Paper 1:
Write a 4 page analysis on the book “The Peace Child.” This book will help you better understand the challenges of trying to enculturate the Gospel (connecting and presenting the Gospel in a radically different culture than one’s own). Give an overall view of how you would evaluate his ministry and methodology, but offer concrete examples when you either agree or disagree with his methods and why. Some of the following questions can help guide your analysis.
1. Explain how Christianity has a positive impact the culture of the Sawi? How does it negatively impact their culture?
2. How does Richardson’s commitment to his cause alter the course of his life?
3. How would life differ for the Sawi if land developers arrived before the missionaries?
4. How did growing up among the Sawi effect the lives of Richardson’s children?
5. Who is the most important person to Richardson in this story? Explain
Paper 2:
Write a 4-6 page analysis on the book “Christianity Rediscovered.” This book will help you better understand the challenges of trying to enculturate the Gospel (connecting and presenting the Gospel in a radically different culture than one’s own). Give an overall view of how you would evaluate his ministry, but offer concrete examples when you either agree or disagree with his methods and why. The following questions can help guide your analysis.
1. What were the difficult challenges that Fr. Donovan faced within his own church, and with his efforts to present the Gospel among the Masai?
2. What were some creative ways Fr. Donovan presented the Gospel that helped the Masai better understand the Good News within their own cultural context?
3. Where did you think Fr Donovan went too far in his adaption of the Gospel? Give several examples, and try to explain why he felt the need to do these things, and where and why you think he went too far in these adaptations?
4. From reading this book, Fr Donovan tries to discern what are the essentials and what are the non-essentials of the faith. How do you view his discernment, and what would you consider essential, and what are not so essential?
