This volume on cultural anthropology presents a Christian perspective for Bible school students of conservative evangelical backgrounds. The hope is that a sympathetic approach to the problems of cultural diversity throughout the world will help young people overcome typical North American cultural biases and bring understanding and appreciation for the diversities of behavior and thought that exist in a culturally heterogeneous world. Grunlan and Mayers take the position of "functional creationism"; and though they discuss some of the problems implied in traditional interpretations of the age of the world and especially of the creation of the human race, they do not attempt to deal with either physical anthropology or the origins of man. They do, however, attempt to deal meaningfully with the problems posed by biblical absolutism and cultural relativism, and their practice. Concluding chapters with a series of thought-provoking questions should prove to be of real help to both the professional and nonprofessional teacher of anthropology.

With more than 125,000 copies in print, this model for effective personal relationships in a multicultural and multiethnic world has proven successful for many. On the occasion of its thirtieth anniversary, this contemporary classic has been thoroughly updated to reflect Sherwood Lingenfelter's mature thinking on the topic and to communicate with modern readers, helping them minister more effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds. It is accessible, practical, and applicable to many ministry situations. An accompanying interactive questionnaire, designed to help students reflect on their own cultural values, is available online through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

This is a collection of studies of Papua New Guinea cultures, each isolating one key concept that is believed to define the whole of that culture. Such concepts include: (1) the "big man" in the "father-of-the-village" role; (2) the pig, which highlights important values in Melanesian culture; (3) shell money, used among people of New Britain; and (4) mami yam'.

Describes Filipino lifestyles and value systems from an anthropological perspective. Shows points of potential conflict between North American and Filipino cultures, and emphasizes the importance of observing a society's norms to ensure satisfactory relationships.

Christianity Confronts Culture is a practical guide to effective communications in the cross-cultural setting -- which exists, in fact, when any one person meets another. Dr. Mayers discusses cross-cultural communication by means of four models, each of which approaches the subject in the light of a different discipline: social psychology, sociology, anthropology, and cross-cultural education. The second part of the book presents a series of case studies illustrating each of the four models. Pastors, future pastors, missionaries, Christian educators -- any who find themselves in constant contact with foreign cultures or North American cultures -- will find this book invaluable.