God's Image and Global Cultures

Globalization has raised numerous questions about theology and culture for Christians. How should we respond to outsourcing and immigration? How does anti-Western sentiment affect the proclamation of the gospel? What is the role of the church in society? This book argues that Christians will be most fulfilled and most effective if they embrace their cultural activity rather than feel ambivalent about it. The central question of this book is, how does bearing God's image relate to cultural activity? Nehrbass explains that ""spheres of culture,"" such as political, technological, and social structures, are systems that God has instilled in humans as his image bearers, so that they can glorify and enjoy him forever. Therefore, a theology of culture involves recognizing that the kingdom of God encompasses heaven and Earth, rather than pitting heaven against Earth. The text surveys anthropological explanations for humanity's dependence on culture, and shows that each explanation provides only partial explanatory scope. The most satisfying explanation is that a major functional aspect of bearing God's image is engaging in culture, since the Trinity has been eternally engaged in cultural functions like ruling, communicating, and creating. Each chapter contains a summary and questions about what it means to be a world-changer in the twenty-first century. FOR THE BACK COVER: ""God's Image and Global Cultures is a well-written and insightful exploration of the multiplicity of issues related to changing cultures in the globalized world. . . . [E]ssential reading for students of missiology, and for other Christian practitioners."" --Eloise Meneses, Professor of Anthropology, Eastern University ""Kenneth Nehrbass's book is a timely and needed work as it aims to assist the evangelical Christian in appropriately relating to global cultures while in the work of mission."" --Edward L. Smither, Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Columbia International University ""I starting reading (couldn't stop) and quickly realized that Nehrbass has written a book we need. [This book] is well written, well researched, and is a very readable introduction to a missiological theology for understanding the meaning of culture."" --Marcus Dean, Associate Professor, Intercultural Studies & Missions, Houghton College ""[This book] will take you down roads all have traveled, but few have sufficiently thought through the specifics. What is your theology of culture? How extensive and pervasive is it? Nehrbass will guide you through this foundational life-maze with clarity and comprehensiveness."" --Tom Steffen, Emeritus Professor of Intercultural Studies, Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University ""This book is comprehensive and contemporary while not compromising theoretical and practical issues. I can't wait to use this book in my class."" --Hansung Kim, Assistant Professor, Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission ""Although likely to be considered controversial at points, I believe this book would be of interest for many involved in intercultural studies."" --Dave Beine, Professor of Intercultural Studies, Moody Bible Institute FOR FRONT MATTER: ""God's Image and Global Cultures is a well-written and insightful exploration of the multiplicity of issues related to changing cultures in the globalized world. Drawing upon anthropology, theology, and biblical studies, Kenneth Nehrbass opens up the world of culture to discover both the diversities and the universalities of human life and experience.