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Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is a crosscultural book. Scripture is full of narratives of God's people crossing cultures in pursuit of God's mission. Biblical texts shed light on mission Sarah and Hagar functioning in an honor-shame culture, Moses as a multicultural leader, Ruth as a crosscultural conversion, David and Uriah illustrating power distance, the queen of Sheba as an international truth-seeker, Daniel as a transnational student, Paul in Athens as a model of contextualization, and much more. Missionary and missions professor Marvin Newell provides a biblical theology of culture and mission, mining the depths of Scripture to tease out missiological insights and crosscultural perspectives. Unlike other such books that are organized topically, this text is organized canonically, revealing how the whole of Scripture speaks to contemporary mission realities. Comprehensive in scope, filled with biblical insight and missional expertise, this book is an essential resource for students and practitioners of crosscultural ministry and mission.
- GenresChristian
302 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 16, 2016
Marvin J. Newell is senior vice president of Missio Nexus, a network of evangelical mission agencies, churches and training centers in North America. Newell previously served as the executive director of CrossGlobal Link and served as a missionary to Indonesia for twenty-one years. Newell also served as professor of missions and intercultural studies at the Moody Theological Seminary. He is the author of a number of books, the most recent of which being Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice.
Crossing Cultures in Scripture is a stimulating canonical exploration that presents a biblical theology of culture and God’s activity therein from Genesis to Revelation. Newell divides the book into three major sections: (1) foundational cultural considerations, (2) crossing cultures in the Old Testament, and (3) crossing cultures in the New Testament. The presupposition that guides the overall existence of this investigation is discovered in Newell’s adherence to the Reformation principal of sola Scriptura. For Newell, the Bible is “the first and final authority for all that we believe and practice” and the “primary point of reference” for studying and engaging culture (p. 13). Therefore, when it comes to the task of cultural and crosscultural engagement, for Newell, “the Bible itself is a textbook on cultural understanding” that displays itself within three primary realities: (1) the Bible is the portrayer of cultures, (2) the Bible is a sculptor of cultures, and (3) the Bible is an appraiser of cultures (p. 13-14).
The foundation of Newell’s approach is strengthened by the excellence of his guided cultural tour through the biblical narrative of both the Old and New Testament. The definition of “culture” explored in Newell’s study is bound to human existence. Newell explains, “Culture is the distinctive beliefs, values, and customs of a particular group of people that determine how they think, feel, and behave” (p. 17). As such, Patrick Fung rightly recognizes the usefulness of Newell’s work in his forward to the volume, writing, “Crossing Cultures helps us to both decode the Bible stories from the biblical cultures and to encode the Bible stories for different cultures today, so that God’s message remains relevant and universal” (p. 11). The chapters are numerous (36 chapters total) and brief (roughly 7 pages per chapter). Newell rounds out the volume with several helpful appendices, including a sermon series guide that stretches 13 weeks and allows Pastor or Bible study leaders to engage their people in the content of the book.
There are a number of positive aspect of this book apart from the content. Two of those deserve mention here. First, Newell has including numerous graphs and diagrams throughout the volume to help the reader visualize the content in a manner that cultivates learning and application. There is also a table and figure list at the end of the volume for future reference. Second, each chapter in the volume is organized into at least three section: (1) setting, (2) crosscultural insights, and (3) crossing takeaway. The latter provides the reader with a quick paragraph of easily digestible and applicable content for each chapter.
The Bible is overflowing with cultural significance, and Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice by Marvin J. Newell helps readers explore it through the lenses of cultural engagement. Newell has provided a stunning parade of the practical importance of biblical theology as it pertains to the life and wellbeing of Christian missions and culture in the twenty-first century. This is a book that will surpass its reputation in usefulness and impact for those actively involved in cultural or crosscultural engagement, which should be every person seeking to faithfully follow Jesus. If you are looking for a book that will both equip and challenge your understanding of Scripture and culture, your time will be well invested here. This book comes highly recommended!
