Describe the relationship between culture and Scripture in mission work.

• A. Culture should replace Scripture in mission.
• B. Scripture is universal truth; culture shapes interpretation and communication; mission seeks faithful translation and contextualized expression without altering core doctrine.
• C. Culture has no impact on translation.
• D. Translation should alter doctrine to fit culture.

Answer: (C)

In mission work, Scripture is treated as universal truth that speaks across all cultures, while culture shapes how people hear, understand, and respond to that truth. Because language, symbols, norms, and everyday practices differ from place to place, effective proclamation depends on translating the message faithfully for the new audience and expressing it in culturally meaningful ways. This means preserving the core doctrines and eschatological claims, but communicating them through idioms, examples, and formats that fit the local context. Contextualization helps people grasp the message without distorting it, rather than replacing Scripture with cultural ideas or changing doctrine to fit culture. Culture does influence translation and communication, so the goal is faithful rendering that honors both the text and the audience.