Slide 1

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 2

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 3

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 4

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 5

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 6

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 7

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 8

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 9

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 10

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 11

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 12

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 13

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 14

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 15

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 16

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 17

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 18

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 19

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 20

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 21

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 22

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview


Slide 23

A Culturally Appropriate
Gospel Message
(Part 2)

Stoll 2010

2 Minute Review
• The gospel message never changes.
• We can highlight or present the gospel
differently to those from other cultures.
• Worldview underlies, supports culture.

The Culture Iceberg
Food
Greetings
Clothing
Eye Contact
Initiative
Time Consciousness

Objective Culture

Feelings

Subjective Culture

Values
Authority Roles
Concepts of Truth

Beliefs
Motivations

Worldview
Modified from A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures
Patty Lane, IVP, 2002.

• Muller suggests three results or responses to
man’s rebellion in Gen 3:

Eyes opened – Guilt – Broken law
Afraid –Fear – Broken trust
Hid – Shame – Broken relationship
• We can see these three conditions as building
blocks of three main global worldviews.

• The Bible clearly speaks to all three worldviews
• An effective presentation of the good news
should address the listener’s underlying
worldview

Part 2
Remember life under the Godfather?

If you had just slapped the Godfather in the
face, what is your life like after that point?
Every aspect of my life would be
driven by fear. It would be the lens
through which I based all decisions.

Fear–based Worldview
What might I long for?
power/strength; protection/refuge; peace
How might I see God?
wrathful; vengeful; capricious;
unapproachable; other-worldly

Fear–based Strategy
• Appease the boss
• Seek alliance with other powers
• Quietly seek peace; go unnoticed

Modern Fear–based Cultures
Central and South America
Africa
Islands of the Far East
(PNG; Indonesia)
First Nations of U.S.

Increasing among US youth – Media
Modern people with an element of fear-based
worldviews may define sin in the garden
differently than we might….How?
They cut the ties to their protector
They broke a trust bond….
(what are the steps to rebuild trust?)

Hallmarks
1. Reality of the supernatural
• Spirits, gods, demons, ancestors and ghosts exist
• All revolves around interaction with this spirit world
• Everything in life is attributed to the activities
of these forces
• No distinction between natural and supernatural
(animistic; primal religions)

2. Fear of unseen powers
• No natural laws of nature, no immutable laws;
little based in science
• So nothing is predictable
• Open universe where nothing is ruled out
• Unseen powers co-exist and influence the
physical world

3. Superstitions
• Suspicion of outsiders
• Beliefs that powers may be in people, animals,
even in animate objects
• Attributing personal characteristics to unseen
powers (feelings, realms, wills)

What to do?
1. Appease the offended
• Taboos – rules to protect the unwary
• Sacrifice / dedications
• Rituals
• Controllers of appeasements
Witch doctors, shamans, priests
Communicate with the spirits
Have real power – why?

2. Seek alliances to gain power

3. Live quietly; in harmony with spiritual
forces
Striving to live in balance or at peace with
the forces around me
So I don’t bring the wrath of some power
down on me

Related Struggles
1. Power struggles on the mission field
2. Struggles with fear due to past abuse

Questions
Does the gospel message clearly address
a fear-based worldview? How?
Could we intentionally include the resurrection?
Why?
Look at Peter in Acts 2:14-24

• Find a verse
–
–
–
–

addressing fear?
offering power? (Healing?)
offering peace?
offering light in darkness?

• Possible verses to consider:
Acts 13:29-31; 1 Cor 6:14; Rom 6:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-5; Acts 2:24;
2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Eph 1:18-20; Rom 1:3,4;
1 Cor 2; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 1 Thess 1:9,10

What are appropriate Bible stories to segue to
the gospel message?
Explain which 2 Bible stories might be best for sharing
the gospel to fear-based worldviews.

Lepers healed
Lazarus
Calmed the seas
Abraham’s sacrifice
Woman touching Jesus’ hem

Remember
You can’t overestimate the role of prayer!
This is where the spiritual battle
is most obvious.

The information in this presentation is taken
from:

The Messenger, The Message,
The Community
by Roland Muller
2006
Publisher: CanBooks; ISBN: 0-9733642-1-1

Next Session
• Detailed look at our guilt-based worldview
• How the gospel addresses this condition
• Discuss “best practices” for this worldview