Chapter 12: Anthropology in Action

Objectives:o Articulate the relevance of anthropology for

Christian lifeo Describe multiple applications of anthropology to

work and service situationso Describe some of the historic and contemporary

connections between anthropology and missionso Express the importance of anthropology to the

global church

Anthropology at Work

Anthropological research in marketing Example: Cell phone technology

Anthropological research in medical care Example: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Anthropology in Everyday Life

Anthropology in parenting Anthropology in marriage Understanding relationships with

Neighbors Coworkers Children’s friends

Anthropology in Ministry

Understanding complexity in the church Denominational Ethnic/cultural

Multicultural ministry Understanding subcultures Understanding racial, ethnic, and cultural differences

Pastoral Anthropology (Harold Recinos)

Anthropology and the Global Church

The first work of the Spirit at Pentecost was to translate the gospel into the languages of the world.

The apostles then set out translating the gospel into multiple cultural contexts.

This process continues today. Most Christians now live outside Europe/the U.S./the

West. Not a shift in gravity but an increasing interdependence of

the body of Christ

Anthropology and Mission

Much early Christian anthropology was in the service of mission work

Focused largely on contextualization fitting the gospel with the language, idioms, customs,

and traditions of a culture so that Christianity becomes organically woven in with the context

Contributed to a major shift in missionary methods Can aid short-term missionaries in understanding

the contexts to which they travel

Future of Christians in Anthropology

Anthropology helps Christians to understand the cultural diversity of the body of Christ.

Christians can contribute to anthropology itself.

Anthropology can help Christians as we seek to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).