253 - Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Perspective

Christianity in Culture:
A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing
in Cross-Cultural Perspective
By Charles H. Kraft
Maryknoll, N.Y., Orbis Books, 1979. 445 pp. $12.95.

The study of the relationship between religion and culture has been given increasing attention recently in Christian circles. Charles H. Kraft, Professor of Anthropology and African,Studies, School of World Mission, Fuller Theological Seminary, has undertaken such a study in his recent book. To this task, he brings the background of seminary professor and evangelical missionary in Northern Nigeria. His book arises from questions elicited by his efforts to present the Christian message in a culturally different environment.

Describing the purpose of his book, Kraft reassures conservative Christians. This conservative constraint hangs over his work. He views his task as doing "a study in dynamic, biblical theologizing in crosscultural perspective," and wishes to establish the need for missionaries to adopt a broader approach to Christian theology. He aims "to develop biblically grounded theological models" that will facilitate effective

254 - Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Perspective

communication of the Christian message in a multicultural world. In developing the perspective he favors, Professor Kraft makes use of different cross - cultural disciplines such as anthropology, linguistics, translation theory, and communication science. The cross - cultural Christian theology which he aims at he labels Christian ethnotheology.

Central to Dr. Kraft's exposition are his reflections on the nature and perception of reality. Conceptual models of reality may be dynamic, focusing on process, or static, merely showing relationship. But whether a model is static or dynamic often depends on the interpretation of the model, for example, the body model of the church. Passages such as I Cor. 12 focus on the fact that the body parts are to function (dynamic) as a unity, not simply to exist in a bodylike arrangement (static).

Dr. Kraft suggests a series of thirteen models or grids in terms of which to view the dynamics of God's revelation, the cultural matrices in which it is received, and the interaction between the divine message and culture, as well as other interconnected realities. The author is convinced that contemporary Christianity can regain the dynamic of the early Christianity that turned the first - century world upside down. His work suggests how this can happen. He argues for a return to a dynamic and apostolic faith, in which one's worldview and religion are integrated with and supportive of each other in a "healthy" culture. He hopes that, among other results, it will "help to release some evangelicals from the hold of reactionary, fear - based theological positions into the 'dynamic obedience to a living God.' "

Professor Kraft undoubtedly has made a contribution to the study of revelation and culture. His models, drawn from the human sciences, are not absolute. Yet they do illumine one's understanding of how God, who is above culture, becomes culturally present to humanity and saves us.

For the general reader, there are limiting factors in the confessional needs which constrain Dr. Kraft's presentation of Christianity in culture. Over several decades biblical scholarship has established beyond question the multicultural character of the Bible, and the results of this scholarship are widely accepted in ecumenical dialogue. The general reader has no need to be persuaded of this scholarship and its consequences.

What is particularly surprising in Dr. Kraft's study is the lack of reference to significant contributions made by other Christian denominations to the question of revelation/faith and culture. Roman Catholic studies, especially by Third World theologians, have been prolific in this area. Liberation theology has been especially significant in challenging cultural and religious imperialism.

It is also noteworthy that many Christian churches have divested themselves of racist and imperialist cultural attitudes in adjusting to new political and cultural realities. In the process, the total Christian understanding is enriched; and as a result great progress is being made in intercultural and interdenominational dialogue. Also enormous growth has taken place in indigenous church leadership. Trust in the

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"Word" working in human life has overcome past timidity and fear of letting the indigenous cultures appropriate the gospel message for themselves.

The omission of such pertinent considerations narrow the value of Professor Kraft's otherwise valuable study of Christianity in culture.

Marina Herrera
United States Catholic Conference
Washington, D.C.