Culture and Conscience Biblical Absolutes and Cultural Variation by T. Wayne Dye

The Issue hile cross-cultural disagreements about what is morally right have long been a staple of daily life for missionaries everywhere, people back home are increasingly faced with similar disagree- mentsW and the questions they raise. Such conflicts on moral issues cause inter- personal misunderstanding and friction, and often contribute to our society’s claim that ethical decisions are matters of personal taste.

As my wife, Sally, and I have wrestled with these issues over many years, we have come to believe there are basic scriptural answers that alleviate many of these con- flicts. In her article in this issue of the IJFM (pp. 15–25) “Cultural Variation in Conscience: Part of God’s Design,” Sally has written about how culture and con- science affect the way a Christian needs to obey God. The present article explains why fully mature Christians do not all obey biblical commands in the same way.

For years we thought there was only one way to obey the commands—the way we were first taught to do it.1 As Bible translators, we had to give a people T. Wayne Dye is currently Assistant group the whole Bible. Once they had it, they would surely obey the plain Professor of Applied Anthropology at the Graduate Institute of Applied meaning of its words by living as we tried to live. Although missionaries Linguistics in Dallas, Texas. He, and college teachers have often taught their way as the only right way (and along with his wife, Sally, served with Wycliffe Bible Translators expected everyone to obey the commands in that way), there is considerable and SIL for 25 years in a Bible variation in how the commands should be followed. translation and literacy program among the Bahinemo people of Papua One problem is that we Westerners don’t obey all commandments in the same New Guinea. Wayne has an MA in way. We take some passages literally and obey them carefully, while ignoring anthropology from the University of Michigan and a PhD in Intercultural other passages. We don’t literally “greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans Studies from Fuller Theological 16:16, NIV2). We don’t drink wine to help our digestion (1 Timothy 5:23). We Seminary. He has served as a consultant and trainer for SIL since don’t pray each day at 3:00 p.m., the “time of prayer” (Acts 3:1). We don’t wash 1973, first in Papua New Guinea, the feet of others, except on rare and very special occasions (John 13:14). My wife then internationally. He has taught in more than thirty countries around does not wear a head covering in church while in the United States (1 Corinthians the world. 11:2–16).3 Indeed, there are many such commands in the New Testament.4

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This “selective obedience” is not only woven of two kinds of material.” What In the pages that follow, I hope to a characteristic of American churches. would we tropical missionaries do with- enable us to see how we evangelicals All the Christians that we have en- out our polyester and cotton clothing? intuitively interpret the Bible in our countered around the world have been own cultural situations. Once we Verse 26 says, “Do not practice divina- selective at some point. This raises the understand the process, we can make tion or seek omens.” We would like to question: are we following a biblical se- it clear so Christians in other cultures teach that to our animist friends. But lection principle or making a mistake? and sub-cultures can use it in their what if they go on to read the next own situations. Such inconsistencies are more obvious verse? It says, “Do not cut the hair at when we look at the Old Testament, the sides of your head or clip off the Can People Obey the Same which was the “Bible” of the New edges of your beard.” Rarely do male Command Differently? Testament church. When Jesus and Christian missionaries follow this In two remarkable passages in the the Apostles quoted Scripture it was command. There are many such com- epistles, Paul showed that truly obedi- always the Old Testament. The New mandments, about leaving food for ent Christians from different cultures Testament explicitly teaches that the gleaners, providing loans with no in- would, in some cases, do quite differ- Old Testament is to be obeyed. terest at all, leaving land lie fallow, and ent things. 1 Corinthians 8–10 and 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says: selling land back to its original owner Romans 14 are worth careful study for All Scripture is God-breathed and is after fifty years; we do not follow any cross-cultural ministry today. useful for teaching, rebuking, correct- of these literally today. ing and training in righteousness, so Corinth was a center of idol worship. that the servant of God may be thor- The worshipper in this context paid for oughly equipped for every good work. an animal sacrifice, then took part in eating the meat. The rest of the meat was When Paul wrote this about the Old sold, either in the temple court or in the Testament he was agreeing with the market place. Now the average person in Old Testament itself. Its commands Rarely do that pre-industrial society could not of- are clearly stated, and the importance ten afford meat. With so many sacrifices of obeying them is strongly empha- male Christian being offered each day, it is likely that sized. For instance, Deuteronomy missionaries follow this meat sacrificed to idols would fulfill most 10:12–13 says: of the community’s demand for meat. And now, Israel, what does the Lord command. This situation raised a problem for be- your God ask of you but to fear the lievers who wanted to eat meat without Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord taking part in idol worship. Mature your God with all your heart and with Gentile believers (or believers from all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s Jewish backgrounds) argued that eating commands and decrees that I am giv- Key Passages on the Nature of such meat made no difference. Oth- ing you today for your own good? ers, especially those newly converted True Obedience from idolatrous backgrounds, felt guilty There are many such passages. Yet when We have now come to believe that the about eating such meat. For this reason, we turn to the Pentateuch, we find com- approach of Christians through the ages believers in Corinth asked Paul to mands that apparently were for everyone has been right for them. Christians of speak to the issue. His answer was com- everywhere thoroughly mixed in with most denominations have read the Bible plex, and followed a discourse structure commands that few follow today. Le- from their own cultural perspective not often used today, so the steps in his viticus 19 provides some examples. Verse and interpreted its commands in ways reasoning are sometimes missed. 