Cultural Extensions in the Chol Church

Abstract

A consecrated missionary desiring to identify himself with the people with whom he works may nevertheless make suggestions or comments which reveal his lack of understanding. His cultural background finds expression at inopportune occasions. Showing pictures of cars, airplanes, or bridges to the local people, or explaining new weapons of warfare or the moon satellites unconsciously gives him an attitude of superiority. Unfortunately, this unconscious attitude causes blind spots in his appreciation of a different culture. Certain elements of the culture which are different from his own culture may be legitimate ways of accomplishing common goals, but they may at first blush appeal to the missionary as in need of change or substitution. In many cases it may be best to accept these different ways and permit them to become a part of the expression or form of Christianity. On the other hand, the missionary may associate certain forms of his own religious practice so closely with true faith or with evangelical zeal that these forms are unconsciously imposed upon believers of a different culture as essential elements of Christianity. Recognizing social and thought patterns will do much toward avoiding the introduction of ideas which conflict with features of the culture. It will do much toward making one aware of those features of a culture which deserve extension into the framework of the church.