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Cultural Intelligence: Living for God in a Diverse, Pluralistic World
Cultural intelligence requires that we understand the changing world around us, and engage these changes in ways that edify the church and winsomely seek after the lost. In Cultural Intelligence , Darrell L. Bock builds a theology of cultural engagement, and equips readers to relate well to their culture with an eye on the example set by Paul in the New Testament. This timely book will highlight the need to center our beliefs and practices around God’s word while interacting well with a culture that is increasingly detached from biblical truth.
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2020
51 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Darrell L. Bock
112 books71 followersDarrell L. Bock is a New Testament scholar and research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, United States. Bock received his PhD from Scotland's University of Aberdeen.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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July 10, 2023Really good, short read that many should take some time to look through. Hopeful and helpful for engaging with the world well and seeing people that disagree with us as people, not as enemies or projects or problems to be solved.
January 20, 2021
One major takeaway.. People are not the enemy, they're the goal. It's a spiritual battle we're involved in..
April 16, 2021
Somewhere between 3 and 4. Some good comments. Simple. Actually, surprised this was published under the academic imprint of B&H.
December 14, 2020
Darrell L. Bock, Cultural Intelligence: Living for God In a Diverse, Pluralistic World (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020), 128 pages.
Introduction
In one of the most famous passages from the book bearing Esther’s name, Mordecai quips, “It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” (Esther 4:14, NET)
Bock’s book is a book for such a time as this. His book touches upon something the Church desperately needs: cultural intelligence. Before discussing the meat of the book, I want to provide a brief description of why this book is such a gift to the Church.
We are living in uncertain times. At this point, we are still awaiting the votes of the Electoral College. Many news organizations have proclaimed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the winners of the 2020 Presidential Election. However, many Republicans are challenging this announcement through legislative action. The Church, filled with those who identify as both Republicans and Democrats, are at each other’s necks. Besides, there are a variety of views regarding sexuality, immigration, and other “hot topics.” In the midst of this, the Church has damaged her witness by her interactions with those in the world. Bock’s book is a reminder of the Church’s mission and how she can engage in that mission in a way that glorifies God and bridges divides. His book also contributes to how the Church engages the world and for what purpose.
Personally, this book came at a needed time. I have struggled with the various responses of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have wondered how our faith relates to the public square. In this book, based on Scripture, Bock provides guidance.
Overview of the Book
The book is comprised of five chapters. The first chapter builds a theology of cultural intelligence. That is, Bock uses six passages of Scripture that believers need to know their mission, identify the enemy, and engage in spiritual rescue. One of the prominent contributions of this chapter is how believers are to engage in conversation. Contrasted with the vitriol of the political section, believers are to communicate with grace and love.
In chapter two, Bock works with two passages of Scripture written by Paul. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul provides an in-depth look at humanity. This is written to the Church for the Church’s benefit. Bock also examines Acts 17:16-34 to describe how Paul related to the people he describes in Romans 1:18-32. Again, this provides a biblical example of how believers are to engage with the differences in culture and views today.
Chapter three opens the door to conversation. In a time in which discussion and communication are difficult in general, it seems the Church has failed to continue growing in interacted with individuals holding different views. Bock discusses what a conversation is. He also identifies ways that the Church can develop the skills needed to engage in helpful conversation.
Bock then moves onto salvation and the fruit of that in believers lives in chapter four. While present-day Americans tend to view salvation through an individualistic lens, Bock connects Scripture with the greater work of God in His children. It is not simply individualistic salvation (though Bock does not dismiss this), it is much more. It moves on to the whole of creation. One manifestation of this is the love believers are to extend to all others, what he refers to collectively as “the ethical triangle.”
Chapter five wraps everything up by providing specific examples of how believers can and should engage the various cultures and worldviews that are present today. He provides helpful breakdowns of implementing the discussions of chapters 1-4 that enable believers to take action. Ironically, one of the primary actions believers should take is to listen.
Strengths of the Book
The book is incredibly helpful for many reasons. I will offer a few highlights in the hope that it will stir your hearts to purchase the book.
• The reminder of the main mission of the Church.
Bock does a great job of reminding believers of the mission of the Church. In our highly politicized society, we have equivocated politics with our walk with God. Unfortunately, this has harmed not only her witness but also her mission. God is not God of the Republican or the Democrat party. However, Christians can become caught up in this political identity. Bock writes, “For decades the church fought a culture war where we often made other people the enemy. But this core biblical text [referring to Ephesians 6:10-18] reminds us that our real battle is spiritual….Our mission is not to defeat or crush people. It is to stand with spiritual resources against an unseen enemy.” We can see how destructive this confusion is on any social media platform. This, I think, is one of the most helpful aspects of Bock’s book.