13 says, “Do not defraud or rob your appropriate to their own cultures. This Idols Are Not Real So Eating Meat neighbor.” Surely that should be followed intuitive understanding was reasonably Is OK today. The verse then goes on to say, “Do good in mono-cultural situations. It only not hold back the wages of a hired man fails to work when people from two dif- Paul began by emphasizing love over overnight.” No Christian organization ferent cultures interact. The missionary mere knowledge, then went on to say in my country obeys that. Verse 18 says, problem has come because we did not that idols are not really supernatural “... love your neighbor as yourself,” surely really understand the host people’s basis beings at all. a universal commandment. The very for making decisions, and so we often So then, about eating food sacrificed next verse says, “Do not mate different applied biblical teachings as if the believ- to idols: We know that “An idol is kinds of animals.... Do not wear clothing ers in other cultures were just like us. nothing at all in the world” and that

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“There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in or people with a different worldview, however, heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), that activity is a sin that can destroy their faith yet for us there is but one God, the in Christ. Father, from whom all things came F and for whom we live; and there is for whom Christ died, is destroyed Furthermore, no one has a right to by your knowledge. When you sin but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through judge the actions of others. whom all things came and through against your brothers in this way and For why is my freedom being judged whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:4—6) wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I by another’s conscience? If I take Paul agreed that this gave freedom to eat causes my brother to fall into sin, part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of those with “strong faith,” those who I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall. (1 Corinthi- something I thank God for? (1 Corin- had a truly Christian worldview in thians 10:29b—30) this matter. He even said in his later ans 8:7—13) summary instructions to go ahead and Paul saw this conflict as so critical To be sure, believers have a respon- eat any food bought in the market or that he urged mature Christians to be sibility not to be a “stumbling block” served by an unbeliever. It is clear from aware of who was watching and how by influencing another to do what is this that there is nothing inherently others might interpret their actions. wrong for him. Yet, that just em- wrong with eating such food, nothing Cross-cultural witnesses must seek phasizes the point; what is right for that would hurt a mature Christian. the good of others, and this includes one can be wrong for another. That But food does not bring us near to avoiding any actions that might lead is why we can hurt others by doing God; we are no worse if we do not them to sin if they uncritically made something we could otherwise do in eat, and no better if we do. (1 Cor- good conscience. In order to see how inthians 8:8) the same choice. “have the right to do anything,” you this could be, we need to look at just Eat anything sold in the meat mar- say–but not everything is beneficial. why eating food offered to idols was ket without raising questions of con- “I have the right to do anything”– wrong for some people. 1 Corinthians science, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, but not everything is constructive. No 10:18–21 provides the clue. and everything in it.” If an unbeliever one should seek their own good, but Consider the people of Israel: Do not invites you to a meal and you want the good of others… But if someone those who eat the sacrifices partici- to go, eat whatever is put before says to you, “This has been offered pate in the altar? Do I mean then that you without raising questions of con- in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both food sacrificed to an idol is anything, science. (1 Corinthians 10:25—27) for the sake of the one who told you or that an idol is anything? No, but If Someone Believes the Idol Is Real and for the sake of conscience I am the sacrifices of pagans are offered Then Don’t Eat the Meat referring to the other person’s con- to demons, not to God, and I do not science, not yours.... So whether you want you to be participants with de- There is another aspect to consider, eat or drink or whatever you do, do it mons. You cannot drink the cup of however. Paul said that those who had all for the glory of God. Do not cause the Lord and the cup of demons too; a “weak conscience,” i.e., did not have anyone to stumble, whether Jews, you cannot have a part in both the a biblical understanding of idols, were Greeks or the church of God—even as Lord’s table and the table of demons. sinning if they ate meat offered to idols. I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good But not everyone possesses this In both Jewish and Middle Eastern but the good of many, so that they knowledge. Some people are still so Gentile cultures of that day, one wor- may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10: 