Culture and Mission: A Comprehensive Guide for Missiology Students

Question 1

According to missiological theory, which concept emphasizes the necessity of contextualizing mission strategies?

Accepted Answer

Indigenization

Answer

Syncretism

Answer

Universalism

Answer

Liberation theology

Question 2

When conducting cross-cultural mission, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Adopt the local customs and traditions

Answer

Impose one's cultural values on the host community

Answer

Avoid interacting with the local community

Answer

Ignore the local cultural context

Question 3

Which of the following is a key element of cultural intelligence in mission?

Accepted Answer

The capacity to adapt to different cultural environments

Answer

The possession of extensive knowledge about various cultures

Answer

The suppression of one's cultural identity

Answer

The avoidance of cultural conflicts at all costs

Question 4

According to anthropologist Edward T. Hall, which cultural dimension influences communication and spatial interactions?

Accepted Answer

Space

Answer

Time

Answer

Religion

Answer

Language

Question 5

Which missiological approach emphasizes the empowerment and liberation of marginalized communities?

Accepted Answer

Liberation theology

Answer

Contextualization

Answer

Evangelicalism

Answer

Charismatic movement

Question 6

What is the primary aim of inculturation in mission?

Accepted Answer

To integrate the gospel into local cultures while maintaining its core message

Answer

To reject local cultures in favor of a universal Christian culture

Answer

To establish separate Christian subcultures within host communities

Answer

To impose Western cultural values on non-Western societies

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential benefit of cross-cultural mission?

Accepted Answer

Increased understanding and appreciation of different cultures

Answer

Promotion of one's own cultural values

Answer

Weakening of local cultural identities

Answer

Creation of social conflicts

Question 8

According to missiologist David Bosch, what is the ultimate goal of mission?

Accepted Answer

The transformation of the world and its cultures according to God's will

Answer

The conversion of individuals to Christianity

Answer

The establishment of a Christian nation

Answer

The eradication of all non-Christian religions

Question 9

Which of the following should NOT be considered when adapting the gospel message to different cultural contexts?

Accepted Answer

Personal preferences of the missionary

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Answer

Local history and traditions

Answer

Biblical principles

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a common challenge faced in cross-cultural mission?

Accepted Answer

Reliable transportation

Answer

Language barriers

Answer

Cultural misunderstandings

Answer

Financial constraints

Question 11

According to the curriculum, which factor has the most significant influence on the development of mission strategies?

Accepted Answer

Cultural context

Answer

Biblical principles

Answer

Economic conditions

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT considered an advantage of cross-cultural mission?

Accepted Answer

Gaining financial wealth

Answer

Broadening perspectives

Answer

Strengthening faith

Answer

Promoting social justice

Question 13

Which missiological theory emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Gospel within the framework of specific cultural contexts?

Accepted Answer

Inculturation theory

Answer

Diffusion theory

Answer

Liberation theology

Answer

Postcolonial theology

Question 14

Which anthropological concept is particularly relevant to understanding cross-cultural mission?

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism

Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Question 15

The process of strategically adapting mission approaches to different cultural contexts is known as:

Accepted Answer

Cultural contextualization

Answer

Inculturation

Answer

Cross-culturalization

Answer

Globalization

Question 16

The concept of 'contextualization' in mission is primarily focused on:

Accepted Answer

Adapting the gospel message to resonate with different cultures

Answer

Promoting social justice and economic empowerment

Answer

Establishing new church structures

Answer

Overcoming language barriers

Question 17

A fundamental principle of cross-cultural ministry involves:

Accepted Answer

Respecting and understanding the host culture

Answer

Imposing one's own cultural values and beliefs

Answer

Maintaining a distance from the local community

Answer

Focusing solely on evangelism

Question 18

Which option is not a potential benefit of cultural diversity in mission?

Accepted Answer

Standardization of mission practices

Answer

Enrichment of mission strategies

Answer

Deeper understanding of the gospel

Answer

Challenges to existing assumptions

Question 19

The term 'indigenization' in mission refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of making Christianity culturally relevant and rooted in local traditions

Answer

The conversion of indigenous people to Christianity

Answer

The removal of external influences from mission

Answer

The establishment of independent churches

Question 20

A primary ethical consideration in cross-cultural mission is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting the sovereignty of the host nation

Answer

Promoting Western values and practices

Answer

Imposing one's religious beliefs

Answer

Focusing primarily on numerical growth

Question 21

The 'mission paradigm' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The guiding principles and underlying assumptions that shape mission work

Answer

The specific methods and techniques used in mission

Answer

The historical development of mission

Answer

The role of the church in mission

Question 22

In cross-cultural mission, what does 'contextualization' mean?

