Abstract
Marvin Newell takes us on a cross-cultural journey in Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice via stories and encounters from Genesis to Revelation. Newell carefully connects cultural encounters in the Bible with insightful lessons for intercultural ministry today.
Part one sets the stage for the rest of the book. Newell first presents a basic understanding of culture for the reader who may not have that background. Then from the early chapters of Genesis he connects human culture to the Creator (Chapter 2) and shows the diversity of human culture as the result of God’s “Gracious Judgment” (Chapter 3) after the tower of Babel. This is followed in Chapter 4 with God’s plan to bless all people through Abraham’s descendants and ultimately the Savior, which includes challenging the sinful problems exhibited in all cultures. Through this we see the global nature of God’s plan and the importance of meaningfully crossing cultures to facilitate sharing the Gospel.
Parts two and three take us through the Old and New Testaments respectively. Each chapter follows a similar format. First, the chapter title and subtitle identify the biblical persons to be discussed and the cultural topic. For example, Chapter 5 is “Sarah and Hagar”, and “Honor and Shame”. Second, he presents the biblical passage(s) and includes a contemporary corresponding story. Third, Newell takes us through the cultural setting, the cultural topic, explains the cross-cultural insights, and finally gives a “Crossing Takeaway”.
The chapters are easy to read for the cultural novice, yet sufficiently insightful to keep the attention of the interculturally experienced. The topics are diverse and helpful for both understanding cultural differences and giving guidance in how better to adjust to other cultures, and interact with cultural others in more meaningful ways. Each chapter could be used independently as devotionals for missionaries and people living and working with cultural others. They could also be used as case studies and discussion starters in the classroom.
This book shows the richness of Scripture in preparing us for carrying out our role in God’s mission. I have referred to many of the same passages, having shared similar and different insights about intercultural service and living. While I found myself occasionally thinking a different direction would be better, I overwhelming recommend this book as a useful and insightful tool for all Christians who in any way connect with people who have different cultural backgrounds.