• The art of engaging in conversation.
While building on the theology of cultural intelligence, Bock provides an incredible gift to the Church by describing how to engage in conversation. Primarily found in chapter three, Bock examines what occurs during a conversation (what he refers to as “triphonics”). He also briefly discusses the ways we can end conversations through our actions, what he refers to as “sabotage.” He offers five ways we can develop conversations, of which the last is, in my opinion, the most helpful. He writes, “I often tell my students that they need a scale on which to rather their level of conviction.” Discerning the level of one’s conviction is important in our interactions within and without the Church.
• The last contribution that I would like to highlight (though I admit it was hard to narrow it!) is his discussion of “from life to the Bible.” Building upon a significant discussion on the change our culture has experienced, Bock provides a helpful way to connect Scripture to the lives of people. While previous generations enjoyed a certain base understanding and acceptance of Judeo-Christian values (see page 85-89), present-day believers do not, particularly in the United States. However, Bock describes this way to connect life to Scripture with several suggestions. To begin with, we need to evaluate culture through Scripture and praise its good qualities while pointing out the faults. It also “requires listening.” The third and fourth elements tie into theology and communication. He states, “Theological translation involves putting terms that we understand (but that someone else may not) into more mutually transparent language.” That is, believers must learn to communicate clearly without using theological terms that people may not understand. Finally, from life to the Bible also requires a deep understanding of the whole of Scripture. This prohibits us from cherry-picking Scripture and engaging in imbalances.
Weaknesses of the Book
The only weakness of the book is the limited treatment of the thesis. That is, I would have liked to see Bock provide more examples and materials on those examples. He does include tough topics (e.g., immigration, gun rights, and sexuality). I found this helpful, but I would love to see further discussion and perhaps even presentations of actual interactions with comments.
Who should purchase this Book?
Every single Christian should read and implement this book, particularly Christians who reside in the United States. With the volatile atmosphere and the divide in the US, Christians should not withdraw and disappear from the public square. However, when engaging in conversation, Christians cannot continue as they have previously. We must acknowledge our sins of previous and even present engagement, learn what the Scriptures teach, and then engage in the cultures to which God has called us.
Introduction
In one of the most famous passages from the book bearing Esther’s name, Mordecai quips, “It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” (Esther 4:14, NET)
Bock’s book is a book for such a time as this. His book touches upon something the Church desperately needs: cultural intelligence. Before discussing the meat of the book, I want to provide a brief description of why this book is such a gift to the Church.
We are living in uncertain times. At this point, we are still awaiting the votes of the Electoral College. Many news organizations have proclaimed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the winners of the 2020 Presidential Election. However, many Republicans are challenging this announcement through legislative action. The Church, filled with those who identify as both Republicans and Democrats, are at each other’s necks. Besides, there are a variety of views regarding sexuality, immigration, and other “hot topics.” In the midst of this, the Church has damaged her witness by her interactions with those in the world. Bock’s book is a reminder of the Church’s mission and how she can engage in that mission in a way that glorifies God and bridges divides. His book also contributes to how the Church engages the world and for what purpose.
Personally, this book came at a needed time. I have struggled with the various responses of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have wondered how our faith relates to the public square. In this book, based on Scripture, Bock provides guidance.
Overview of the Book
The book is comprised of five chapters. The first chapter builds a theology of cultural intelligence. That is, Bock uses six passages of Scripture that believers need to know their mission, identify the enemy, and engage in spiritual rescue. One of the prominent contributions of this chapter is how believers are to engage in conversation. Contrasted with the vitriol of the political section, believers are to communicate with grace and love.
In chapter two, Bock works with two passages of Scripture written by Paul. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul provides an in-depth look at humanity. This is written to the Church for the Church’s benefit. Bock also examines Acts 17:16-34 to describe how Paul related to the people he describes in Romans 1:18-32. Again, this provides a biblical example of how believers are to engage with the differences in culture and views today.
Chapter three opens the door to conversation. In a time in which discussion and communication are difficult in general, it seems the Church has failed to continue growing in interacted with individuals holding different views. Bock discusses what a conversation is. He also identifies ways that the Church can develop the skills needed to engage in helpful conversation.
