LDRS 375_FA2017_Reading Response 1

NAME:
Student #:

CULTURE AND CHRISTIANITY

Two of the readings for this week address the topics of cultural relativism and the question of
Christianitys relationship to multiple cultures. The third is very short. By the beginning of class
next week read the assigned articles and respond to the following questions for each article.
You can just enter your answers in this template and submit in the provided dropbox before
class begins next week. Keep a copy for yourself.

Rachels, James. The Challenge of Cultural Relativism

1) List the five main claims often made by cultural relativists (as outlined in the article)

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

2) The author points out cultural relativism argues that the norms of a culture reign
supreme within the bounds of the culture itself (17), but there is a problem. Does the
fact that people in different cultures have different opinions or values mean that
everyones ideas or values are equally valid? Equally good? Equally right? What do you
think? Explain your answer.

3) The author argues that there are three implications that follow if we agree completely
with cultural relativism (section 2.4). List them.
a)
b)
c)

4) According to the author there are at least two moral rules that all societies share (2.6).
List them:
a)
b)
 Do you agree? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

Can you think of any other moral rules or values that all cultures share?

5) What are two lessons the authors says we can learn from cultural relativism?
a)
b)

6) Do you think Christians would agree with cultural relativism? Explain your answer.

Newbigin, Leslie. The Gospel and the Cultures

In this article the author, writing from a Christian perspective, explores Gods relationship to
cultures.

1) What does the author consider to be the main, fundamental, element in culture? (fill in
the blank): ______________________.

2) How does the author define culture? He mentions at least two definitions. Copy one of
them here:

3) The author makes the claim that there is not and cannot be a gospel which is not
culturally embodied (pg 189) Explain what you think he means in two to three
sentences.

4) Later he notes (see pg 191) that there was a time when European and American culture
was automatically associated with Christianity but because those societies today are (in
some ways) falling apart or no longer trusted, people are also cautious about trusting
Christianity. Would you agree? Or disagree? Why? Explain your answer.

Reading 1 - McGrath / I Believe./ Ch 1 - Response 1

1) In the first chapter, McGrath argues that faith consists of three things. List them:
A)
B)
C)

2) Is there a difference between saying "I believe Mars exists" and "I believe God exists?" Why
or why not?