Change across Cultures A Narrative Approach to Soc ial Transformation - Tapa blanda

C. S. Lewis compared the task of ethical inquiry to sailing a fleet of ships; the primary task is avoiding collisions. When introducing cultural change, such collisions are inevitable. Bruce Bradshaw provides expert instruction for navigating these cultural clashes. Bradshaw contends that lasting change comes only through altering the stories by which people live. The Bible is the metanarrative whose altering theme of redemption forms a transcultural ethical basis. Aspects of God's redemption story can change how local cultures think and behave toward the environment, religions, government, gender identities, economics, science, and technology. However, effective change takes place only in a context of reconciliation, Christian community, and mutual learning. A must read for anyone engaged in or preparing for cross-cultural ministry, relief, or development work. The book is also relevant to students of ethics, philosophy, and theology. Numerous real-life examples illustrate the inevitable tensions that occur when cultures and narratives collide.

Bradshaw, Change across Cultures
Cover Copy

"Bradshaw, equipped with field experience and academic rigor, tackles some knotty issues facing those who desire to transform the cultural narratives-worldviews and moral assumptions-of the peoples of the world through the narrative of God's redemptive relationship with creation. The book is comprehensive in the treatment of development sectors, biblically sound, diverse in the use of multidisciplinary sources, and masterfully written."
-Tetsunao Yamamori, Food for the Hungry International

"[Bradshaw] challenges readers to come to terms with one's own cultural narratives, and points out the necessity of changing these narratives if real values-transformation is to take place in cross-cultural work. He includes fascinating stories throughout, drawing on his extensive grassroots experience. This is an important work that should leave a lasting mark in cross-cultural fields of study.
-Peter G. Riddell, London Bible College

"It makes a valuable contribution to those seeking a better understanding of the relationship between gospel and culture. This requires that we understand other cultures and the values undergirding them, and storytelling plays a major role in bringing about cultural change."
-Eric Ram, World Vision

"Christians face multiple challenges in our time of increasing fragmentation. These challenges represent a marvelous opportunity for Christ's disciples to be authentic witnesses of the gospel, while, at the same time, living fully in the societies and cultures where they find themselves. No one interested in Christian ethics across cultures can afford to ignore Change across Cultures."
-Tité Tienou, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Whether or not you agree with the many nontraditional interpretations of familiar Bible passages you encounter in these pages, they will force you to reevaluate some of your own assumptions as well as those of the people of other cultures with whom you live and work."
-Jane Overstreet, Development Associates International

Bruce Bradshaw was the director of transformation development research and training for World Vision International for more than twelve years and worked as a regional liaison officer in Somalia for the U.S. Agency for International Development. He is currently assistant professor of economics and business at Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas, and the author of Bridging the Gap: Evangelism, Development, and Shalom.