Bock then moves onto salvation and the fruit of that in believers lives in chapter four. While present-day Americans tend to view salvation through an individualistic lens, Bock connects Scripture with the greater work of God in His children. It is not simply individualistic salvation (though Bock does not dismiss this), it is much more. It moves on to the whole of creation. One manifestation of this is the love believers are to extend to all others, what he refers to collectively as “the ethical triangle.”
Chapter five wraps everything up by providing specific examples of how believers can and should engage the various cultures and worldviews that are present today. He provides helpful breakdowns of implementing the discussions of chapters 1-4 that enable believers to take action. Ironically, one of the primary actions believers should take is to listen.
Strengths of the Book
The book is incredibly helpful for many reasons. I will offer a few highlights in the hope that it will stir your hearts to purchase the book.
• The reminder of the main mission of the Church.
Bock does a great job of reminding believers of the mission of the Church. In our highly politicized society, we have equivocated politics with our walk with God. Unfortunately, this has harmed not only her witness but also her mission. God is not God of the Republican or the Democrat party. However, Christians can become caught up in this political identity. Bock writes, “For decades the church fought a culture war where we often made other people the enemy. But this core biblical text [referring to Ephesians 6:10-18] reminds us that our real battle is spiritual….Our mission is not to defeat or crush people. It is to stand with spiritual resources against an unseen enemy.” We can see how destructive this confusion is on any social media platform. This, I think, is one of the most helpful aspects of Bock’s book.
• The art of engaging in conversation.
While building on the theology of cultural intelligence, Bock provides an incredible gift to the Church by describing how to engage in conversation. Primarily found in chapter three, Bock examines what occurs during a conversation (what he refers to as “triphonics”). He also briefly discusses the ways we can end conversations through our actions, what he refers to as “sabotage.” He offers five ways we can develop conversations, of which the last is, in my opinion, the most helpful. He writes, “I often tell my students that they need a scale on which to rather their level of conviction.” Discerning the level of one’s conviction is important in our interactions within and without the Church.
• The last contribution that I would like to highlight (though I admit it was hard to narrow it!) is his discussion of “from life to the Bible.” Building upon a significant discussion on the change our culture has experienced, Bock provides a helpful way to connect Scripture to the lives of people. While previous generations enjoyed a certain base understanding and acceptance of Judeo-Christian values (see page 85-89), present-day believers do not, particularly in the United States. However, Bock describes this way to connect life to Scripture with several suggestions. To begin with, we need to evaluate culture through Scripture and praise its good qualities while pointing out the faults. It also “requires listening.” The third and fourth elements tie into theology and communication. He states, “Theological translation involves putting terms that we understand (but that someone else may not) into more mutually transparent language.” That is, believers must learn to communicate clearly without using theological terms that people may not understand. Finally, from life to the Bible also requires a deep understanding of the whole of Scripture. This prohibits us from cherry-picking Scripture and engaging in imbalances.
Weaknesses of the Book
The only weakness of the book is the limited treatment of the thesis. That is, I would have liked to see Bock provide more examples and materials on those examples. He does include tough topics (e.g., immigration, gun rights, and sexuality). I found this helpful, but I would love to see further discussion and perhaps even presentations of actual interactions with comments.
Who should purchase this Book?
Every single Christian should read and implement this book, particularly Christians who reside in the United States. With the volatile atmosphere and the divide in the US, Christians should not withdraw and disappear from the public square. However, when engaging in conversation, Christians cannot continue as they have previously. We must acknowledge our sins of previous and even present engagement, learn what the Scriptures teach, and then engage in the cultures to which God has called us.
March 15, 2021
Chapter 3 on difficult conversations is the primary value of this book for me. I found the book to be repetitive and not going very deep. I kept waiting for the examples which the book promised. When I got to Chapter 5 (the final chapter) where the examples were supposed to be illustrated, I was quite disappointed. This book did not advance me beyond where I am already. Perhaps because I focus on the marketplace, I've already worked through what the book focuses upon -- meeting people where they are at and helping them engage in the gospel from that vantage point.
I could see value in using this book for those who have not yet embraced their call to be light and salt in the marketplace, and have not yet grabbed hold of the need to be wise students of culture. The idea of tensions, and learning to walk in them, is a theme that has taken hold in marketplace leadership. Having the courage to lead and hold difficult, balanced conversations is the fodder of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Christian business leaders have an incredible opportunity to engage in these conversations if they are willing to do as this book recommends -- become conversive with those who do not share the same worldview.
