Green Like the Sky: Readings in Missionary Anthropology

"This revised first edition of Green Like the Sky: Readings in Missionary Anthropology draws from both classic and contemporary sources in missiology and anthropology to create a resource for those preparing for Christian service in cultures other than their own. Designed to prepare readers to engage with others in culturally sensitive ways, the book includes both faith-based and secular material.

The readings are organized into six sections. Part One addresses cultural anthropology, cultural relativism, and the missionary vocation itself. Part Two discusses definitions and descriptions of culture and worldview. In Part Three readers learn about verbal, non-verbal, and ritual symbol systems. Part Four explores the relationship between God and culture from a biblical perspective. Part Five speaks to the importance of facilitating the identification process from a partnership perspective rather than a paternalistic one. Finally, in Part Six the readings examine questions and controversies regarding contextualization.

Intercultural workers of all kinds will benefit from these insights. Green Like the Sky is well-suited to any course in intercultural ministry that brings together the Christian and the secular.

Monte Cox holds a Ph.D. in intercultural studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. Dr. Cox is dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Harding University where he teaches courses in missions, anthropology, world religions, and North American culture, as well as textual Bible classes. Dr. Cox spent several years as a practicing missionary in Kenya, where he helped to establish more than one hundred congregations serving 3,000 members. He is author of "Finishing Well: Phase-Out or Partnership", which appeared in the anthology 100 years of African Missions."