The Role of Cultural Anthropology in Christian Missions

After making a survey of some of the different attitudes toward culture and the mission of the church which have stimulated the study of culture and anthropology, Nida suggests that none of them are adequate. He considers the prime service which the study of culture has to offer to be that of a valuable basis for relevant communication, whether it be in the choice of words, in the cultural relevance of the message, or the issues to which the gospel is addressed. He feels that communication based upon a perceptive understanding of a culture can stimulate some members of the culture to make vital decisions for Christ in a responsible way.