I could see value in using this book for those who have not yet embraced their call to be light and salt in the marketplace, and have not yet grabbed hold of the need to be wise students of culture. The idea of tensions, and learning to walk in them, is a theme that has taken hold in marketplace leadership. Having the courage to lead and hold difficult, balanced conversations is the fodder of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Christian business leaders have an incredible opportunity to engage in these conversations if they are willing to do as this book recommends -- become conversive with those who do not share the same worldview.
August 10, 2024
Don’t be a lazy cultural engager! This book has reminded me that living by faith and sharing faith is a long-haul journey of humility, learning, growing in character and competence, being transformed and having a deep conviction about what we believe. We often approach sharing our faith in a lazy way where we don’t embrace biblical literacy, cultural competency and spiritual discernment as we should. We resent the process and slow progress of what it means to truly be ambassadors of Christ and we assume that just because we know we carry Good News, automatically it should be received and embraced as that to those who don’t know it the same way. We are uncomfortable with the tensions that may exist that mean we need to just wrestle a bit more with what we or others believe and also admit where some things will not be black and white for now. I wish the author would have spoken a little more about how we are to be incarnational in our approach, understanding others not just through conversation but through entering their world, embracing culture as long as it doesn’t undermine our faith etc. But overall really challenged!
January 15, 2021
This is not a great book, maybe not even a good book. This partly because it seems to be several years behind the curve. Cultural intelligence in this case seems to mean realizing that the culture has changed and Christians need to adapt. Of course this has been true for decades, but it seems that Bock and Dallas Theological Seminary are just awakening to that fact. There are good recommendations here as far as emphasizing listening, being gentle in our approach and response to people but most of all recognizing that the Bible doesn't have the place of authority that it had a couple of generations back. This might be a good book for older Christians who believe we still live in Christian America. For anyone else, there really is nothing new or eye-opening.
September 13, 2025
Great little primer on cultural intelligence from a Christian perspective. I wish every Christian would take the short amount of time it would take to read and internalize. It would save so much misunderstanding and talking past each other which characterizes so much of our public discourse online and in-person.
I especially appreciated his emphasis on the relational side of cultural intelligence, the focus on truly listening to understand both the substance and spirit in which ideas are communicated, the healthy tensions inherent in Scripture, and the place of challenge and invitation in cultural engagement. The chapter “Difficult Conversations: How to make them Better” was incredibly practical and helpful.
I especially appreciated his emphasis on the relational side of cultural intelligence, the focus on truly listening to understand both the substance and spirit in which ideas are communicated, the healthy tensions inherent in Scripture, and the place of challenge and invitation in cultural engagement. The chapter “Difficult Conversations: How to make them Better” was incredibly practical and helpful.
April 17, 2023
Decent introduction to thinking about how we engage life with the Bible.
Looking at some texts that help us with how to have healthy conversations that welcome and challenge.
Giving tips on how to have a fruitful discussion.
Highlighting hope and long conversations.
Wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. It was very much an introduction. I would've liked a bit more depth and at least some recommendations on what to read to go deeper.
Very much needed and good for every Christian to read if they haven't thought about engage culture with hope.
Looking at some texts that help us with how to have healthy conversations that welcome and challenge.
Giving tips on how to have a fruitful discussion.
Highlighting hope and long conversations.
Wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. It was very much an introduction. I would've liked a bit more depth and at least some recommendations on what to read to go deeper.
Very much needed and good for every Christian to read if they haven't thought about engage culture with hope.
May 30, 2021
Cultural Intelligence
I was drawn to this book by a Think Biblically podcast, in which the author was interviewed. This is my first exposure to this author. There’s a bunch of great advice on engaging culture with the hope of the gospel. The book demonstrates complexities that , when understood, actually aid in building bridges with other believers and non-believers alike. A “must recommend.”
I was drawn to this book by a Think Biblically podcast, in which the author was interviewed. This is my first exposure to this author. There’s a bunch of great advice on engaging culture with the hope of the gospel. The book demonstrates complexities that , when understood, actually aid in building bridges with other believers and non-believers alike. A “must recommend.”
January 16, 2021
Helpful biblical insight into approaching unbelieving cultures. Especially good is his observation regarding moral evaluation of culture vs manner of interacting. I lament there was virtually no remarks on the role of the supernatural in evangelism (e.g. prophetic ministry to unbelievers that reveals God knows them).
November 9, 2020
A good primer on how Christians should think about and approach culture in our world today.
March 12, 2021
As usual Dr Bock brings a relevant, helpful and clear voice to contemporary issues. Easy read with lots of great nuggets.
May 22, 2024
Every Christian needs to read this! Rather than getting into ridiculous political and social debates, we need to realize that people are the goal, not the problem.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews