In Agents of Transformation, anthropologist Sherwood G. Lingenfelter presents expert guidance for those working abroad. He helps both missionaries and church planters become aware of how the Gospel cuts across cultural biases. His wisdom helps cross-cultural ministers understand and transform culture, instead of Westernizing it.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
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“Fieldworkers who master these tools of research are competent to assess both their own and local community biases and are equipped to help new believers become agents of transformation in their society. Once mission leaders and new believers understand their respective biases, and together see the gospel transforming their respective perceptions of the world, they may engage others in dialogue and convey the gospel to them in a way that leads to freedom and transformation.” (Page 11)
“First Douglas and then colleagues who have followed her lead have argued that all human beings are constrained by cultural bias inherent in the particular social environment in which they live and work. From these structural arrangements people embrace a particular set of values and foundational premises regarding nature, society, and others. Individuals who take exception to the predominant cultural bias face the dilemma of subverting their community’s beliefs and values, or of moving into another socio-cultural system, or of withdrawing altogether. Contending that these social environments are universal and that it is impossible for human beings to live apart from them unless one becomes a hermit, Douglas concludes that it is impossible to become free of cultural bias.” (Page 10)
“accommodating the gospel to the bias of any system leads to cultural conformity rather than biblical transformation” (Page 10)
“Once we are aware of habits and cultural bias and are willing to do his will, we may then engage in the spiritual disciplines—the plans and practice—through which we break free from our habits and embark on a life of pilgrimage as effective servants of Jesus Christ.” (Page 239)