Contextualization. Those working in cross-cultural situations know they need to contextualize the gospel message but are often at a loss as to how. Or even to really know what contextualize means.
This summer Jackson Wu is releasing four full-length training videos dealing with contextualization, honor, and shame. These videos are based on talks given at the 2016 theology conference hosted by Singapore Bible College. He has overlapped the audio with visuals to assist groups who might want to use the material for training purposes. Each training session also includes an audio file and study guide.
Session 1: Reinterpreting Contextualization was released on June 14.
Session 1: Reinterpreting Contextualization
“All theology is contextualized theology.” This has emerged as something of a dictum among many missiologists and theologians. We all come to Scripture with our limited worldviews and varying assumptions. In light of these realities, session one examines common evangelical views about contextualization, which is largely regarded as application and communication.
Wu suggests that a holistic approach to contextualization has a more foundational starting point—biblical interpretation. In the process, he offers a few criteria for healthy contextualization. Also, he addresses an important preliminary concern—the relationship between culture and the Bible.
The remaining three training videos will be released through the summer and will include:
- Session 2: How Does the Bible Contextualize the Gospel?
- Session 3: How Does the Bible Explain the Gospel?
- Session 4: A Practical Approach to Biblical Contextualization.
This summer watch his blog at jacksonwu.org for the release of each new installment of Jackson Wu’s training videos on contextualization.
Jackson Wu (PhD, SEBTS) has other videos and resources on these topics, which can be found at his blog, jacksonwu.org. Wu is a professor to Chinese pastors in Asia and has written Saving God’s Face: A Chinese Contextualization of Salvation through Honor and Shame and One Gospel for All Nations: A Practical Approach to Biblical Contextualization.
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