23, accustomed to idols that when they shipped a god by eating the food that 28—29, 31—33) eat sacrificial food they think of it had been sacrificed. Jews and Gentiles as having been sacrificed to a god, Not One Right Way But Two worshipped in the same way by eating and since their conscience is weak, a sacrifice—but with different objects Here is a remarkable teaching. A it is defiled.... Be careful, however, of worship. When Gentiles worshipped specific activity (eating meat offered that the exercise of your rights does idols they were sinning because they to idols) is right—and even encour- not become a stumbling block to were choosing to worship something the weak. For if someone with a aged—for those with one worldview other than the true God. Satan and his weak conscience sees you, with all and therefore a certain understanding demons are the true beneficiaries of all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s of right and wrong. For people with such rebellious worship. temple, won’t that person be em- a different worldview, however, that boldened to eat what has been sacri- activity is a sin that can destroy their Yet Paul made it clear that a Corinthi- ficed to idols? So this weak brother, faith in Christ. an’s actions while sacrificing to an idol

31:1 Spring 2014 8 Biblical Absolutes and Cultural Variation meant nothing in themselves, because who no longer believed in idols had Each Is to Do What He Is Convinced the idol was not a deity at all. As this greater freedom.5 Romans 14 provides God Wants Him to Do and all other biblical passages empha- a more general example. Each believer must follow what he size, an idol is nothing but a piece of Doing Right in Rome thinks is right, being “fully convinced dead wood or stone or gold. It is the in his own mind.” And he must do so intent thought of the worshiper that The early church at Rome must have without judging others, not looking causes a given action to become wor- reflected the multi-cultural character down on them or condemning them ship. Worship is a matter of meaning. It of the city itself. Jewish and Gentile for having different convictions. Those is an act intended to give homage to a Christians had come together from other people are also servants of God, deity. An atheist who joins in singing in many different parts of the empire. and it is the meaning of their action as a hymn of praise at a church is not wor- They were trying to get along, but in an expression of their relationship to shipping even though the Christians ways important to them they were liv- God that really counts. In that regard, standing beside him singing the same ing quite differently. Some Christians “...the Lord is able to make [them] hymn are. People who still believe an were vegetarians, perhaps to avoid eat- stand.” Romans 14, verses 6 through 9 idol is a god when eating meat offered ing meat offered to idols. Others ate make the point more clear. to it are worshipping that idol. Howev- everything. Some Christians kept the Whoever regards one day as special er, if they have come to understand that Jewish holy days; others did not. Paul’s does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give the idol is nothing but a statue, they can answer followed the same reasoning as thanks to God; and whoever abstains no longer worship it because they do he used with the Corinthians. not believe there is a god there to wor- does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for our- ship. When they eat meat they are not selves alone, and none of us dies for sacrificing; they are merely eating meat. ourselves alone. If we live, we live to We have taken time with this point the Lord; and if we die, we die to the because it has profound implica- Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very rea- tions. The Corinthian believers were Worship son, Christ died and returned to life so a test case for the central point of a that he might be the Lord of both the cross-culturally valid Christian ethic. is a matter dead and the living. (Romans 14:6—9) At some level every human action ex- presses one’s relationship to God and of meaning. In other words, each of us is continu- his commandments, either in obedi- ously in relationship to God; we are ence or disobedience; that is its ethical never alone. He is our “Lord,” our and spiritual meaning. People with one boss, our commander, the one who has worldview might be obeying God by a right to tell us what to do in every their action, since they are not going Accept him whose faith is weak, with- aspect of our lives. Every action has against any of God’s commandments. out quarreling over disputable mat- this dimension of relationship, and it Someone with another worldview ters. One person’s faith allows them is in this respect (and no other) that might be disobeying God by doing to eat anything, but another, whose right and wrong are determined. Paul what appears to be the same thing faith is weak, eats only vegetables. went on to say the food we eat is of no because at the level of intention the The one who eats everything must importance in itself. If, however, some- two actions are quite different. not treat with contempt the one who one believes that he should not eat a does not, and the one who does not particular food, then he is disobeying Note that in Paul’s test case it is the eat everything must not judge the by eating that food because he is going more mature Christian who is free to one who does, for God has accepted against his perception of God’s will. eat the sacrificed meat. We recognize them. Who are you to judge someone I am convinced, being fully persuaded that God is gentle with new Chris- else’s servant? To his own master, in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is un- tians, but as they mature God shows servants stand or fall. And they will clean in itself. But if anyone regards them more and better ways to obey. stand, for the Lord is able to make something as unclean, then for that One might expect God’s patience with them stand. One person considers one person it is unclean.... So whatever new believers to be the explanation of day more sacred than another; an- you believe about these things keep this passage, but in this case the new other considers every day alike. Each between yourself and God. Blessed is converts who still believed the idol was of them should be fully convinced in the one who does not condemn him- real were more restricted in what they their own mind. (Romans 14:1—5) self by what he approves. But whoever could do. The more mature Christians has doubts is condemned if they eat,

