Translating the Bible into Action has become a key resource for anyone interested in helping people discover the relevance of the Bible in their lives, especially in terms of newer translations in minority languages. This new edition includes new chapters and updates that take into account new opportunities and changes in technology in the last 10-15 years. Written in an accessible way for use with churches, most chapters can be introduced and explored in an hour or two. The book provides recommendations and links to further articles, many of which are available on https://scripture-engagement.org/ and https://www.ijfm.org/
When Jesus was born to Mary, God “translated” himself into our human world. This act of God’s translation continues today wherever the gospel is expressed, in each language and lived out in each culture that makes up our diverse world. Unfortunately, the church often ignores its cultural and linguistic diversity and, instead, imposes a dominant “language” and “culture” for expressing faith. This textbook seeks to challenge that situation.
By identifying common barriers that prevent people from engaging with Scripture, the authors explore the ways churches can maintain unity in Christ and celebrate the diversity of their membership. Addressing a wide-range of relevant issues and using practical applications, this revised and updated edition re-establishes the importance of good, contextual Scripture engagement. A key resource in helping church leaders encourage people to communicate with God in their own language and to discover that Christ wants to make himself at home in their world.
To purchase (print or ebook) see the Publisher’s website
Contents
- Barriers to Engaging with Scripture
- Using Appropriate Scripture Products
- Language in the Plan of God
- Culture in the Plan of God
- Mother-Tongue Scripture Use and Church Growth
- Using Scripture in Multilingual Churches
- Helping Interpreters Perform Well
- Multi-Ethnic Churches
- Identifying Relevant Issues
- Providing Necessary Background Information
- Preparing Bible Studies
- Preparing Sermons
- Meditating on God’s Word
- Trauma Healing
- HIV-AIDS and the Church
- Bible Storying
- Preparing for Good News Encounters
- Engaging People with Scripture in Evangelism
- How Muslims use the Bible
- Engaging Hindus with the Bible
- Engaging Children and Youth with Scripture
- Family Prayers
- Using the Bible in our Digital World
- Engaging People with Scripture through Music and Dance
- Engaging People with Scripture through Drama
- Engaging People with Scripture through the Visual Arts and Media
- Mother-tongue Reading and Writing for Literates
- Basic Literacy and Scripture
- Research, Marketing, and Distribution
- How to Bring about Change
- Preparing for Scripture Engagement Seminars