating in community events that celebrate other traditions, intentionally fostering diverse friendships will broaden your perspective and reduce ethnocentric tendencies.

3: Becoming a Cultural Participant-Observer

Participant observation, an essential method in anthropology, involves immersing oneself in a culture to gain a deeper understanding of its practices, values, and worldviews. This approach enables individuals to move beyond surface-level observations and engage with cultural differences from an insider’s perspective. Christians who adopt this method can build trust and demonstrate humility, showing a willingness to learn rather than impose their own cultural norms. In missional practice, being a cultural participant-observer allows believers to develop empathy and insight, making their witness more relevant and impactful.

Biblical Illustration:
Joseph’s life in Egypt (Genesis 39–41) provides a rich example of participant observation. Sold into slavery, Joseph found himself in a foreign land with unfamiliar customs and traditions. Despite his circumstances, he observed and learned Egyptian practices, becoming fluent in the language and adept in their ways of life. Joseph’s adaptability and respect for Egyptian culture earned him favor with his master, Potiphar, and later with Pharaoh. His deep understanding of Egyptian society allowed him to implement effective strategies during a famine, saving countless lives, including his own family. Joseph’s story highlights how immersion in another culture can lead to meaningful contributions and opportunities to reflect God’s character.

Applications to Everyday Life:

1. Actively engage in another culture
   Seek out opportunities to participate in events or volunteer in communities different from your own. For instance, if you’re part of a local church that primarily reaches a specific cultural group, consider becoming involved in initiatives that serve other communities, such as immigrant outreach programs, cross-cultural missions, or cultural exchange programs. This hands-on participation will deepen your understanding and demonstrate a commitment to cultural inclusivity.
2. Study the local customs and languages
   When engaging with people from other cultures, make an effort to learn key phrases in their language or familiarize yourself with cultural practices that are significant to them. Whether it’s learning to greet someone properly in their language or understanding key symbols in their cultural context, these small but meaningful efforts show respect and a willingness to adapt.

Approach 4: Employing Ethnographic Storytelling

Ethnographic storytelling is a process of collecting and sharing personal and communal narratives to understand the values, experiences, and perspectives of a culture. By focusing on the lived experiences of individuals, this approach fosters mutual understanding and respect. In a missional context, listening to the stories of others allows believers to uncover the unique ways God is working within different cultures and to contextualize the Gospel in ways that resonate deeply. Storytelling also provides a platform for sharing the redemptive story of Christ in a manner that connects with the listener’s cultural framework.

Biblical Illustration:
The story of Ruth (Ruth 1–4) is a beautiful example of ethnographic storytelling and cultural exchange. Ruth, a Moabite, married into an Israelite family and later chose to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem after the deaths of their husbands. Through Ruth’s loyalty and Naomi’s willingness to share the traditions and practices of her people, Ruth adopted the faith of Israel and integrated into their culture. Her story not only highlights the mutual enrichment of intercultural relationships but also reveals how God works through diverse cultures to fulfill His purposes, as Ruth ultimately became an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Applications to Everyday Life:

1. Share and listen to cultural narratives
   Participate in storytelling sessions within your community or congregation, where people can share personal experiences from their cultural backgrounds. Take time to listen carefully, honoring each story with respect. By doing this, you open yourself up to new perspectives, which will also enrich your understanding of God’s work in the world.
2. Share your own faith story in culturally relevant ways
   When sharing your testimony, think about how to frame your story in ways that align with the values or experiences of the audience. For example, if you’re speaking to a group that places high value on family, emphasize how God has worked in your family life. This approach not only makes the message more relatable but also demonstrates cultural sensitivity.

Approach 5: Advocating for Cultural Syncretism Without Compromise

Cultural syncretism involves blending elements of multiple cultures to create new, integrated practices. In missional contexts, it emphasizes contextualizing the Gospel and worship in culturally meaningful ways without compromising biblical truth. This requires careful discernment to distinguish between cultural expressions that enrich faith and those that conflict with Scripture. Advocating for this balance reflects God’s creative work in diversity and unity, demonstrating His ability to transcend cultural differences while maintaining His truth. It also fosters a sense of belonging and authenticity for believers from all backgrounds.

Biblical Illustration:
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1–29) exemplifies this principle. In the early Church, Jewish believers struggled with how to integrate Gentile converts into the faith. Some argued that Gentiles must adopt Jewish customs, including circumcision, to be fully part of God’s people. The Council, led by the apostles, decided that Gentile believers were not bound to all Jewish traditions but should follow specific guidelines to promote unity and avoid unnecessary barriers. This decision upheld the core truths of the Gospel while allowing cultural diversity within the Church, affirming God’s desire for all nations to worship Him.

Applications to Everyday Life:

1. Encourage worship practices that reflect cultural uniqueness
   In your congregation, promote creative forms of worship that incorporate cultural traditions from the congregation. For example, this could include the use of native instruments, music, or liturgical practices that hold deep meaning for the community while maintaining biblical integrity.
2. Bridge cultural gaps in missional activities
   Design missional endeavors that integrate elements of the culture you are serving while respecting their worldview and traditions. For example, in a cross-cultural youth program, incorporate cultural games, food, and practices alongside biblical teachings to help participants see how the Gospel speaks to their specific context.

Conclusion

The mission of God is inherently intercultural, requiring His people to transcend boundaries and share the Gospel in ways that resonate with diverse communities. By applying insights from cultural anthropology, Christians can address the challenges of ethnocentrism and engage others with humility, respect, and love.

The approaches outlined—practicing cultural relativism, recognizing ethnocentrism, becoming participant-observers, employing storytelling, and fostering contextualized expressions of faith—equip believers to fulfill God’s mission more effectively. These strategies not only promote meaningful relationships but also reflect God’s heart for unity and His desire for all nations to come to Him.

As we seek to engage with cultures different from our own, let us remember that every person bears the image of God. By embracing cultural diversity with humility and biblical discernment, we honor God’s design and proclaim His unifying Gospel in a fragmented world. Each cultural encounter becomes an opportunity to witness God’s redemptive work and to celebrate the richness of His kingdom.

Curt Watke, PhD

Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice.  Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.