Week 7: Wednesday
November 7, 2007
In today’s class a discussion arose on the appropriateness of cross-cultural engagement by Christians. This discussion was part of a larger one on our occupancy within a monolithic empire, and the characteristics of this empre that we bring with us during our missional engagements. While I see the necessity and the validity of this debate, a valid conclusion appears to be our responsiblities as Christians to present the most adequate picture of Jesus through our conversations and actions with the world. To cease this activity for fear of the imperialism rooted in our identities is as inappropriate as pulling our children from public schools for fear of their corruption, contributing both to the conception of Christian ghettos as well as the loss of opportunities for our own children to missionally engage the contexts with which they find themselves. A third path, similar to the ministry of Jesus, must be found in this discussion.
“To cease this activity for fear of the imperialism rooted in our identities is as inappropriate as pulling our children from public schools for fear of their corruption, contributing both to the conception of Christian ghettos as well as the loss of opportunities for our own children to missionally engage the contexts with which they find themselves.” I agree.