Contextualization and the Truth of the Gospel - Michelle Quak

Source: http://indochina-passion.blogspot.sg/2013/11/ninh-binh-potential-region-for.html

This is the Phát Diệm Cathedral in the Ninh Bình Province of Vietnam. It is a Catholic church which is built like a Vietnamese palace. The cathedral is made of stone and wood, and construction took 24 years (1875 to 1898). 

The architecture of this building is a very interesting mix of Asian (Vietnamese) and European medieval styles. This is a perfect example of the infusion of culture (and with it, religion) during the colonial times in the 16-20th Century. Not only did the Westerners bring about trade; their culture, religion, politics, and practices also infiltrated the Eastern cultures.

I am extremely intrigued by all these connections, especially the integration of "foreign" religions into local culture, and how this is manifested in their everyday practices ranging from architecture to politics. For example, foreign missionaries consciously make their buildings appear less western and more "indigenous", thus respecting the need for a local flavour or approach to running things. 

This draws my attention to Dr Violet James' talk on Christianity in Southeast Asia. I felt that she brought up a very interesting and applicable point about the need to 'contextualize' Christianity, not to replicate exactly and impose on the local communities. Christianity is often regarded as a Western religion and is therefore associated with foreigners. However, as Dr James mentioned, Christianity, or the Christian faith, should be above (or separate from) culture/politics/etc.. Our focus should be on the truth of the Gospel. Besides using social services, and showing the willingness to immerse in and learn about local culture, what other avenues could be used to share the Gospel while being respectful of the customs of the people AND sharing the Truth? I'm looking forward to reading Sadhu Sundar Singh's book (Only $14! at: http://www.bookdepository.com/Wisdom-Sadhu-Sadhu-Sundar-Singh/9780874869989).

I think the history of how Christianity is introduced to different Southeast Asian countries through colonization is a beautiful reminder of God's grace, His desire for everyone to hear about the Gospel, to discover Him, and to be His people. Where we are now, our faith, and what we believe in, is because of His grace. It is humbling to learn about how God had and will have a plan for us. While the present is the key to the past, the past is also the key to the future.

Michelle Quak