Crossing Cultures in Scripture is a stimulating canonical exploration that presents a biblical theology of culture and God’s activity therein from Genesis to Revelation. Newell divides the book into three major sections: (1) foundational cultural considerations, (2) crossing cultures in the Old Testament, and (3) crossing cultures in the New Testament. The presupposition that guides the overall existence of this investigation is discovered in Newell’s adherence to the Reformation principal of sola Scriptura. For Newell, the Bible is “the first and final authority for all that we believe and practice” and the “primary point of reference” for studying and engaging culture (p. 13). Therefore, when it comes to the task of cultural and crosscultural engagement, for Newell, “the Bible itself is a textbook on cultural understanding” that displays itself within three primary realities: (1) the Bible is the portrayer of cultures, (2) the Bible is a sculptor of cultures, and (3) the Bible is an appraiser of cultures (p. 13-14).
The foundation of Newell’s approach is strengthened by the excellence of his guided cultural tour through the biblical narrative of both the Old and New Testament. The definition of “culture” explored in Newell’s study is bound to human existence. Newell explains, “Culture is the distinctive beliefs, values, and customs of a particular group of people that determine how they think, feel, and behave” (p. 17). As such, Patrick Fung rightly recognizes the usefulness of Newell’s work in his forward to the volume, writing, “Crossing Cultures helps us to both decode the Bible stories from the biblical cultures and to encode the Bible stories for different cultures today, so that God’s message remains relevant and universal” (p. 11). The chapters are numerous (36 chapters total) and brief (roughly 7 pages per chapter). Newell rounds out the volume with several helpful appendices, including a sermon series guide that stretches 13 weeks and allows Pastor or Bible study leaders to engage their people in the content of the book.
There are a number of positive aspect of this book apart from the content. Two of those deserve mention here. First, Newell has including numerous graphs and diagrams throughout the volume to help the reader visualize the content in a manner that cultivates learning and application. There is also a table and figure list at the end of the volume for future reference. Second, each chapter in the volume is organized into at least three section: (1) setting, (2) crosscultural insights, and (3) crossing takeaway. The latter provides the reader with a quick paragraph of easily digestible and applicable content for each chapter.
The Bible is overflowing with cultural significance, and Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice by Marvin J. Newell helps readers explore it through the lenses of cultural engagement. Newell has provided a stunning parade of the practical importance of biblical theology as it pertains to the life and wellbeing of Christian missions and culture in the twenty-first century. This is a book that will surpass its reputation in usefulness and impact for those actively involved in cultural or crosscultural engagement, which should be every person seeking to faithfully follow Jesus. If you are looking for a book that will both equip and challenge your understanding of Scripture and culture, your time will be well invested here. This book comes highly recommended!
June 23, 2024
Newell, in his concluding chapter, writes, "Indeed the Bible serves as a textbook on cultural comprehension, teaching us how to understand cultural origins, multicultural development, and unique cultural expressions." This is a good summation of the heart of this book—from Genesis to Revelation Newell weaves together a biblical theology of how to cross cultures in a way that promotes the proclamation of the gospel and brings God glory among all peoples. While a lot of books have been written on the principles of how to cross cultures effectively, this book does so, but builds off the foundation of Scripture. This is a great book to grow in a biblical understanding of how God's people have carried the gospel across borders and among those who needed a gospel witness. If you are equipping missionaries or are yourself preparing to go, grab this book and see these biblical accounts through cross-cultural lenses.
April 19, 2020
read this for seminary, pretty good, 3.5
August 7, 2021
Great examples from the Bible of how to cross cultures successfully without compromising gods word nor doggedly sticking to what your culture thinks is right or honorable.
November 12, 2016
In the span of about 300 pages Marvin Newell moves through 36 chapters, drawing missiological insights from the stories of Ruth, Solomon, Daniel, Jesus, The Jerusalem Church, Paul, and the Writer of Hebrews. From these stories he covers topics like Honor and Shame, being a multi-cultural leader, cross-cultural conversion, ethnocentrism, transnationalism, cross-cultural conflict management, and doxological diversity.
