Ronald Sharp

8:35pmJun 9 at 8:35pm

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I feel it is possible to achieve a consistent biblical worldview that transcends cultural diversity with proper communication and trust between all involved. This outcome would take patience and time to develop a transformation of current worldviews. Prayer and wisdom from all participants, with a desire to reach the agreed vision of the outcome, would be vital.

The tension will arise from the different cultural worldviews on what is necessary to achieve the desired outcome. The participants will need to approach the discussion with an open mind to listen and grasp the different cultural perspectives. No one can arrive with an attitude that their cultural perspective is the only way. Ephesians 4:2 (AMP)- “ Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [ each individual working together to make the whole successful].”- The whole must be in unity of the spiritual goal of the group. The spiritual culture is what will transcend all other cultures. It doesn’t mean one has to ignore cultural ideas, but that each individual conforms to Christ-likeness. There is an effort involved to make this happen. The action needs to achieve in a peaceful discussion in the communication process.

“The unity of Scripture lies first in the insistence that all biblical events are part of one great story” ( Hiebert, p.266, 2008). Each participant needs to hear the story of the other participants. When the group knows everyone’s story, then there is a foundation from which to move. All enter this team with a heart to bring God glory and knowledge of each other’s cultural perspective and moral aspects of that culture’s worldview. There needs to be time to evaluate the differences and what is involved in mutual decisions. This process cannot be forced into a quick decision. When I worked in Puerto Rico, I discovered the distinct concept of time from my CA concept versus the Puerto Rican concept. Where I live in Ca, we are very goal-oriented. We move quickly. If the drive-through is more than 3 min, it can make us late. When we would have meetings, we would immediately start with our agendas to get the session done as quickly as possible.

I noticed after several meetings, the Puerto Ricans seemed to be upset. We conversed, and they explained that it is rude to meet someone and not ask about their family and life. They were not goal-oriented but people-oriented. Things could delay, so what? Their life centered around their family and friends, and relationships, I found that refreshing. After four years, we were able to get things more efficiently once we made sure the concern for their community was prioritized. The key to reaching a transcending of diversity is that it becomes all-inclusive in a spiritual Kingdom to the mission of the Word and Jesus Christ.

Heibert, P. (2008). Transforming worldviews: An anthropological understanding of how people change, Baker Academic

Barrie Lewis

YesterdayJun 8 at 11:42am

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The question posed for this week’s discussion board brings to light a very real challenge for Christian leaders. Hiebert (2008, pp. 25-26) has defined a worldview as fundamental cognitive, affective, and evaluative assumptions and frameworks that all people devise about reality. A worldview gives order and structure to life, as well as emotional security. Whereas cultures are comprised of behaviors, customs, and manners, it is the worldviews comprised of beliefs and values that give depth to any culture. The iceberg metaphor (Horst, 2017) is quite apt, indicating that many of the beliefs and values that any person or group of people share are found below the waterline.

Worldviews also affect perceptions, desires, and reactions (Sichone, 2018). There is no escaping the deep and pervasive impact of one’s worldview on how one lives his or her life. Since the world is a kaleidoscope of cultural values that form much of the core of who we are, it is not surprising that that diversity introduces tension among people (Valk, 2012). Many Christians, especially those from a more conservative or evangelical background, may be wont to believe that their worldview is the one that is totally in harmony with the gospel. However, since there is a wide spectrum of worldviews that are labeled Christian or Biblical, those closely held beliefs are not without their tensions as well, whether they be between cultures, church members, denominations, and even family members.

Several factors contribute to the very real tension that exists for Christians who desire to hold and live a Biblical worldview and others from various cultures. Because worldviews are deeply and personally imbedded, they are often unconscious, showing themselves in times of crisis or emotional reaction (Sichone, 2018). There can be a sharp distinction between what one knows mentally to be true, and what actually resides in one’s heart. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process for Christians. Perfection is future; now one only knows in part (King James Bible, 2009, 1 Corinthians 13:12). Worldviews change as one grows spiritually to be more like Christ. Consistency is to be had in recognizing that process of being committed to becoming more like him. Worldviews also can be influenced by spiritual immaturity and carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1-6). At times, one allows others to influence our thoughts, actions, and beliefs in ungodly ways (1 Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 1:6-7; Colossians 2:8). One then needs to get back on track spiritually (1 John 1:9).

There are several mindsets that will help any Christian to practice a Biblical worldview while lessening the tension between him or herself and those from other cultures. First of all, it helps to see the big picture. One takes other worldviews seriously in order to better serve the gospel (Hiebert, 2008). The church has been called to reach and disciple the world with the gospel of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Even if someone has a worldview that is very different – and one that, frankly, a leader thinks is unbiblical, one can still be loving, knowing that it is God who changes people and opens hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18; Acts 16:14) as one labors with Him. Secondly, it is worthwhile to be self-aware of one’s own cultural biases, so that one is not inclined to make judgments about matters about which one can adapt and be flexible for the gospel’s sake (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). During Christ’s earthly ministry, he was fully committed to serving others. Hand in hand with that humility is that one must measure truth by God’s standards (Horst, 2017). There will be times when one is faced with worldviews that are clearly unbiblical. If one approaches others with an attitude of humility and love, listening for God’s voice in every context, then one will receive the necessary spiritual guidance for the situation. Jesus modeled that when confronted with the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11). By loving her in a way that did not condone sin, Christ was able to draw another life to God, one whose heart was freed to grow and change and become more like Christ.

References

Hiebert, P. G. (2008). Transforming worldviews. Baker Academic.

Horst, T. S. (2017). Dancing between cultures. Life Development Publishing.

King James Bible (2009). R. L. Allen & Son Publishers Ltd. (Original work published 1939)

Sichone, B. (2018). The reality of an evangelical worldview. Veritas, 9(2), 26-29.

Valk, J. (2012). Christianity through a worldview lens. Journal of Adult Theological

Education, 9(2), 158-174.