Crossing Cultures in Scripture - by Marvin J Newell (Paperback)

About the Book

Missionary and missions professor Marvin Newell provides a biblical theology of culture and mission, mining the depths of Scripture to tease out missiological insights and crosscultural perspectives. Organized canonically from Genesis to Revelation, this text reveals how the whole of Scripture speaks to contemporary mission realities.

Book Synopsis

Missionary and missions professor Marvin Newell provides a biblical theology of culture and mission, mining the depths of Scripture to tease out missiological insights and crosscultural perspectives. Organized canonically from Genesis to Revelation, this text reveals how the whole of Scripture speaks to contemporary mission realities.

Review Quotes

"Cross-cultural ministry is not for wimps. Yet, as proclaimers of Jesus' gospel in today's multicultural milieu, how can we escape the responsibility? Marvin J. Newell helps us navigate the uncharted turbulence of our ever-changing society. With Genesis-to-Revelation insights, mixed with missional expertise and ruthlessly practical examples, Newell stirs us to be more effective innovators of the good news. As a globally minded Christian, read it and be inspired."

"I recommend Crossing Cultures in Scripture without reservation. Newell has succeeded in helping us to both decode the Bible stories from the biblical cultures and to encode the Bible stories for different cultures today, so that God's message remains relevant and universal."

"In this era of increasing globalization and multiculturalism, Crossing Cultures in Scripture provides a greatly needed biblical theology of culture. Newell weaves together biblical narratives and personal insights to present the Bible as a textbook for ministering and flourishing across cultures. The case studies of biblical figures who cross cultures address the main issues every missionary inevitably faces. If you are a Christian engaging the nations, this book is an ideal guide for you."

"The clarity of the principles presented, the continuity regarding crosscultural mission from the Old through New Testaments, and the comprehensive nature of the book-taking you all the way from Eden to eternity-make this not only a compelling read but also a convicting call to God's people everywhere to take up the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus to make disciples in every culture on planet Earth."

"The Bible is rich in stories of cultures-the good, the bad and the ugly. In this book, Dr. Marvin Newell helps us look at the Scriptures from the lens of cross-cultural encounters. . . . This book helps us to both decode the Bible stories from the biblical cultures and encode the Bible stories for different cultures today so that God's message always remains relevant and universal. All the stories point to one greater story-the story of Jesus Christ."

"This book is a wonderful gift to young adults who desire a biblical foundation for living faithfully and fruitfully in a culturally complex world. It also provides insights for congregants of all ages who want answers for addressing significant issues in the world that are based on Scripture rather than prevailing political ideologies. For these reasons I highly recommend it!"

"Another book on culture and mission? Yes, but not just another. From the late nineteenth century onward, more and more ethnologists and anthropologists have been focusing on the relationship between human culture and Christian mission. However, far and away the primary emphasis has been on the contribution that studies of culture make to effective missionizing. Now, out of his intensive study of the Bible and extensive crosscultural experience, missiologist Marvin Newell has provided another perspective: the place of culture in biblical history and theology. Christian missionaries of course, but also all globally minded Christians, should read this book. It's a breath of fresh air!"

"Finally we have a thorough collection of biblical insights into the varied dynamics of cultural realities. It is instructional, richly illustrative, and infused with practical applications. This book profoundly equips anyone sojourning in another country and culture as well as those who interact with diaspora peoples in their communities."

"I love Marv's purpose of bringing us back to the Bible to learn everything we can about crosscultural encounters. The Christian and mission world is in danger of minimizing Scripture in favor of trends, techniques, and strategies. The Bible is our greatest teacher, meant to inform and provide clarity and understanding in all spheres of life and ministry. Marv brings attention to the great extent (often overlooked) of crosscultural emphasis throughout the biblical narrative and how we apply this emphasis toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I highly encourage the careful reading of this book by all who sincerely love Jesus and want to see his kingdom come in all the world."

"In Crossing Cultures in Scripture, Dr. Newell gives the church and its crosscultural workers a rich synthesis of biblical and crosscultural encounters and principles. These should guide both the crosscultural worker and churches in general as they engage other cultures with the gospel. While this book strongly instructs the Westerner in crosscultural work in non-Western cultures, it will serve non-Western crosscultural workers well. It will challenge them to better appreciate rich parallels between their own and other cultures in the light of biblical narratives. This book should be required reading for all crosscultural workers of all nationalities, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. It should also be required for pastoral students who, in the course of their work, will instruct such workers. I highly recommend it."

"In addition to showing that the Bible is a cross-cultural book from Genesis to Revelation, Newell shares scriptural and name indexes as well as a sermon series guide and a cross-cultural encounter guide. The extensive volume is summarized by the 'Crossing Takeaway' section at the end of most chapters. It is an essential guide for students and those who need to be aware of cross-cultural ministry in the mission fields."

"Lifting up Scripture as our ultimate authority and teacher on culture, Newell offers insightful principles on missions practice as well as a multitude of practical takeaways for anyone crossing cultures. A must-read for anyone hoping to serve in crosscultural contexts!"

"Marv Newell has given the global mission community the much-needed gift of a one-stop reference book of key crosscultural principles drawn from Genesis to Revelation. Because opportunities abound for crossing cultures abroad and at home, it is imperative that we know what the Bible says on how to think, behave, and live among people who are different from us. Newell has masterfully gleaned insights and provided us with practical guidelines in navigating a different culture. His honesty is refreshing and will serve both the novice and the veteran well in crosscultural ministry. This book will definitely be in my top ten mission books!"

"Rather than examining the Bible through missiological lenses, Marv Newell rightly reverses the binoculars. Viewing crosscultural ministry through the lens of Scripture, Newell carefully examines a full spectrum of biblical texts to glean key principles. More than simply illustrative, Crossing Cultures in Scripture is instructional, providing additional rich insights from anthropology, missiology, and experiences both historical and personal. Salted with practical helps for understanding and praxis as well as suggested topical resources and chapter takeaways, this volume is a valued resource for preaching and teaching as well as training for effective gospel communication across cultural divides."

"This unique book engages us in a fertile dialogue between the double voices of Scripture and culture (worldviews and beliefs, values and behaviors) from Genesis to Revelation. The theoretical aspects are valuable, but Newell has done a singular job to craft a very practical resource for us all-whether we serve primarily within our culture or crossculturally. Pastors will gain new insights for their preaching, missionaries will be encouraged as they apply the book to their own situations, and all of us will be enriched as global citizens of Christ. I recommend this gift without reservation."

"What I love about Crossing Cultures in Scripture is this: it magnifies the Word of God. Newell shows that the whole Bible is not just the foundation but also our most practical everyday guidebook for ministry in our multicultural world."

About the Author

Marvin J. Newell (DMiss, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior vice president of Missio Nexus, a network of evangelical mission agencies, churches and training centers in North America. He served as a missionary in East and Southeast Asia for two decades and was professor and chair of the intercultural studies program at Moody Theological Seminary. His books include Commissioned and A Martyr's Grace.