Accepted Answer

Adapting the message and methods of the gospel to resonate with a specific culture's understanding and values.

Answer

Ignoring cultural differences and presenting the gospel in a standardized way.

Answer

Completely abandoning the gospel message to align with local cultural beliefs.

Answer

Imposing one's own cultural norms and practices on another culture.

Question 23

A missionary working in a collectivist culture observes that individuals are hesitant to embrace Christianity independently.  What culturally sensitive approach might be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Building relationships within existing social structures and sharing the gospel within those networks.

Answer

Ignoring the cultural context and focusing solely on personal conversion experiences.

Answer

Condemning the collectivist culture as incompatible with Christian values.

Answer

Emphasizing individual salvation and encouraging immediate separation from community ties.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of neglecting cultural factors in mission?

Accepted Answer

Increased effectiveness in communicating the gospel across cultural boundaries.

Answer

Misunderstandings and communication breakdowns between missionaries and the local community.

Answer

Cultural imperialism, imposing foreign beliefs and practices on others.

Answer

Syncretism, where the gospel is blended with cultural elements.

Question 25

How can understanding honor-shame cultures inform a missionary's approach to evangelism?

Accepted Answer

By presenting the gospel in terms that resonate with the cultural values of restoring honor and avoiding shame.

Answer

Focusing primarily on personal testimonies and emotional responses to the gospel.

Answer

Ignoring the cultural context and relying solely on a universal approach to evangelism.

Answer

Emphasizing legalistic interpretations of sin and judgment.

Question 26

What significance does the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 hold for understanding the relationship between culture and mission?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates early Christians navigating cultural differences while seeking unity in the gospel message.

Answer

It established a rigid set of cultural rules that all Christians must follow.

Answer

It disregarded cultural differences and emphasized a singular, universal approach to faith.

Answer

It provided a clear framework for imposing Christian culture on other cultures.

Question 27

Which statement best reflects a balanced approach to preserving cultural identity while embracing Christian faith?

Accepted Answer

The gospel transforms cultures from within, respecting positive aspects while challenging elements incompatible with Christ's teachings.

Answer

Cultural identity should be completely abandoned upon embracing Christianity.

Answer

Conversion to Christianity demands complete assimilation into the dominant Christian culture.

Answer

Christian faith and cultural identity are separate and should not be intertwined.

Question 28

What is a potential danger of uncritical contextualization in mission?

Accepted Answer

Compromising the core message of the gospel to align with cultural preferences.

Answer

Promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity within the Christian community.

Answer

Building bridges of understanding and respect between different cultures.

Answer

Making the gospel message more relevant and accessible to people from other cultures.

Question 29

A missionary team is preparing to work in a culture where ancestor veneration is deeply ingrained. How should they approach this practice?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly understand the practice within its cultural context, engaging with it with sensitivity and respect while sharing the Christian message.

Answer

Encourage the local community to abandon ancestor veneration immediately upon conversion.

Answer

Ignore ancestor veneration and focus solely on presenting the gospel message.

Answer

Condemn ancestor veneration as demonic and forbid any interaction with those who practice it.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a helpful strategy for missionaries to learn about the culture they are serving?

Accepted Answer

Relying solely on stereotypes and generalizations about the culture.

Answer

Immersion in the local community through observation and participation.

Answer

Learning the local language.

Answer

Building meaningful relationships with people from the culture.

Question 31

How can an understanding of power dynamics and social justice inform mission practice?

Accepted Answer

It encourages missionaries to partner with marginalized communities, challenge injustice, and promote equality in their mission work.

Answer

It dismisses the importance of cultural sensitivity and focuses solely on the message of the gospel.

Answer

It suggests that missionaries should focus primarily on individual salvation rather than addressing social issues.

Answer

It reinforces the idea that missionaries should impose their own cultural values and systems on others.