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Rating: 
Summary: Anti-anthropology
Review: Missionization is anti-anthropology. It is a lie that missionaries want to "communicate with" people of other cultures. They want to CHANGE people of other cultures, on the arrogant assumption that only Christianity is right and true. Anthropology is founded on the concept of cultural relativism--that cultural values, norms, and standards are different in different societies and that this is OK. People who want to learn about anthropology and other cultures should read some real anthropology. People who want to condemn and change other cultures should not do it in the name of anthropology and should not use anthropology to do their dirty work. That is like using medicine to hurt people. Stay away from anthropology, missionaries!
Rating:
Summary: Anti-anthropology
Review: Missionization is anti-anthropology. It is a lie that missionaries want to "communicate with" people of other cultures. They want to CHANGE people of other cultures, on the arrogant assumption that only Christianity is right and true. Anthropology is founded on the concept of cultural relativism--that cultural values, norms, and standards are different in different societies and that this is OK. People who want to learn about anthropology and other cultures should read some real anthropology. People who want to condemn and change other cultures should not do it in the name of anthropology and should not use anthropology to do their dirty work. That is like using medicine to hurt people. Stay away from anthropology, missionaries!
Rating: 
Summary: an almost exhaustive work for the missionary prospects
Review: This book was written for missionaries and missionary prospects, and by a former missionary. Hiebert is a 1st class scholar in the area of cultural anthropology. Hiebert is big on charts and illustrations, so be prepared to look at charts which resemble the game board for a football play. This book is divided into 4 different parts: Part 1: The Gospel and Human Cultures Part 2:Cultural Differences and the Missionary Part 3: Cultural Differences and the Message Part 4: Cultural Differences and the Bicultural Community Much of the anthropological information could be applied to living at home, or abroad. The key to using cultural anthropology as a missionary is to better understand how humans function culturally in order to provide a more efficiant way to communicate with them, which is exactly what the Christian missionary wants to do. The reader will gain a better appreciation for the job of the missionary, be more culturally sensitive, and have a better overall perspective on why man behaves the way he does. Hiebert uses illustrations from his mission stint in India which drive home the points he is trying to make academically. One thing of great importance for the missionary is the study of cultural anthropology is never a waste of time, especially when trying to minister cross-culturally. The missionary who reads this book will be better equiped to present the gospel message in a culturally relevant way. I recommend this book to all who will work cross-culturally, be they missionary or not.
Rating:
Summary: an almost exhaustive work for the missionary prospects
Review: This book was written for missionaries and missionary prospects, and by a former missionary. Hiebert is a 1st class scholar in the area of cultural anthropology. Hiebert is big on charts and illustrations, so be prepared to look at charts which resemble the game board for a football play. This book is divided into 4 different parts: Part 1: The Gospel and Human Cultures Part 2:Cultural Differences and the Missionary Part 3: Cultural Differences and the Message Part 4: Cultural Differences and the Bicultural Community Much of the anthropological information could be applied to living at home, or abroad. The key to using cultural anthropology as a missionary is to better understand how humans function culturally in order to provide a more efficiant way to communicate with them, which is exactly what the Christian missionary wants to do. The reader will gain a better appreciation for the job of the missionary, be more culturally sensitive, and have a better overall perspective on why man behaves the way he does. Hiebert uses illustrations from his mission stint in India which drive home the points he is trying to make academically. One thing of great importance for the missionary is the study of cultural anthropology is never a waste of time, especially when trying to minister cross-culturally. The missionary who reads this book will be better equiped to present the gospel message in a culturally relevant way. I recommend this book to all who will work cross-culturally, be they missionary or not.
Rating: 
Summary: Academic, yet insighful
Review: This is a good reference book for missionaries who are going overseas. It helps you understand different cultures around the world. It is a good read for those who do not understand other cultures and want to get a good grasp on why people do what they do. It introduces you to various ways of life many of which I had never heard before. This book is academic, not light reading.
Rating:
Summary: Great resource!
Review: This is defintely a must read for new missionaries heading out onto the field. It brings to light topics that can easily be missed during preparations, yet you desperately wished were discussed at candidate school!
Rating:
Summary: a must for missionaries
Review: While living in the Middle East I did a survey among missionaries living in a muslim environment, asking them what book had been most helpful in their preparations before coming over. This book was mentioned many times and had a great impact in their lives! As a teacher in a mission department of a christian seminary this book is a must for all students who consider going into missions. The book gives very good insights on the problem of cultural differences and shows clearly how your own faith has been effected by your culture. It also gives a very good model of contextualization which is applicable in all times and places. The examples Hiebert gives are practical and illustrate well the points he wants to make and make the book lively and accessible. Just read it!
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