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because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come hese four basic principles can account for both from faith is sin. (Romans 14:14, 22—23) the absolute authority of the Bible and the Don’t Influence Others to Do What proper role of cultural variation. Is Wrong for Them T Paul made a further point about the The matter of not misleading others Two New Testament passages, which way we interact with those who have a follows from those differences. describe how believers today are to learn from the Old Testament, serve different understanding of what is right. Paul’s argument here is entirely consis- to clarify this principle. 1 Corinthi- We must be careful not to judge others, tent with his whole approach to work- ans 10:6–11 tells of Old Testament for “each of us will give an account of ing with Gentiles. God demands that events, which “occurred as examples ourselves to God” (Romans 14:12). At all people obey the same command- to keep us from setting our hearts on the same time, we must not do anything ments; however, in some subtle but evil things as they did.” Hebrews 11 that will lead others astray by doing important ways just how this obedience recounts numerous Old Testament what is right for us but not for them. must be lived out is different for differ- examples that should be followed. You, then, why do you judge your ent peoples. How can this be, without Present day believers must decide brother or sister? Or why do you treat the result being chaos? What biblical whether the example is one that we them with contempt? For we will all principles provide for this variation should avoid or emulate by deter- stand before God’s judgment seat. within a framework of universal com- mining what each person did in his Therefore let us stop passing judg- mandments? In the next section, situation and how the Bible speaks ment on one another. Instead, make I attempt to formulate these principles. up your mind not to put any stumbling about his actions. We then work out block or obstacle in the way of a broth- what those actions mean for us in our er or sister.... If your brother or sister is The Way to Obey God in situations today. It is helpful to see distressed because of what you eat, Any Culture how the early church interpreted the you are no longer acting in love. Do Taken together the four basic principles Old Testament, because the various not by your eating destroy someone below can account for both the absolute first century churches were not all in for whom Christ died. Therefore, do authority of the Bible and the proper the same situations either. They were not let what you know is good be spo- role of cultural variation in determining richer or poorer, had different ethnic ken of as evil. For the kingdom of God how a given command applies. These traditions, were more or less in danger is not a matter of eating and drinking, of persecution, and differed in other but of righteousness, peace and joy in four principles lead to a three-step significant ways as well. the Holy Spirit, because anyone who procedure for applying a passage. serves Christ in this way is pleasing to Principle 1. All of Scripture, both Principle 3. It is the core meaning, God and receives human approval. Let Old and New Testaments, is the underlying universal teaching, us therefore make every effort to do authoritative over all people, in of every passage of Scripture that is what leads to peace and to mutual every age and culture. universally applicable in every culture. edification. Do not destroy the work Every command and every example has of God for the sake of food. All food is All passages are for our benefit. No clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat commandments can be freely disre- a core meaning. Passages that were origi- anything that causes someone else to garded; no examples are to be ignored. nally intended to be universal have a core stumble. It is better not to eat meat or Scripture is much more than a guide meaning that is the same as the passage. drink wine or to do anything else that for action; it is our “Manufacturer’s “You shall not steal” has the same basic will cause your brother or sister to fall. Handbook” telling us all how to live.6 meaning everywhere. Most passages, (Romans 14:10, 13, 15-21) however, describe an unusual situa- Principle 2. Though all Scripture tion or provide a set of instructions to If all Christians were required to act was written for everyone, it was particular people that are not necessar- alike—what is right for one cul- not written to everyone. ily widely applicable. In those passages, ture being right for all others—this The author of each Scripture passage the core meaning must be derived from problem would not exist. It would be was communicating a message specifi- the situation and the passage. The core impossible to lead others to stumble cally to the original receptors, and it is teaching is always applicable to every and fall through imitating behavior this message that is the original mean- human being at every point in history, that is acceptable for another person ing of the passage. Everyone else is an although the applications will be some- in similar circumstances. Paul’s key onlooker who must deduce from what what different in different situations. point is that indeed there are proper was said to the original audience what It is this universal core meaning which differences in behavior at some points. God is saying to him now. we properly call a “biblical absolute.”

