Cultural Anthropology Colloquium #6
2 Comments
Published by David Sills, D.Miss, Ph.D.
on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 11:21 AM. 
In this book, Gailyn Van Rheenen takes some of the animistic concepts we saw in Sitton's book on animism and Ritchie's book on an animistic culture and helps us with some tools to communicate Christ in such contexts. Such communication is a difficult task that requires absolute faithfulness to the Word of God as well as culturally appropriate ministry if we hope to avoid syncretism. As we have already noticed, animism is found both in our churches in modern and postmodern USA as well as in the depraved tribal cultures of the jungles.After reading these three books, and this one in particular, in what ways has your attitude about, or awareness of, animism changed? How would you begin preaching Christ in an animistic context? What are your thoughts on the section Van Rheenen begins on page 128 regarding "The Individualistic Nature of Conversion Theology?" How do these books on animism help you think about missions at home and overseas? How would you address divination in cultures that believe in it so strongly? In magic and sorcery that "works," would you attribute the success to somatic compliance/self-fulfilling prophecy, coincidence, or some other explanation?
Prior to reading the books required in this course, I had not given animism much thought or concern, quite honestly. I knew of its existence, but none of its implications for missions. In other words, I would have thought in terms of reaching animists in much the same way I think of reaching peple in the US. Now, I am discovering the significant challenges to such an approach.
After reading Ritchie I was convinced that preaching in an animistic context must address the obvious spiritual warfare concerns that will be prevalent. Whether we realize it our not, the indigenous peoples are likely thinking in terms of a spiritual battle. Neither a "felt-needs" approach or a "3 points and a poem" is going to cut it. Animistic cultures have clarity about the spiritual battles that rage; our preaching must address Christ as victor in the spiritual battle. Colossians 1:13 and 2:15; as well as the numerous accounts of Jesus delivering people from demonic possession would likely be staples in my preaching.
I read VanRheenen's chapter with great interest. I think his two conclusions have merit. I'll take them in opposite order than he presents them on p 131.
First, I agree with Van Rheenen that we must address more than conversion as we present the gospel message. Not only is this true in animistic contexts, but increasingly true in our own culture. Since people are not hearing the gospel with a biblically informed worldview, our message must encompass more than simply - "invite Jesus into your heart by praying and asking forgiveness for your sins." I am not sure we realize the number of assumptions we make about hearers in a statement like that. There are at least five obvious ones: There is a Jesus who can come into your life; This Jesus hears prayers; I need forgiveness; forgiveness is possible; I have sinned.
Second, I have always struggled with the "group decisions/conversion" that I hear about. I am not doubting their veracity, per se, just acknowledging that I personally do not completely understand how that works with regard to salvation. At some level, don't individuals have to embrace Christ? Isn't forgiveness personal? Even with Shoefoot and Jungleman, their encounter with Yai Pada was personal.
I realize that Van Rheenen goes on to point out how the group / individual issue also affects church leadership, etc. And, I am sure it is a constant issue that missionaries must face. So, I am not disagreeing with VanRheenen; I am simply not completely comfortable with the implications.
I don't think we can state that the spiritual battles described in animistic contexts are real and NOT attribute at least some of the "magic that works" to demonic influences. Again, the spiritual warfare involved in such interaction is daunting.
The three recent books - Sitton, Ritchie, and Van Rheenen - have all increased my awareness of animism and the spiritual nature of missions work. I suppose that I always knew it was "spiritual" work, but not to the degree that I now do. Not "spiritual" in the sense of piety, but in regards to the spirit world. I do think we see animistic / divination tendencies in our culture and we must be warning believers against dabbling in such things.
David,
I see that you, like me, have a struggle with "group conversion." I am very anxious to get into class and hear Dr. Sills on this matter. While I am not beyond believing that my own cultural bias has influenced me significantly, you rightly point out that the Scipture is replete with the question: "What must I do to be saved?"
As I point out in my earlier post, the most "convincing" coversions (in my estimation) in Spirit of the Rainforest took on a personal note.
Again, I am looking forward to the interaction on this most intriguing issue.
Rob