#74. Ways for Christians to Engage Culture in Multireligious Settings

Dr. Bill Merrifield worked cross-culturally in Beirut, Lebanon for 17 years while his family grew. Considering how faithful Christians can think critically and engage the culture without compromise, he breaks down different ways that honor the gospel. He currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement for IDEAS. Dr. Merrifield maintains a blog where he recently shared a vision for transformation in the midst of brokenness.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• The importance of unearthing your own cultural assumptions
• How Christians can think critically and be faithful in multireligious settings
• A vision for transformation, standing firm in the cultural currents

FEATURED BONUS: 

• Eddies of Transformation in Rivers of Brokenness

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Dr. Bill Merrifield worked cross-culturally in Beirut, Lebanon for 17 years. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, an MA in Middle Eastern Studies, an MA in Religion, and a BA in Theology. Dr. Merrifield works as the Vice President of Engagement for IDEAS. His focus areas include culturally-situated critical thinking & special education in the Arabic-speaking world.

SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:

• Revelation 7:9-11; Every nation, tribe and tongue worshipping God in heaven
• 1 Peter 3: 15; Be prepared to give a reason for the hope within

RELATED LINKS:

• IDEAS.org
• Dr. Bill Merrifield’s Blog
• Email Dr. Bill Merrifield

TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

00:34 - Introducing Dr. Bill Merrifield

01:42 - Family USA and Lebanon

03:21 - God's Love for Diversity in Worship, Seen in the Book of Revelation

04:56 - Unearthing Cultural Assumptions

06:08 - What is the organization, IDEAS?

07:54 - What are 5 aspects of missional engagement described in SODAP Model?

09:07 - S - Sameness, Maintaining the Status Quo

09:52 - O - Overlapping Values

11:43 - D - Discussion, Understanding and Mutual Respect

12:28 - A - Argument or Apologetics

12:55 - Polemic - Destroying Another Perspective

13:17 - Redemptive versus non-Redemptive Engagement

14:47 - There Is More than One Way

16:55 - Humility, Engagement and Getting Unstuck

18:09 - Application - Redemptive Acts in the World

19:48 - Shared Values and Building Bridges

20:42 - Letting the Message of Jesus Be Attractive

21:48 - What Can Transformation Look Like?

24:33 - Contacting Dr. Bill Merrifield

25:39 - Joke: Things in Common

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