Description
Discussion 1. Charles Kraft has identified several myths (some of which are outlined in sidebar 18.1 of Chapter 18 in your textbook) about the communication of the gospel (for the full list, see Kraft 1991a, 35–54; note also the critique and notations in Hesselgrave and Rommen 1989, 193–96). As you read through the list, can you identify any that you have believed? If you think it is not a myth, how would you respond?
Discussion 2. Chapter 18 describes different evangelistic methods based on assumptions about the conversion process as well as communicative elements of cultures that shape decision-making responses to the sharing of the gospel. What do you think about these methods? Do you think one is better than the others? Do you think they all have some merits and some drawbacks? Explain, analyzing specific elements of the methods as you compare them.
Paper. Matthew 28:18-20 says: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”
In response to this call, Christian churches send missionaries to other cultures to spread the gospel, plant churches, and disciple people in those cultures. In this process, missionaries communicate important rituals and symbols of the Christian faith as well as learn about non-Judeo-Christian religious symbols from the cultures they are evangelizing. As a result, it’s important to understand the meaning of these religious symbols when conveying the gospel message and forming discipleship relationships.
For this assignment, you will research the symbols or rituals of a non-Judeo-Christian religious organization or culture. The terms “symbol” and “ritual” may be interpreted variously; the focus should be on verbal and nonverbal choices used to convey religious meaning. As long as you cover this in principle, there is flexibility about what particular symbolic or ritualized communication pattern you choose.
Then, in 750-1000 words, compare the symbols or rituals they use with those of mainstream Christianity. How are the two sets of symbols or rituals similar? What makes them different? How could someone apply this knowledge to accurately convey the gospel, aid missionaries in teaching other cultures to obey all that Christ has commanded, and avoid theological misunderstandings that may be expressed in that cultures symbols or rituals?
In addition to your textbook, you should use two to three reputable and authoritative sources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competency and professional standard:
BA in Communication
2.1: Interpret cultural symbols.
