Proverbs as a Window Into Mongolian Culture and a Resource for Developing a Contextualized Approach for Evangelism

Proverbs as a Window Into Mongolian Culture and a Resource for Developing a Contextualized Approach for Evangelism
Author: Janice Raymond
Publisher:
Total Pages: 418
Release: 2012
Genre: Evangelistic work
ISBN:

The purpose of this research is to discover if a discussion of Mongolian proverbs with insiders and outsiders present can be used to better understand Mongolian culture. The resulting goal is to develop a contextually appropriate approach for evangelism in Erdenet, Mongolia. This research was motivated following observations of Mongolian Christians, noticing that for many the practice of their faith appeared to be a form of Shamanism overlaid with Christian terminology and practices. Research was conducted using Participant Observation, interviews, questionnaires and focus groups from 1999 to 2011, in Mongolia. Each stage materialized as a part of a continual interaction of the various research methods in order to ensure validity and reliability. The presentation of my findings is from the etic, as well as the emic, point of view. Throughout the process a constant conversation unfolded between what I was seeing and discovering, and what Mongolians were saying. This conversation put me in a better position to be able to process and discern their worldview with them. I became an informed outsider. The result was Mongols attaining a better understanding of their own culture. The use of Mongolian proverbs to discuss the issues helped the Mongols to be more open, without being concerned about giving the correct "Christian answer." In the discussion groups I learned how frustrated many were with trying to evangelize the way they had been taught. They were pleased to discover that there were other ways to present the Gospel story that would resonate better with their friends and family. However, the more training Mongols had received, the less likely they were to actually attempt a different approach.

Intercultural Discipleship (Encountering Mission)

Intercultural Discipleship (Encountering Mission)
Author: W. Jay Moon
Publisher: Baker Academic
Total Pages: 303
Release: 2017-12-05
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1493411489

This addition to an acclaimed series brings cutting-edge research to bear on a topic of perennial interest: making disciples. The book looks at disciple-making from multiple cultures to help readers discover contextual approaches that are culturally relevant and biblically faithful. It emphasizes methods that are especially effective with contemporary converts and includes practical examples from around the world. Each chapter includes sidebars, discussion questions, an activity for discipling, and a case study. An appendix contains further suggestions and exercises for instructors.

Shepherds of the Steppes

Shepherds of the Steppes
Author: Mark D. Wood
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 299
Release: 2023-06-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1666799599

The evangelical Mongolian church has experienced significant growth since the country opened to the world in 1990. Despite the growth and emergence of the evangelical church in Mongolia, relatively little has been written on the church from the perspective of the leaders themselves. This ethnographic study seeks to express the experience of male, evangelical, Mongolian church leaders in their own words. The book focuses specifically on the leaders’ experiences of conversion, discipleship, navigation of Mongolian culture and traditions, and theological education. Readers will hear from evangelical church leaders why they became Christians and what their experience with discipleship was like for them. The issue of contextualization for evangelical Christians is also a central focus. In particular, the translation of the term for God in Mongolian and the perspective of the church leaders are explored. This book will be of interest to those exploring Christianity in Asia and post-socialist contexts as well as seeking to better understand contemporary Mongolian culture.

Mongolian Proverbs

Mongolian Proverbs
Author: Janice Raymond
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 363
Release: 2014-08-15
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1625646291

Mongolian proverbs reveal important values, while at the same time concealing them. They show the honorable destiny that comes with a good name and the shameful future connected with a bad reputation, assuring a promising future for those who keep Mongolian traditions and customs alive. Unity is important for success, and yet is often elusive in practice. The activities of the unseen world form a major aspect of the Mongolian worldview. When that is understood, the wisdom in their proverbs can be seen from a richer perspective than straight translation reveals. This book sheds light on Mongolian proverbs' enduring wisdom by engaging foreigners in dialogue with native speakers to uncover how their proverbs are used and their intended meanings.

