Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes
$18.00
Introduction: Coming To Terms With Our Cultural Blinders
Part One: Above The Surface
1. Serving Two Masters: Mores
2. The Bible In Color: Race And Ethnicity
3. Just Words? Language
Part Two: Just Below The Surface
4. Captain Of My Soul: Individualism And Collectivism
5. Have You No Shame? Honor/Shame And Right/Wrong
6. Sand Through The Hourglass: Time
Part Three: Deep Below The Surface
7. First Things First: Rules And Relationships
8. Getting Right Wrong: Virtue And Vice
9. Its All About Me: Finding The Center Of Gods Will
Conclusion: Three Easy Steps For Removing Our Cultural Blinders?
Acknowledgments
Resources For Further Exploration
Notes
Additional Info
What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example: When Western readers hear Paul exhorting women to “dress modestly,” we automatically think in terms of sexual modesty. But most women in that culture would never wear racy clothing. The context suggests that Paul is likely more concerned about economic modesty–that Christian women not flaunt their wealth through expensive clothes, braided hair and gold jewelry.Some readers might assume that Moses married “below himself” because his wife was a dark-skinned Cushite. Actually, Hebrews were the slave race, not the Cushites, who were highly respected. Aaron and Miriam probably thought Moses was being presumptuous by marrying “above himself.”Western individualism leads us to assume that Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem. What went without saying was that they were likely accompanied by a large entourage of extended family. Biblical scholars Brandon O’Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where modern Westerners have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own crosscultural experience in global mission, O’Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. Getting beyond our own cultural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ.
1 in stock (additional units can be purchased)
SKU (ISBN): 9780830837823
ISBN10: 0830837825
E. Randolph Richards | Brandon O’Brien
Binding: Trade Paper
Published: November 2012
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Print On Demand Product
Related products
-
Women Of The Bible Speak
$26.99The women of the Bible lived timeless stories–by examining them, we can understand what it means to be a woman of faith.
People unfamiliar with Scripture often assume that women play a small, secondary role in the Bible. But in fact, they were central figures in numerous Biblical tales. It was Queen Esther’s bravery at a vital point in history which saved her entire people. The Bible contains warriors like Jael, judges like Deborah, and prophets like Miriam. The first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection was Mary Magdalene, who promptly became the first Christian evangelist, eager to share the news which would change the world forever.
In The Women of the Bible Speak, Fox News Channel’s Shannon Bream opens up the lives of sixteen of these Biblical women, arranging them into pairs and contrasting their journeys. In pairing their stories, Shannon helps us reflect not only on the meaning of each individual’s life, but on how they relate to each other and to us.
From the shepherdesses of ancient Israel who helped raise the future leaders of the people of God, to the courageous early Christians, the narrative of the Bible offers us many vivid and fascinating female characters. In their lives we can see common struggles to resist bitterness, despair, and pride, and to instead find their true selves in faith, hope, and love. In studying these heroes of the faith, we can find wisdom and warnings for how to better navigate our own faith journeys.
The Women of the Bible Speak outlines the lessons we can take from the valor of Esther, the hope of Hannah, the audacity of Rahab, and the faith of Mary. In broadening each woman’s individual story, Shannon offers us a deeper understanding of each, and wisdom and insights that can transform our own lives today.
Add to cart2 in stock
-
You Can Stay Home With Your Kids
$15.99Investing your life in your family brings you joy, and doing it on a single income doesn’t need to stress you out! Join Erin Odom as she shows you how you can live frugally-and thrive-while you raise your kids at home in You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!
From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom from The Humbled Homemaker blog is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once-you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.
Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family-and you can do the same!
Sections include topics like:
making and sticking to a budget
side income ideas
inexpensive ways to do birthday parties
educational and enrichment activities for little ones that won’t break the bank
date ideas and other ways to connect with your spouse without spending a lot
planning for holidays
and much more!
Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids, while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.Add to cart2 in stock
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.