What is inculturation?

Response

In religious contexts, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, inculturation refers to adapting church doctrine and ritual to unreached or non-Christian cultures. In Catholicism, inculturation involves adjusting the liturgy to different cultures and accepting various pagan practices considered part of the traditional culture. However, inculturation is not exclusive to Catholicism. Whenever the gospel is introduced to a new culture, the issue of inculturation must be considered.

When the apostle Paul attempted to evangelize the Greeks in Athens, he engaged in inculturation to some extent (Acts 17:22-33). Paul started by acknowledging that the Greeks had an altar dedicated to “the unknown god” whom they worshipped. This approach allowed Paul to connect with the Greeks and their culture. He then progressed to reveal the truth about their “unknown” deity, declaring the reality of the God who created them and provided for their salvation. Additionally, Paul cited some contemporary philosophers, stating, “for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.'” (Acts 17:28) to strengthen his message further.

Paul’s inculturation or contextualization of the gospel began by acknowledging the Greeks’ belief in a God, even though they did not know Him, and expanding on that limited understanding. Paul tapped into the universal awareness of God’s existence (Romans 1:19-20) and explained that God is the Creator, stating, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” (Acts 17:24), it is stated that God is self-sufficient (verse 25) and that He establishes the ways for people to learn about Him (verses 26–27). The discussion then delves into God’s providence in salvation and emphasizes the future judgment of the world through Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead, stressing the necessity for all individuals to repent (verses 30–31). Upon hearing about the resurrection, the Greeks had varied reactions: some ridiculed, some postponed judgment, and some believed (verses 32–34).

Paul’s teachings on Mars Hill highlight key truths about inculturation. Initially, Paul utilized elements from their culture to engage their minds and hearts, connecting this approach to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Crucially, this adaptation did not entail compromising the gospel itself. While the message remained unchanged, Paul tailored his presentation. He fearlessly proclaimed the timeless truths of the gospel without reservation or dilution. The message of salvation through faith in Christ alone contains challenging truths that may lead to immediate rejection by many. Some may delay acceptance until it is too late. However, those chosen by God will rejoice in the gospel’s truth, embracing it and following Christ.

Recognizing that God ordains the means to save those He has predestined is a vital aspect of the inculturation process (Romans 8:29-30). Attempts to make the gospel more “relatable” to diverse cultural contexts should never involve diluting its challenging truths or distorting its essence. Inculturation becomes problematic when it tolerates sin. Regardless of cultural acceptance, idolatry is always unacceptable and should not be incorporated into the gospel to broaden its appeal.

Hearing. No amount of inculturation will prevent some individuals from perceiving the message of the cross as foolishness, but “to us who are being saved it is the power of God” «For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. », (1 Corinthians 1:18).