Among the 36 chapters I particularly liked the chapter on Jacob’s marriage. Here Newell covers the topic of “the consequences of cross-cultural ignorance.” As you know, Jacob ended up with a wife, not of his choosing, because of a lack of awareness regarding marriage customs. From this simple story we learn that on mission ignorance of customs doesn’t actually serve as an excuse and that as a foreigner cultural exceptions don’t apply. This just goes to show when crossing cultures we need to make every effort to learn the customs in our host’s culture. I also loved the chapter on the book of revelation. There he says that “doxological diversity” is God’s ultimate purpose! If only more American Evangelicals were aware of this principle!
In addition to having some really interesting chapters I think the primary high points of this book actually come when Newell integrates stories his real life missionary experiences into the lessons he draws from the sections of Scripture. There we see theory hit the ground. Also, a highlight of this book comes in the very clearly marked “crossing takeaway” sections. There he lists 2-4 insights that we ought to take away from the biblical stories. Newell has made this book immanently practical.
For these reasons and more I would recommend this book to biblical theology of mission classes. Maybe partner it up with Wright’s The Mission of God and/or Glasser’s Announcing the Kingdom. It would act well as a supplement to that genre of book. Another option would be to assign this book to a Sunday school class on missions. Maybe pick 8-12 of the stories from this book, assign these chapters to your class and talk about them. Either way, this is a very useful book for getting people oriented to the missiological nature of scripture.
Scripture is a crosscultural book. It was written in cross-cultural contexts. Its full of cross-cultural encounters. It assumes cross-cultural movements. It ends with cross-cultural worship.
I’ll admit, I had some issues with some of Newell’s readings of particular texts, but nothing that was big enough for me to hesitate recommending this book. In fact I highly recommend it because Crossing Cultures in Scripture highlights the cross-cultural nature of the bible and gives practical steps towards growing into cross-cultural gospel messengers in whatever context God has placed us.
Among the 36 chapters I particularly liked the chapter on Jacob’s marriage. Here Newell covers the topic of “the consequences of cross-cultural ignorance.” As you know, Jacob ended up with a wife, not of his choosing, because of a lack of awareness regarding marriage customs. From this simple story we learn that on mission ignorance of customs doesn’t actually serve as an excuse and that as a foreigner cultural exceptions don’t apply. This just goes to show when crossing cultures we need to make every effort to learn the customs in our host’s culture. I also loved the chapter on the book of revelation. There he says that “doxological diversity” is God’s ultimate purpose! If only more American Evangelicals were aware of this principle!
In addition to having some really interesting chapters I think the primary high points of this book actually come when Newell integrates stories his real life missionary experiences into the lessons he draws from the sections of Scripture. There we see theory hit the ground. Also, a highlight of this book comes in the very clearly marked “crossing takeaway” sections. There he lists 2-4 insights that we ought to take away from the biblical stories. Newell has made this book immanently practical.
For these reasons and more I would recommend this book to biblical theology of mission classes. Maybe partner it up with Wright’s The Mission of God and/or Glasser’s Announcing the Kingdom. It would act well as a supplement to that genre of book. Another option would be to assign this book to a Sunday school class on missions. Maybe pick 8-12 of the stories from this book, assign these chapters to your class and talk about them. Either way, this is a very useful book for getting people oriented to the missiological nature of scripture.
Scripture is a crosscultural book. It was written in cross-cultural contexts. Its full of cross-cultural encounters. It assumes cross-cultural movements. It ends with cross-cultural worship.
I’ll admit, I had some issues with some of Newell’s readings of particular texts, but nothing that was big enough for me to hesitate recommending this book. In fact I highly recommend it because Crossing Cultures in Scripture highlights the cross-cultural nature of the bible and gives practical steps towards growing into cross-cultural gospel messengers in whatever context God has placed us.
