Abstract
This book contributes to a developing literature valuing the cognitive, socioreligious, and missional implications of the honor/shame worldview. How a large majority of the world’s population processes relationship frequently reflects an appreciation of transcendent identities appropriate to human interaction patterns. Thankfully the missiological landscape is being radically reshaped, as we in the West, with our emphasis on guilt and penal substitution, remain in need of learning what everyone else has always known.
The foreword by Veli-Matti Kärkkäiknen (whose understanding comes from years of relationship building in Thailand) introduces the basic concepts and the need for this volume. The editors introduce the book with a helpful history, followed by a presentation of the “top ten statements” regarding honor, shame, and the gospel. Readers must not miss this—it is worth the price of the book. These ten assumptions, representative of most of the world’s population, present a schema for honor and shame that readers need as they process the rest of the book.
The book is divided into two sections, with a total of fifteen contributing authors. In Section 1 authors present a conceptual framework that shapes the message theologically and philosophically, liberally illustrated from the Bible. This is characterized by Nagasawa’s focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—incarnation fully lived so that we, who acknowledge him, can honor God because of the shame Jesus accepted by living with us. In Section 2, authors present relevant applications illustrated from ministry around the world. For example, Rowsan presents several examples of peacemaking energized by a profound awareness of identity: Japanese for the “sins” of World War II, White American racism, and Latinx working with gang members on the streets of East Los Angeles. Together these sections and chapters model the subtitle of the book as they present a message that makes sense for ministry in context. Despite the need for a greater ethnic mix, these authors ably connect theology and contextual relevance to demonstrate sensitivity to both the transcendent and imminent implications of what it means to be human (Ps. 8). Bibliographies for each chapter along with helpful indexes make this a useful book for personal as well as classroom use.
The book in its entirety bears witness to the work of the Holy Spirit and creates a perspective that heralds the nature of God’s intent conceptually and contextually. Such messaging shapes the church’s witness. By honoring God despite our fallen shame, we recognize and celebrate the honor Jesus earned for all human beings.