I’ve always HEARD that several cultures are based on shame, but I want to be totally vulnerable here: I’ve just never pondered it very closely before. Until I saw this page…
http://thefatherslovebooklet.org/about-4/
So here’s my question — do you agree or not? In cultures that are reportedly “shame-based,” does this approach seem to more effectively communicate the truths of the Good News? This author believes so:
http://thefatherslovebooklet.org/about-4/
If that’s been your experience, would you mind typing out a five-line case study? (Doesn’t have to be exactly five lines. I’m just suggesting that ‘short is ok.’) If so, just click “Comment” following the web version of this item and we’ll all greatly appreciate it. For more info, read articles here (several of which are free):
I would be very interested in getting the results of your survey. Thanks. – GKent
I certainly agree with Werner’s article. I am involved with one culture (A) that says about the majority culture (B) in which they reside, that they (B) sin, but we (A) don’t sin. But shame is an extremely high value in the (B) culture and comments about covering shame are understood and in their frequency. bkc
The presentation is fantastic. Those with a Western mindset (that focuses on sin/guilt) need to see how extensive God’s love is for us. He has left no stone unturned to remedy every human ailment through Jesus sacrifice. His salvific work is not one dimensional but multi-dimensional, saving to the utmost those who believe. Awesome stuff!
I was able to attend one of Werner’s workshops (after speaking to him at the Wholistic Missions Conference). At the workshop the background material is presented so you get the whole picture. The end result is being able to understand WHY?? is it so different sharing with a Honor/Shame culture from our Guilt/Innocence POV. Then, the booklet puts everything together.
I would recommend downloading some of his other resources as well, but the workshop is more clarifying.
I’ve been through a 3-day presentation on World View from Roland Muller, and while Werner’s material doesn’t take you through how we “got” to our Guilt/Innocence WV, it certainly clarified even more clearly the Honor/Shame.
The other helpful event was the World View track at the Wholistic Missions Conference.
Truthfully, each of these three trainings work together and my understanding was missing pieces without all three.
If you are involved in sharing with those from an Honor/Shame culture, I would recommend Werner’s workshp. As for trying to take the booklets overseas – that may not work because of security issues. Perhaps learning to do the presentation using the “pen and a napkin” technique would be more effective outside of a western country.