December 14, 2017
If you’re like me, often you unconsciously fall into thinking that all the people in the Bible are basically white, North American males (and some females) who enjoy nuclear families, are concerned about their careers and sing worship songs at church. We can be so familiar with the Bible we forget how foreign it actually is.
Even if we recognize that the Bible presents a different culture and ethnicity than ours, we forget the Bible is not monocultural. Marvin Newell reminds us in Crossing Cultures in Scripture that there are many cultures portrayed in Scripture, cultures which have misunderstandings and conflicts with each other, as well as successful interactions.
Newell guides readers from Genesis to Revelation, unpacking dozens of cross-cultural episodes, to especially help missionaries who spend extended periods of time in other cultures. Along the way he tells interesting stories of crosscultural mishaps and successes he has experienced or seen with others.
While Newell focuses on crosscultural principles, I was hoping we would learn more about actual differences among biblical cultures (as well as today’s), exploring dynamics like honor-shame and power-distance much more. The book is primarily directed at those who are new to long-term missions, and the book will likely be good for them but perhaps not many others. I’m not in the target audience, but I have hung around the Bible a while and know a bit about crossing cultures. Though I found good reminders there was not much new here.
Even if we recognize that the Bible presents a different culture and ethnicity than ours, we forget the Bible is not monocultural. Marvin Newell reminds us in Crossing Cultures in Scripture that there are many cultures portrayed in Scripture, cultures which have misunderstandings and conflicts with each other, as well as successful interactions.
Newell guides readers from Genesis to Revelation, unpacking dozens of cross-cultural episodes, to especially help missionaries who spend extended periods of time in other cultures. Along the way he tells interesting stories of crosscultural mishaps and successes he has experienced or seen with others.
While Newell focuses on crosscultural principles, I was hoping we would learn more about actual differences among biblical cultures (as well as today’s), exploring dynamics like honor-shame and power-distance much more. The book is primarily directed at those who are new to long-term missions, and the book will likely be good for them but perhaps not many others. I’m not in the target audience, but I have hung around the Bible a while and know a bit about crossing cultures. Though I found good reminders there was not much new here.
July 5, 2016
"Crossing Cultures in Scripture" looks at the cross-cultural encounters described in the Bible and draws lessons from them for missionaries and those who work in cross-cultural contexts. The author illustrated his points with stories from his own experiences and those of other missionaries. I think this book would be useful for those who are interested in or newly involved in cross-cultural ministry.
The author started in Genesis and worked all the way through the Bible to Revelation. Some of the lessons were about understanding different cultures, like honor/shame societies, power-distance dynamics, and tribe-clan-family groupings. Most were lessons about embracing the culture you're working in and about circumstances you might encounter, like needing a favor (Abraham), the consequences of ignorance (Jacob), multicultural leadership (Moses), leading a despised cultural minority (Nehemiah), cross-cultural conflict resolution (Acts), and preaching to pagans (Acts).
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The author started in Genesis and worked all the way through the Bible to Revelation. Some of the lessons were about understanding different cultures, like honor/shame societies, power-distance dynamics, and tribe-clan-family groupings. Most were lessons about embracing the culture you're working in and about circumstances you might encounter, like needing a favor (Abraham), the consequences of ignorance (Jacob), multicultural leadership (Moses), leading a despised cultural minority (Nehemiah), cross-cultural conflict resolution (Acts), and preaching to pagans (Acts).
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 26, 2016
In Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice, Marv Newell of Missio Nexus explores many of the cross-cultural encounters described in scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, and what we can learn from each one to apply to a variety of cross-cultural situations today. This helpful book fills a gap in our biblical theology of culture and missions and includes many thoughtful practical applications. It would make a great resource for a teaching or preaching series;
November 12, 2025
I read this for a class. It has some good insights, but none of them are coming to mind at he moment. Tossed 2025.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews