The Global God: Multicultural Evangelical Views of God

Drawing from a diverse group of distinguished experts in their fields of study, the Spencers offer a theme summarized in the well selected title, The Global God. God is presented as the One who has revealed Himself to all cultures, but is not limited to one culture's understanding of Him. Rather, by revealing Himself, He is calling people beyond their culture and toward the narrow road which leads to Christ. In the words of the Spencers, it is "Inclusive to all people...exclusive to one Supreme God." Each author presents an attribute of God from the perspective of his/her own culture, making positive and negative judgments based on the standard of an Evangelical approach to Scripture. The contributors selected originate from the cultures that they represent and in addition to their "real world" experiences hold relevant academic credentials. As approaches and styles vary, sources used in depicting cultures also varied. For example, William Spencer in his article draws from history, whereas Tae-Ju Moon appeals to many statistics in his approach. In their approach to the study of Scripture all of them use a similar method including concept studies and careful consideration is given to context. Introducing the theme, the Spencers explain that God has revealed Himself to all people through both natural and special revelation and yet he is calling them to a new way of life beyond their cultural values. Appropriately, the first article, by Aida Spencer, presents the Biblical view of God noting His attributes as they are revealed in Scripture. Following are ten articles. For the sake of space, four examples are offered here. William Spencer by observing history shows America's Darwinian view of power which is distinctly different from God's power; driven by love. Diememe Noelliste observes Caribbean religion and how the African religious beliefs have infiltrated the culture. The prevalent view of God is explored and compared with Scripture. Tokunboh Adeyemo writes about African religions who view God as One that once lived among them but now as a result of sin is far off. Grace May argues that Chinese-American Christians influenced by Confucianism overemphasize God's holiness without taking into account His mercy. Interestingly, all of the cultures represented have somehow developed a view of God that is in some ways representative of the God revealed in Scripture. In some cases this can be credited to natural revelation. With this summary in mind the question of Scriptural soundness arises. Such an issue depends heavily on one's view of Scripture. Suffice it to say that the Global God is self-proclaimed as Evangelical and Evangelical views are assumed as it is "Inclusive to all people...exclusive to One Supreme God." Moving forward, the concept of a Global God is Biblical and few Christians would deny such a notion. This Biblical concept which underlies the entire project is summarized in John 12.32: "And I, when