Stephen T. Pardue, author of Why Evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church, discusses the influence of Christianity beyond the Western world, cultural differences and objections towards embracing diversity, the geographical and cultural diversity of biblical literature, the importance of engaging with the whole church, and concerns and encouragements for the American church.
Engaging with diverse cultural perspectives enhances our understanding of the biblical text and aids in illuminating the various ways the gospel is expressed and experienced in different contexts.
By valuing and incorporating diverse cultural perspectives, evangelical theology becomes more holistic and faithful to the biblical mandate, enabling theologians to grasp the implications of the gospel in various cultural contexts and enhance their ability to guide the church in interpreting and applying scripture.
Deep dives
The Importance of Considering Global Christianity
This podcast episode discusses the importance of considering the impact of global Christianity on theological reflection. With an increasing majority of Christians residing outside of the West, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it raises questions about the significance of this shift and how it should influence theological practices. Some may question the need for cultural diversity to influence theology, fearing a revision of the gospel for the sake of political correctness or cultural relevance. However, the episode argues that engaging with diverse cultural perspectives enhances our understanding of the biblical text and aids in illuminating the various ways the gospel is expressed and experienced in different contexts.
The Influence of Culture on Theological Reflection
The podcast delves into the apprehension some individuals have about integrating culture into theological reflection. There is a concern about culture diluting or distorting the purity of biblical theology. However, it is argued that culture plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding and application of the gospel. Each culture brings its distinctive lens through which the biblical text is interpreted. By acknowledging and valuing cultural perspectives, a more comprehensive and nuanced theological framework can be developed, allowing the gospel to shine through various cultural contexts.
The Multicultural Nature of the Early Church
The episode highlights the historic expansiveness of the early Christian church across diverse regions. The gospel spread to India, China, Africa, and beyond at an early stage, fostering a multicultural and multilingual community of believers. This early diversity challenges the prevailing misconception that the church historically centered predominantly in Western contexts. The global nature of the early church serves as a testament to the design of God, reflecting the biblical portrayals of a united yet diverse body of believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
The Need for the Global Church in Evangelical Theology
The podcast emphasizes the necessity for a global church to inform and enrich evangelical theology. It articulates that evangelical theology, rooted in faithfulness to the gospel, necessitates engagement with the global church. By valuing and incorporating diverse cultural perspectives, theology becomes more holistic and faithful to the biblical mandate. This engagement enables theologians to grasp the implications of the gospel in various cultural contexts and enhances their ability to guide the church in interpreting and applying scripture. The global church's contribution is crucial for evangelical theology to remain true to its purpose.