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GLST 650 Article Reflection 1

This document is a reflection paper on an article about reading scripture in a multicultural setting. The article argues that one must be aware of racial, ethnic, cultural, and class distinctions present. It says learning to read scripture multiculturally requires awareness of one's own assumptions. The article also advocates creating a safe space for people to openly discuss biblical texts and addressing negative images some have of God based on past experiences. The reflection paper analyzes these points and says the article provides an understandable argument for examining one's own views before sharing the gospel cross-culturally.

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Rich Gray
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349 views4 pages

GLST 650 Article Reflection 1

This document is a reflection paper on an article about reading scripture in a multicultural setting. The article argues that one must be aware of racial, ethnic, cultural, and class distinctions present. It says learning to read scripture multiculturally requires awareness of one's own assumptions. The article also advocates creating a safe space for people to openly discuss biblical texts and addressing negative images some have of God based on past experiences. The reflection paper analyzes these points and says the article provides an understandable argument for examining one's own views before sharing the gospel cross-culturally.

Uploaded by

Rich Gray
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY

Article Reflection Paper 1


Reading Scripture for Good News that Crosses Barriers of Race/Ethnicity, Class, and Culture

Submitted to Dr. C. Tim Chang in partial fulfillment of the requirements of

GLST 650
Intercultural Communication and Engagement

By

Richard Gray
January 24, 2021
In his article “Reading Scripture for Good news that Crosses Barriers of Race/Ethnicity,

Class, and Culture,” Bob Ekblad makes a bold statement that one must take into consideration all
of the differing racial/Ethnic, cultural, and social class distinctions that could be present in a

multicultural setting.1 In fact, the word that Ekblad champions in this article is Awareness.

WHen one hears the word Awareness, there must be a greater journey into the heart of the matter

to truly understand what Awareness truly is. Within the context of the article, how do the

surroundings of the reading of scripture play into cultural awareness? Whereas the reading of

scripture is usually a deeply personal activity, or an activity that takes place in the realm of

familiarity, the notion of familiarity goes on hiatus when one finds themselves in an unfamiliar

situation, namely a multicultural gathering. This article presents a significant set of challenges in

its own right; however, it is in this setting that the listener to the reading of the scriptures can

experience the word of God as never before.

Ekblad even goes as far to make the statement that “Learning to read scripture

multiculturally requires a growing awareness of the facilitator’s own cultural and theological

assumptions.”2 This statement lends to a more profound investigation regarding the listener’s

now theological identity. One meaning of this statement could include a prejudicial stereotype of

a specific culture which could lead to an arrogant attitude during the presentation of the gospel.

For example, when western cultures engage third world impoverished cultures, there may be a

significant stereotypical presence on the part of the presenter that could lend to difficulties in the

presentation. In this writing, Ekblad makes the argument that just as westerners may have

preconceived ideas regarding those they come into contact with, the other end of the spectrum

could be engaged in preconceived notions that will further the divide in the gospel conversation.

Ekblad makes the argument that believers should, in fact, “create a safe space for people to share

1 Bob Ekblad, “Reading Scripture for Good News that Crosses Barriers of Race/Ethnicity, Class, and
Culture,” A Journal of Bible and Theology, Vol 65, 3 (Richmond: July 2011), paragraph 1.
2 Ibid, Paragraph 4

2
openly their problems and thoughts about a biblical text.”3 In fact, Ekblad describes this as being

of the utmost priority.

Within the confines of the article, Ekblad states that many people the negative images

they have of God originates in experiences in their lives in which their own mother and father

either completely abandoned or totally rejected them. It is impossible, that in this multicultural

setting, they may see Jesus as being a caring and all powerful God that is ever present in their

lives. It could also be argued that, in a sense, they are declaring that “your God will be my

God.”4 While some who experience suffering in a real way each and every day may not

immediately respond, it is through this that the presenter may reference the teaching of

Liberatino Theology in which they proclaim that Jesus came to bring freedom and healing to the

oppressed and hurting. In fact, the core of Jesus ministry was spent bringing freedom and

liberation to those who were ostracized socially, politically, and religiously.

In conclusion, this article is very well written and extremely informative as it pertains to

gospel conversations in a multicultural setting. Upon reading it, this writer was moved to

examine the way that the gospel is presented to those I come into contact with on a daily basis.

Does my message come across as arrogant to those who find themselves in different cultures

than my own? Ekblad makes practical illustrations that provide an extremely understandable and

realistic argument that we must examine our own preconceived notions regarding other cultures

before setting out to share the Gospel in multicultural settings that we may enter those with clear

motives and a pure heart. Ekblad points to John 8 as a practical example and gives readers some

Biblical Context to apply to their ministry. While it may not be easy, and may be extremely

challenging at times, it is imperative that believers spend time learning about other cultures that

3 Ibid, Paragraph 6
4 Ibid, Paragraph 8

3
we may engage them with the gospel with no barriers and no division. By studying and

understanding other cultures, we can realize that those around us are all sinful men in need of an

all sufficient savior, just as we once were.

Bibliography

Ekblad, Bob. “Reading Scripture for Good News that Crosses Barriers of Race/Ethnicity,
Class, and Culture.” A Journal of Bible and Theology, Vol 65, 3 (Richmond: July 2011),
paragraph 1.

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