Bible Studies
Mission Bible Study 3: The Creation of CultureIsaac Canales
Read Genesis
11:1-9.
1. What was the world like at this time in terms of culture (v. 1)?
2. From verses 3 and 4, what were the people's motivations for building this city and tower?
3. Have you seen anything like this in your own time, or can you see parallels from other periods of history?
4. What do you think God means when he says in verse 6, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them?"
5. How is God's response an act of mercy to the people (v. 7-9)?
6. With this passage in mind, why do you think God created culture?
7. Have you ever experienced a different language or culture? How did you feel? How did the experience affect the way you think?
8. Identify the specific influences in your life that have given you a negative view of other cultures and peoples (parental prejudices, national policy, etc.).
9. Consider the role arrogance has played in your view of other cultures. What role do you think arrogance has in stereotypes?
10. If God created a multitude of cultures to check our pride, no one can boast over much of his or her background. We can still relish our distinctives, just as God surely enjoys his creation of a multitude of societies. What are the positives and negatives for people of "one language" who remain tightly knit together? In Revelation we get a picture of how God desires to unite the people once again.
Read Revelation
7:9-10.
11. The variety of cultures can be a curse - keeping us from one another and
feeding pride in what is "our own" - or it can open our eyes to the beauty,
as well as the ugliness, of every system of values. Revelation gives us a picture
of "every nation, tribe, people and language ruling together." Discuss ways
you have seen multiculturalism used as a blessing in your own life, city, church
and/or history.
12. Response: As a group or individually, consider organizing an event that expresses in tangible terms the diversity of God's family. Be creative.
Mission
Bible Study 1: An Affair of the Heart
Mission
Bible Study 2: Wholesome Care
Mission
Bible Study 4: God's Love for All Cultures
Mission
Bible Study 5: Competent to Minister
Mission
Bible Study 6: Spiritual Armor
Taken from Multi-Ethnicity (GIBS) by Isaac Canales. © 1990 by Isaac Canales. Used by permission of InterVarsity Press, P.O. Box 1400 Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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