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This point will become clearer from the Let no debt remain outstanding, except easy, but comes only from “a pure heart the continuing debt to love one another, three-step procedure for discovering and and a good conscience and a sincere for whoever loves others has fulfilled the faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). It is a little then applying the core meaning. law. The commandments, “You shall not easier in one’s own culture where one Because the fourth principle is dif- commit adultery,” “You shall not mur- knows the cultural rules for loving oth- ferent in character, we will review the der,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall ers; it is much more difficult in another common process for discovering and not covet,” and whatever other com- culture where the customs are differ- applying the meaning of a biblical pas- mand there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor ent. Indeed, several aspects of love are sage before introducing it. The steps as yourself.” Love does no harm to a confusing and often misunderstood. are straightforward and simple. They neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfill- 1. Love as a universal and as a are worth going over carefully, though, ment of the law. (Romans 13: 8—10) because cross-cultural application can detailed teaching sometimes be quite difficult. The purpose of all of those com- Actually, there are two kinds of com- mandments about inter-personal mandments to love others in Scripture: A Three-Step Procedure for Discovering relationships is to help us know how to the universal and the detailed. People and Applying the Core Meaning genuinely love others. In a sense, there need both. We dare not delude ourselves are only two over-riding command- that we could somehow simply live in Step 1. Determine “What did it say to ments: love God first and your neighbor love and ignore the other specific teach- them?” Who were the intended readers, as yourself. All the rest are detailed in- ings found throughout both Testaments the original “receptors”? What was their structions about how to obey these two. (but especially the New). God knew situation, their context? What meaning humans needed them, which is why did the human author apparently intend they are included. We humans live in a them to get from the communication? complex and often perplexing world; we Step 2. Discern “What does it mean?” do not know the right way to love oth- What is the underlying universal here? ers without the guidance of the many What is the core meaning? How could teachings and examples of Scripture. this be phrased in more general terms? Several aspects of love At the same time, we often do not Because humans are alike in important know how to rightly interpret these de- respects (Dye, T. W. 1987, 42–43), are confusing and tailed teachings, so the principle of love their situation is everyone’s situation sheds much light on what we should at some time or another. It is good to often misunderstood. do. When the applications of two com- try to state this underlying universal mandments seem to conflict, or when meaning in plain words. two cultures come together so that it Step 3. Ask “What does it mean to me?” is hard to know which application fits, How does this universal meaning apply the love principle can show us the way. to us and to our hearers, friends, or col- Understanding How to Love 2. Cultural variations on what is leagues here and now? This is where the Others Is Complicated genuine Christian love rubber meets the road. This step is often the easiest to do if we are applying the We humans are not able to know how When people in a given society hear meaning to ourselves or to someone like to love others in a righteous manner, the Bible say, “Love your neighbor as us.7 If the application is to a different so it is spelled out for us in the many yourself,” they have an idea of what culture, then we will have trouble dis- ethical teachings of the Bible. Paul that love would look like; their cultur- cerning how to apply it. Cross-cultural made it clear what love is in 1 Corin- ally conditioned consciences tell them workers will have to rely heavily on help thians 13. Love is patient, kind, what they should do. The alternative from persons inside that culture to do so. rejoices with truth, protects, trusts, wording, “do to others as you want hopes, perseveres, and never fails. Love others to do to you” is clarifying. It is This leads us to the fourth principle. is not envious, boastful, proud, rude, intended to give one an idea of what Principle 4. Biblical commands are self-seeking, easily angered, recording another person might desire. Love asks, there to help us love God and wrongs, or delighting in evil. “What would I want the other person to do for me if I were in his situation?” other people. This kind of love must be lived out This principle is both the most important every day in family relationships and That rule provides only limited guid- and the one to be invoked last. Paul put in social interaction with a variety of ance in other ethnic groups, however. its relationship to the other laws this way: neighbors. This kind of love is never When a person attempts to show love

International Journal of Frontier Missiology T. Wayne Dye 11 to a neighbor from a distinctly differ- ent culture, the “as yourself ” seldom hen a person attempts to show love to a communicates love. For example, if my neighbor from a distinctly different culture, wife serves a meal featuring pork to the “as yourself ” seldom communicates love. most Americans, they would see her W action as love. If she served that same you an example that you should do as Step 3: What does it mean to me? meal of pork to a Jew or a Muslim or a I have done for you. (John 13:14—15) vegetarian, it would be very offensive. The modern world certainly offers Few present day churches obey this plenty of room for humble, loving We thought we were showing love literally. Even those churches that service. (This is where the fourth to Bahinemos by taking them the practice foot washing actually do so interpretation principle fits.) There are twenty miles by boat to the hospital. under very special circumstances and a myriad of applications to this com- Although several lives were saved, the only as a symbolic act. There is a sen- mand. Sick and dying people, includ- hospital seemed like prison to them, sible reason; foot washing as originally ing AIDS victims, need care. Prison- especially because of their belief about commanded would accomplish little ers can be visited and crime victims death. They believed that if a person in a culture where people wear shoes assisted. Everyday services of cooking, died so far away from home, the ghost and socks, walk on pavement, and take cleaning, caring for babies and the would not be able to find its way back frequent showers. elderly need attention. The list goes on. for the important burial procedures, Does this mean the command should A church can only keep going because causing catastrophic problems for the be ignored? Of course not! The first there are ushers, janitors, nursery work- whole extended family. principle of interpretation is that all ers, as well as preachers and teachers. Actions one person sees as loving in a Scripture is for our benefit and is to Christians who do their share of these given culture may actually cause harm be obeyed. There is a clear and widely lowly tasks are fulfilling the command to a neighbor within another culture. accepted meaning for today, a meaning whether or not they also take part in Certain actions can even cause them to that becomes obvious when following the symbolic ritual of foot washing. stumble and lose faith. It takes research the procedure. Muzzling the Ox before one can know what local people Let us go through the three applica- in another culture would want one to The Apostle Paul interpreted Old Tes- tion steps. do to show love in that setting. It often tament passages this way in 1 Corin- takes 1 Corinthians 13 love, which is thians 9:9–10 and 1 Timothy 5:17–18. Step 1: What did this say to them? patient and kind, but not proud, rude, He was arguing that Christian workers self-seeking or easily angered. Wash each other’s feet. The context of deserved to be paid, and he proved his this command was a dusty city without point by quoting a command in Deu- That said, there are Scripture-based elaborate water and sanitation systems, teronomy 25:4, “Do not muzzle an ox limits on how far one can go in adapt- with many animals in the streets, and while it is treading out the grain.” ing one’s behavior. We Christians people walking barefoot or in sandals. How did Paul make this strange jump cannot just do what we think is loving Even if one took a bath before visiting from oxen to people? Follow the Ap- and ignore scriptural teaching. Instead, a friend’s home, by the time he arrived plication Steps. (Step 1: What does it we must love others in ways that both his feet were dirty again. Therefore, a say?) “Do not muzzle an ox while it is communicate love and still result in good host assigned a servant to wash treading out the grain.” In the 1 Cor- obedience to all the biblical com- his guest’s feet before he could com- inthians passage he went on to ask, “Is mands. The imperative to love others fortably recline to eat (Luke 7:44). It it about oxen that God is concerned? shows us how to apply the commands: was this lowly, dirty, but practical task Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he?” it does not replace them. that Jesus taught the disciples to do for The answer to his question is no, not one another. This is the meaning to the in the original passage. The intended Using the Interpretation original set of readers and hearers. Steps: Two Biblical Examples meaning for the original hearers really Step 2: What does this mean? was about the fair treatment of animals. Foot Washing The Biblical absolute might be stated But Paul saw the core meaning (Step Before the Last Supper, Jesus washed like this, “No matter how important 2: What does it mean?) The core of the feet of his disciples and said, your role in the Christian community, that passage is that one who labors Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, always be willing to do the lowliest, deserves some income for his work. have washed your feet, you should most disagreeable tasks to benefit a (Step 3: What does it mean to me?) also wash one another’s feet. I have set fellow believer or fellow human.” That concept has many applications.

31:1 Spring 2014 12 Biblical Absolutes and Cultural Variation

He applied it to mean that people in some commands were obeyed in the orchard. I would have to ask permis- Christian communities should pay New Testament, including the follow- sion to take the fruit, or it would their pastors. Furthermore, since peo- ing example from Jesus’ life. be stealing. ple are more important than animals, When Is It Stealing? Some careful research may need to go Paul argued that this was the most into understanding what people in a important purpose of the command. Let us look at theft, using the Three particular culture have the right to take. Jesus also said people were the object Step Application Process. (Step 1): Many people groups in Irian Jaya have of the passages about oxen in the Old What did this say to them? “You shall very different rules about what a person Testament (Luke 13:15; 14:5). not steal.” Because it is universally worded, the universal principle is the has a right to take. The Pineapple Story (Gothard and Koning 1978) describes This is not an obvious application of a same as the original statement, “do not cross-cultural conflict as a result passage on treatment of oxen, but Jesus take what you do not have the right to of different rules about the owner- and Paul followed the application take.” Steps one and two are therefore ship of crops. If the missionary had steps for us. the same. The applications, however, asked, “Who has the right to take the vary with the culture. Had Jesus lived pineapples?” and believed what he was Some Less Obvious Examples in America and done exactly the same told, he would have avoided years of Sometimes these four interpretation things the Gospels tell us he did, he misunderstanding that undermined his principles are easy to apply. Christians witness. The Irianese in his story had today sense that they should help with a clear rule, “The person who plants the clean up and do some dirty jobs them eats them.” Garden produce is for other Christians without realiz- Had Jesus lived in then used generously to build obliga- ing they are “foot washing.” At other tion for future leadership. Owners may times, the process is difficult. In some America and done put a curse on their garden to protect cases problems arise from omitting it from thieves by calling on a higher one of the three steps to discover the exactly the same things power, usually an ancestor. The people core meaning. In other cases, a group the Gospels tell us he did, of that community had no experience of Christians feel that a particular or understanding of wage labor. The application is very obvious. When he would have been missionary assumed the protocol of that happens, the principle and its a thief. wage labor, “If I pay for the labor, I own application become coalesced in their whatever is produced by that labor.” minds, so that the application becomes the meaning. In other words, these Cultural Definitions of Hospitality Christians have confused a particular The command to “practice hospitality” cultural application with a true Bibli- would have been a thief. He used to (Romans 12:13) is understood every- cal absolute. As a result they preclude walk through orchards that belonged where, yet not in the same way. When a different application when the situa- to other people and eat the fruit, and 8 my daughter and I visited the Tboli tion changes. even the Pharisees did not complain. people of Mindanao, Philippines in Yet if I go through an American 1974, the Christians provided us with Some biblical commands are worded orchard and pick the fruit I can be gifts and hospitality which added up as universals, so the second step is arrested for theft. If I defend myself to a month’s wages. Their culture sets a unnecessary. “You shall not steal,” for in court by saying Jesus did it, I might very high standard of hospitality, and instance, was a specific command to get my name in the paper, but I won’t this is the level of kindness they felt ancient Israelites, but also a universal be let off. they should show to friends of their command for all people everywhere. beloved translator. New Testament commands such as “be The difference is in the application. hospitable” or “be kind” were given to (Step 3): What does it mean to me? As missionaries we are often the particular people, but the wording is Jesus lived in a culture that, through recipient of Christian hospitality in already universal. Kindness, hospitality, the Pentateuch, had defined public the United States. Many people have and theft are all understood in cultures rights as including picking fruit, as opened their homes and shown great everywhere. Such universal wording long as it was eaten on the spot. Since kindness to us, though we were strang- leads Christians to the fallacy that the his government gave Jesus the right ers. No one, however, has come close application is also clear and universal to take the fruit, he was not stealing. to giving us a month’s wages in hospi- when in fact it is affected by culture. My culture does not give a person the tality. We don’t expect such a thing in We can see this by examining how right to eat fruit from someone else’s North American culture. The universal

International Journal of Frontier Missiology T. Wayne Dye 13 command must have a culturally ap- propriate expression. once heard a Fijian Senator publicly say that Western Cultural Standards of Generosity societies are “primitive” because we typically leave The biblical command (Step 1) says to Imuch of the care of the elderly to public agencies. “be generous and willing to share” (1 for them. Jesus criticized the Pharisees The Bahinemo Christians with whom we Timothy 6:18). The core meaning is for worming their way out of paren- spent many years in Papua New Guinea clearly the same (Step 2). But the ap- tal obligation by giving to God what were eager to obey God and his com- plication is very different for an Isneg should have gone to parents (Matthew mands. We taught them to go to God’s villager in the northern Philippines 15:1-9). I once heard a Fijian Sena- Word rather than to us for the answers than it is for us (Step 3). If an Isneg tor publicly say that Western societies to their life questions. We would only came into his village with a basket of are “primitive” because we typically be there a limited number of years and pineapples from his garden, and gave leave much of the care of the elderly to wanted them to depend on Jesus for help. away two-thirds of them, he would be public agencies. In her view, old people Much to our embarrassment among considered stingy. The cultural stan- should be cared for by their families, missionary co-workers, they saw no com- dard is to give away three-quarters. If and should live with them. Certainly mand against smoking in the Bible and I returned from the grocery store and her approach is closer to what was gave away two-thirds of my groceries had no conviction that it was a sin. This done by the early church. to my neighbors, they would also be was in a context of God clearly convict- ing them of other sins in their lifestyle. concerned—about my sanity. We American Christians, including most elderly ones, see the issue differ- We live in different cultures, with Bahinemos knew that the Bible com- ently (Step 3: What does it mean to different standards and systems for mands us to care for our bodies, but they me?). We see the core meaning as es- sharing. The command is universal, saw no relationship between smoking sentially unchanged, but say that by fos- but the application is culture specific. and disease. The concept of a slow incre- It is best to consistently use the three tering public policies that do provide for mental cause and the statistical con- application steps and teach people in social security and community services, cept of risk are totally foreign to their other cultures to do so. we are in fact fulfilling our obligation. worldview. Unless we could show them As many Americans perceive things, a cause and effect relationship, they were Holy Kisses our homes have no room for an extra not ready to accept our idea that the Another example of contextualized family member, nor do older people strange lung diseases and coughs they obedience is the way various cultures want to be dependent on their families. had were the result of smoking. Further- follow the instructions to (Step 1) Only when other arrangements are in- more, locally grown tobacco provides “Greet one another with a holy kiss” adequate do we expect families to take one of their few pleasures in a world full (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, in elderly parents. This is an example of of insects and discomfort. It is also one 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians obedience that fits the cultural context of the few ways they can afford to pro- 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14). (Step 2) Greet of some people in the United States. vide hospitality to visitors, a very high one another in a warm, loving upright Should a Christian Smoke? value. Only a few who were very ill from way. When people of different cultures lung diseases quit smoking for medical follow through (Step 3), some cultures In the above examples, a tribal culture reasons, despite my efforts to teach on actually kiss. Others substitute an em- has held to a stronger realization of a this point.9 brace, a warm handshake, mutual bow- commandment than Americans. Lest ing, or even just a friendly voice and a we conclude that the issue is simply an During the early years of the church we smile. However it is done, love, respect, American lack of spirituality, here is a could simply have told them, “You can- and affection are communicated in a different example. Like many Ameri- not smoke and be a Christian.” After all, wholesome way. can evangelicals, my wife and I do not we were their initial evangelists and the smoke. We have taken the command in source of all they knew about these new Care for the Elderly–the Western Way 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 to mean that we teachings. To do so would not have tied Take another example, the command should care for our bodies. We know the teaching to Scripture, however. It to “honor your father and your moth- that smoking increases the risk of dis- would have convinced them that there er” (Steps 1 and 2). The early church ease. These days many Americans agree are some things for which you do not go clearly saw that honoring one’s parents with this, to the point they are willing to Scripture at all. The result would have included taking care of them when to make life difficult for smokers in been a lessened willingness to submit to they were old. The church cared for old order to get cigarette smoke completely God’s Word as the primary source for people who had no children to care out of offices and public places. knowing his will. It might easily have

31:1 Spring 2014 14 Biblical Absolutes and Cultural Variation increased their susceptibility to every These Four Application Principles and 1987 “Hermeneutics and the SMR self-styled “prophet” who came along. the Three-Step Application Process reveal Model of Communication.” IJFM Journal of Translation and Text the core meaning of a command. Linguistics, formerly called Oc- Conclusion and Summary casional Papers in Translation and Textlinguistics 1(2): 37-65. This article has attempted to explain Endnotes 1 2009 “Discovering the Holy Spirit’s why it is appropriate for Christians to It wasn’t that I thought I was succeed- Work in a Community.” In interpret and apply biblical teachings in ing in living righteously, but I thought if I were Perspectives on the World Christian th order to make them more appropriate to to succeed it would be by truly doing what I Movement: A Reader. 4 Edition, their own cultures. Down through the had been taught was right living for everyone. edited by Ralph D. Winter and 2 Stephen C. Hawthorne. Pasa- centuries, believers have naturally made All Biblical references in this article are noted from the New International Version. dena, CA: William Carey Library such applications without realizing it. 3 493-496. Indians and Africans often insisted Indeed, their perceptions of what Scrip- that she wear a head covering in church Geisler, Norman L. ture was asking of them were so molded after we let them know we wanted to do 1989 Christian Ethics: Options and Issues. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker by their own cultures that the principles what is right. Book House. and their cultural applications were 4 See The Other Side, Nov-Dec. 1975 Gothard, Bill and Otto Koning intertwined. The Epistles in particular for these and other examples. 1978 The Pineapple Story. Oak Brook, IL: 5 teach us that a Christian community Nevertheless mature Christians were Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts. should come to its own understanding being asked to give up that freedom for the Henry, Carl F. H. sake of some new believers. 1957 Christian Personal Ethics. Grand of how the Bible should be applied. 6 Even if believers in every society were For a more thorough discussion of Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. fully mature, there would still be differ- this concept and its hidden complexities, McQuilkin, Robertson see Geisler 1989. The approach I am taking 1995 An Introduction to Biblical Ethics. ences in how they obey the Bible. could be seen as a variant of “Graded Abso- Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House. lutism” (Geisler, 113-132). Murchison, William We presented four principles for de- 7 termining how a command applies. On the other hand, if it is written to 1994 Reclaiming Morality in America. us, and conflicts with something our culture Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 1. All of Scripture, both Old and New approves of or values, we will have a difficult Naroll, Raoul Testaments, is authoritative over all time seeing the real meaning of that com- 1983 The Moral Order. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications. people, in every age and culture. mand and applying it. 8 Jesus was breaking the law only if he Priest, Robert J. 2. There is an original set of readers did it on the Sabbath. (Mark 11:12-33). At 1993 “Cultural Anthropology, Sin and and hearers to which every pas- his trial the Pharisees did not raise this as a the Missionary.” In God and sage was addressed. problem. Culture, edited by Carson, D. A. 9 and John D. Woodbridge, 85-105. 3. The core meaning, of every com- Recently increasing numbers of the Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. mand of Scripture is applicable people of this village have come to realize the 1994 “Missionary Elenctics: Conscience in all cultures; this is the true relationship between smoking and health, with and Culture.” Missiology 22 (3): biblical absolute. the result that many have stopped smoking. 291-315. 1997 “Christian Theology, Sin, and 4. The command to love others References Anthropology.” In Explorations in as you love yourself states the Barrett, David. Anthropology and Theology, edited purpose of the other command- 1968 Schism and Renewal in Africa: An by Salamone, Frank A. and Walter ments, and thus provides a way Analysis of Six Thousand Contempo- Randolph Adams, 23-37. Lanham, to sort out cases of cultural and rary Religious Movements. Nairobi, MD: University Press of America. other conflicts in interpretation. Kenya: Oxford University Press. Biblica, Inc. A Three-Step Application Process helps 2011 The Holy Bible, New International Ver- one find the core meaning and how it sion. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. applies in any particular situation. Dye, Sally F. 1983 “Conflicting Standards of Goodness.” Step 1. What did this say to them? Notes on Scripture in Use 6: 23-37. (Original meaning) 2014 “Cultural Variation in Conscience: Part of God’s Design.” Interna- Step 2. What does it mean? (Core tional Journal of Frontier Missiol- meaning) ogy, 31:1, Spring 2014. Dye, T. Wayne Step 3. What does it mean to me? 1976 “Toward a Cross-Cultural Defini- (Personal meaning or to my friends tion of Sin.” Missiology: An Inter- in another culture) national Review 4 (1): 27–41.

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