Episode 35
#35. Does Culture Limit Some People from Fully Understanding the Bible?
Jackson Wu exposes how the plain text of scripture may be misunderstood, dismissed or amplified depending on one’s cultural lens.
He looks at the pitfalls of presumption and filtering ancient text with modern eyes.
Providing specific examples, he considers ways that Christians can revisit scripture bring it into better focus and not overlook how radical Christ’s cross really is.
What You’ll Learn:
- About the characteristics of honor-shame cultures
- How culture filters someone’s understanding of scripture
- How missions and outreach may be adapted for an honor-shame cultural context
About the Guest:
Jackson Wu (a pseudonym), at the time of this recording was the theologian-in-residence at Mission ONE. He lived in East Asia for 15 years where he served as a professor to Chinese pastors.
He has penned several books: Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, Saving God’s Face, and his new book about the atonement The Cross in Context.
Jackson Wu received his PhD in Applied Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He maintains a blog and he regularly publishes at jacksonwu.org where there are numerous tools and resources available in English and Chinese.
Scripture Related to Episode:
Romans 12: 9-11; Honor One Another
1 Corinthians 10: 31; Do It to the Glory of God
Romans 2: 7-2: 10; Seek Honor from God
Links Related to Episode:
Timestamped Show Notes :
01:11 - Topic: Whether It Is Important for Christians to Understand the Concepts of Honor-Share and Saving Face
02:05 - How Culture Impacts How We Read the Bible?
02:21 - Examples of How Culture Influences Interpretation of Scripture
04:36 - Honor-Shame Dynamics in All Cultures
05:45 - Defining Shame and Defining Honor
06:29 - The Moral Part of Honor-Shame Culture
07:32 - What is Praiseworthy?
09:39 - NT Greco-Roman Culture as an Honor-Shame Culture
09:58 - Similarities and Differences in Honor-Shame Cultures
10:57 - Personal Identity in East vs. West
11:25 - Condemning Honor Killings as an Outsider
12:09 - Social Revolution and Shifting Honor Standards
12:55 - The Subversive Message of Cross
14:34 - Honoring Your Parents
14:34 - The Bible verses Culture
15:25 - Social Aspect of Honor and Shame Dynamics
15:36 - Living Inside of a New Story with a New Identity
16:37 - Can Scripture Be Accurately Understood without Understanding These Cultural Implications
17:18 - When Culture Overlooks Scripture -- Baptizing One's Own Cultural Theology
19:31 - Does Seeking Honor Conflict with Humility?
20:52 - Honor-Shame, Missions and Outreach
21:08 - Recognizing the Dynamics of Honor-Shame in Western Culture
21:31 - Status Symbols, Social Media, Sports and Western Versions of Group Identity
23:28 - Advice for Pastors
25:24 - Available Resources
25:30 - Seeking God's Face - Practical Reflections
26:02 - The Cross in Context - Context Matters for Interpretation
26:30 - Divisions over the Doctrine of Atonement -- Divisiveness over the doctrine of atonement
27:17 - More Resources: 'One Gospel for All Nations' and 'Saving God's Face' by Jackson Wu
27:32 - Contact Jackson Wu
28:13 - Family and Readjusting to Culture 'Back Home'
29:13 - Two Dad Jokes and Two Dads