Shepherds of the Steppes

Shepherds of the Steppes
Author: Mark D. Wood
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2023-06-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1666799572

The evangelical Mongolian church has experienced significant growth since the country opened to the world in 1990. Despite the growth and emergence of the evangelical church in Mongolia, relatively little has been written on the church from the perspective of the leaders themselves. This ethnographic study seeks to express the experience of male, evangelical, Mongolian church leaders in their own words. The book focuses specifically on the leaders' experiences of conversion, discipleship, navigation of Mongolian culture and traditions, and theological education. Readers will hear from evangelical church leaders why they became Christians and what their experience with discipleship was like for them. The issue of contextualization for evangelical Christians is also a central focus. In particular, the translation of the term for God in Mongolian and the perspective of the church leaders are explored. This book will be of interest to those exploring Christianity in Asia and post-socialist contexts as well as seeking to better understand contemporary Mongolian culture.

The Cultural Life Setting of the Proverbs

The Cultural Life Setting of the Proverbs
Author: John J. Pilch
Publisher: Fortress Press
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2016-03-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1506406807

Often, readers and commentators read the Proverbs as “timeless” observations and recommendations regarding human nature, valid for all cultures and places. This blunts their cultural relevance, argues John J. Pilch. For example, proverbs regarding the “good wife” and the “quarrelsome wife” take on different meaning in a context where a married couple were rarely in close daily contact, and the predominantly masculine language used in the Proverbs points to the different cultural spheres of men and women and the different child-rearing practices employed with boys and girls. Similar in approach and format to the Social-Science Commentary on the New Testament volumes that he authored with Richard L. Rohrbaugh and Bruce J. Malina, this volume explores and describes the cultural matrix of the Mediterranean world from which the Proverbs come and of which they are descriptive. The biblical text is paired with commentary addressing those proverbs and proverb collections with particular bearing on patterns of social roles and expectations. A list of social-science “scenarios” provides ready reference to particular aspects of the large cultural area of the ancient Mediterranean region and North Africa.

Time, Causality and Prophecy in the Mongolian Cultural Region

Time, Causality and Prophecy in the Mongolian Cultural Region
Author:
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 272
Release: 2021-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9004213546

How do prophets and prophecies influence decision-making processes, concepts of authority and ideas about causality and time? How can we talk about prophets and prophecy in the Mongolian cultural region when prophetic forms and people seem so varied? This book focuses on roles and distributed language of prophecy in relation to these questions.

A Single Hand Cannot Applaud

A Single Hand Cannot Applaud
Author: Bert de Ruiter
Publisher: VTR Publications
Total Pages: 90
Release: 2011
Genre: Bible
ISBN: 9783941750074

Christians who want to share the truth about God with their Muslim friends understandably try to encourage them to read the Bible. Unfortunately, many Muslims believe that Jews and Christians have corrupted the books that God has given them. As a consequence, Muslims are hesitant about reading the Bible. Given this antagonism among a large percentage of Muslims towards Christianity in general and the Bible in particular, there is a need to prepare the ground before a Muslim can be persuaded to read the Bible.To stimulate Muslims to read the Scriptures, we need to find common ground between their world view and the Bible. This book argues that we find such common ground in the book of Proverbs. The universal character of the book of Proverbs makes it a useful bridge between the truth of God and those outside the Christian faith, including Muslims. The use of proverbs is very common in many Muslim cultures. God's wisdom found in the book of Proverbs resembles the content of proverbial sayings in many Muslim cultures. Therefore using this book as a tool in sharing the Word of God with Muslims can create openings where there were none. Muslims are familiar with the Solomon of Scripture because he is mentioned in the Qur'an, but most have never read his words. The wisdom God gave Solomon is a natural link to Muslim people so they can come to know more about God. The book of Proverbs is one of the most valuable tools, particularly in combination with local proverbs, to lead our Muslim friends from accepting familiar truth, to embrace less familiar truth, and then to worship the One who said "I am the truth" (John 14:6).