Anthropology and Mission: A Guide for Missionaries

Question 1

How does cultural relativism impact cross-cultural mission efforts?

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism promotes tolerance and understanding among missionaries.

Answer

Cultural relativism oversimplifies mission work by ignoring cultural differences.

Answer

Applying cultural relativism requires missionaries to compromise their core moral values.

Question 2

What is the term for the study of the relationship between culture and religion?

Accepted Answer

Anthropology of religion

Answer

Cultural anthropology

Answer

Social anthropology

Answer

Ethnography

Question 3

Which of the following perspectives emphasizes the significance of cultural diversity and local knowledge in mission work?

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism

Answer

Cultural imperialism

Answer

Evangelism

Answer

Liberation theology

Question 4

In anthropology, which fundamental concept emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and cultural context in which behavior occurs?

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism

Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Functionalism

Question 5

Which of the listed methods is commonly employed by anthropologists for the in-depth study of cultural practices?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Survey research

Answer

Historical analysis

Question 6

In anthropological research, the concepts of emic and etic perspectives refer to:

Accepted Answer

The perspectives and interpretations of both the researcher (etic) and the people being studied (emic)

Answer

The use of objective and subjective methods in data collection

Answer

The process of translating cultural concepts across different languages

Answer

The comparison of different cultures based on universal standards

Question 7

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of individualistic cultures?

Accepted Answer

Prioritization of personal goals and autonomy

Answer

Emphasis on collectivism

Answer

Close-knit sense of community

Answer

Interdependence among individuals

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental concept in anthropological understanding of culture?

Accepted Answer

Scientific principles

Answer

Norms

Answer

Values

Answer

Symbols

Question 9

What term refers to the set of beliefs, values, and behaviors shared by a group of people, which shapes their way of life?

Accepted Answer

Culture

Answer

Worldview

Answer

Society

Answer

Religion

Question 10

How does the concept of 'cultural relativism' impact the way missionaries approach their work?

Accepted Answer

It encourages them to respect and understand cultural differences

Answer

It requires them to judge other cultures by their own standards

Answer

It obligates them to completely change their own culture

Answer

It has no relevance to mission work

Question 11

What is the purpose of ethnography in mission work?

Accepted Answer

To collect and analyze cultural data

Answer

To develop mission strategies

Answer

To train missionaries

Answer

To evaluate mission effectiveness

Question 12

Which of the following is **not** a primary aim of anthropology?

Accepted Answer

Developing a mission strategy

Answer

Comprehending human diversity and variation

Answer

Elucidating human origins and evolution

Answer

Examining social and cultural patterns

Question 13

Which of the following exemplifies a cultural relativism approach to mission?

Accepted Answer

Adapting missionary practices to local customs and beliefs

Answer

Condemning local customs that conflict with Christian doctrine

Answer

Imposing Christian values on non-Christian cultures

Answer

Disregarding local customs and beliefs

Question 14

Which mission model prioritizes cultural immersion and emphasizes community development over traditional evangelism?

Accepted Answer

Community development

Answer

Traditional evangelism

Answer

Social activism

Question 15

Which of the following best defines "culture" in the anthropological sense?

Accepted Answer

A set of shared values, beliefs, and practices that are transmitted through socialization and shape the behavior of members of a society

Answer

Culture is static and unchanging

Answer

Culture is only found in 'primitive' societies

Question 16

What is the primary role of an anthropologist in mission work?

Accepted Answer

To provide cultural insights that inform and enhance mission strategies and interactions

Answer

To provide humanitarian aid

Answer

To convert people to Christianity

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a cultural value?

Accepted Answer

The belief that education is essential for personal and societal development

Answer

The color of a person's skin

Answer

The height of a building

Answer

The price of a loaf of bread

Question 18

What is the distinction between etic and emic perspectives in anthropology?

Accepted Answer

Etic perspectives are external observations of a culture, while emic perspectives are the understandings and interpretations of the culture by its own members

Answer

Etic perspectives are more objective while emic perspectives are more subjective

Answer

Emic perspectives are more focused on material culture while etic perspectives are more focused on non-material culture

Question 19

Why is the concept of cultural relativism important in the context of mission work?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the need for missionaries to respect and understand the cultural practices and beliefs of the people they encounter, avoiding the imposition of their own cultural values and norms

Answer

It is only relevant for work in non-Western cultures

Answer

It allows missionaries to ignore the cultural context of their work

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of enculturation in the context of mission work?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate a missionary's gradual adoption of the cultural practices, values, and communication styles of the community they serve, fostering greater understanding and effectiveness

Answer

It is only necessary for short-term mission trips

Answer

It is the process of converting people to Christianity

Question 21

Why is cultural competency essential in mission work?

Accepted Answer

It enables missionaries to navigate cultural differences effectively, adapt to new environments, and build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding

Answer

It is a form of cultural relativism

Answer

It is only necessary for long-term mission work

Question 22

Which ethical principle is paramount in the practice of mission work?

Accepted Answer

Upholding the dignity, autonomy, and rights of all individuals, regardless of their cultural, religious, or socioeconomic background

Answer

The goal of converting as many people as possible

Answer

The importance of financial sustainability

Answer

The need to be culturally sensitive