CHANGE ACROSS CULTURES
A Narrative Approach to Social Transformation
Bruce Bradshaw
247 pp., Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2002, $24.99, paperback.

In this thought-provoking book, Bradshaw uses his vast experience in Christian development and transformation to challenge us to understand how our culture and worldview impact our interpretation of Scripture. The church-planting push of the nineteenth and twentieth century did little to transform the societies in which people lived. Thus poverty, injustice, corruption, violence and oppression continue. What should be our response?

“Sustainable cultural change requires the transformation of the values that permeate the cultural narratives . . .” (p.12). Through an examination of various arenas of life; including environment, culture, religious practices, gender equality, economics, science and religion, and community; Bradshaw pushes the reader to evaluate his or her beliefs and begin to understand how culture and society have impacted what we believe. Using vivid examples drawn from his experience, Bradshaw illustrates that every culture interprets events, situations, and biblical passages differently. The challenge then becomes how to explain biblical truth in a manner that others will understand the message, despite differences in interpretation caused by culture and worldview.

The same challenge exists for promoting sustainable cultural/societal change. Preaching the whole gospel includes salvation from sin, the transformation of cultures and societies and ecological stewardship. Yet, culture and worldview dictate how we live our lives and interact with others. Changes must be made to enable us to view the world as God does, and to live in a way that promotes the redemption of the world and those around us.

Bradshaw’s challenging book does not give straight answers but raises questions that the reader must answer for himself. This book is a must-read for everyone in the field of transformational development. Bradshaw is not shy to ask tough questions and confront complex issues. Reviewed by: Andrea M. Kopp, RN, BSN