Language Question

[sdcoyote]

I traveled to Peru quite often during my working career and now make trips to bring medical supplies and the love of Christ to the Quechua Indians living in central Peru. They live way up in the Andes mountains.

So here is the dilemma I have had for decades now and would like your input. The Quechua's have a culture that depends on reciprocity (their word for it is "inne") or if I do something for you - you must do something for me. Their economy is based on potatoes and Llama and families help other families during planting and harvest season. To not help someone after they have helped you would be horribly disgraceful. I always accept potatoes or llama woven blankets for the medical supplies I bring. You get the picture. They do not even have a word in their language that translates to "grace."

So you see my problem. Culturally, it is quite difficult to preach or teach salvation without works. In fact I have found that is their largest barrier to accepting Christ.

I have worked with other missionaries and Pastors on this issue and they find it quite difficult as well.

Any input?

 

[JonC]

That is difficult. I wonder if @John of Japan has run into similar issues. On this forum, he'd be the one I'd ask.

 

[37818]

The Quechua's have a culture that depends on reciprocity (their word for it is "inne") or if I do something for you - your must do something for me.

. . .

Any input?

"Inne" the golden rule. As such is commanded.

How could it be communicated "inne" cannot, to be understood, to be required, that is to be grace? But can be allowed, and is commanded, as long as it is understood "inne" cannot be required, to be grace?
"Inne" not forbidden, but never to be required to be grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9, without "inne."
Ephesians 2:10, "inne."

 

[canadyjd]

I traveled to Peru quite often during my working career and now make trips to bring medical supplies and the love of Christ to the Quechua Indians living in central Peru. They live way up in the Andes mountains.

So here is the dilemma I have had for decades now and would like your input. The Quechua's have a culture that depends on reciprocity (their word for it is "inne") or if I do something for you - you must do something for me. Their economy is based on potatoes and Llama and families help other families during planting and harvest season. To not help someone after they have helped you would be horribly disgraceful. I always accept potatoes or llama woven blankets for the medical supplies I bring. You get the picture. They do not even have a word in their language that translates to "grace."

So you see my problem. Culturally, it is quite difficult to preach or teach salvation without works. In fact I have found that is their largest barrier to accepting Christ.

I have worked with other missionaries and Pastors on this issue and they find it quite difficult as well.

Any input?

Perhaps…..

Christ gave His life for you. He demands nothing in return… but…. Expects everything. He expects your love for Him, He expects your obedience to His commands, He expects you to endure persecution for His names sake, He expects your EVERYTHING. Your life belongs to Him and He will give you rest should you come to Him.

Please always remember, God can hit straight with a crooked stick. Preach the gospel and know that God Holy Spirit makes the difference when it comes to understanding.

May God bless your ministry..

OF yeah…. You should talk to John of Japan.

peace to you

 

[Judith]

Though the grace of God is free through faith (Eph. 2:8,9) He also expects something in return (Eph.2:10) because of repentance (Acts 20:21) so I am not sure that the word "inne" cannot be used if done properly. As long as "inne" is not done to receive but because of receiving.

 

[sdcoyote]

Thank all of you for your kind responses. Giving me ideas to think about.

 

[John of Japan]

Perhaps…..

Christ gave His life for you. He demands nothing in return… but…. Expects everything. He expects your love for Him, He expects your obedience to His commands, He expects you to endure persecution for His names sake, He expects your EVERYTHING. Your life belongs to Him and He will give you rest should you come to Him.

Please always remember, God can hit straight with a crooked stick. Preach the gospel and know that God Holy Spirit makes the difference when it comes to understanding.

May God bless your ministry..

OF yeah…. You should talk to John of Japan.

peace to you

Sorry I didn't see this until now. This is an excellent answer.

Since Christ died to give us eternal life, it is incredibly rude to reject Him. And if you do except Him as Savior, it is necessary to give back to Christ your life! Those who believe but do not give their lives and everything they have to Christ are actually stealing from Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

By the way, have you checked the Quechua Bible for how they translate "grace"? There may not be a single word for "grace" in their language, but a Bible translator can use a phrase sometimes. Here is a video about the Quechua Bible:

 

[John of Japan]

Japan is very similar to this in their giving and receiving. Their custom is called giri ninjo (義理, meaning "duty," plus 人情, empathy). When you are given something, you must give back.

Because of this custom and other factors, evangelism is difficult in Japan. Nevertheless, over 33 years there we did see many saved. God overcomes culture!

 

[canadyjd]

I like the “rudeness” example. I understand that is a very big deal in Japanese culture.

Thanks for sharing.

peace to you

 

[John of Japan]

I like the “rudeness” example. I understand that is a very big deal in Japanese culture.

Thanks for sharing.

peace to you

Yep, it is a huge deal. So Japanese has multiple levels of politeness, and woe unto you if you get the level wrong. It was always fun to exchange names and/or business cards with Japanese men and watch their expression as they try to figure out where in society a missionary comes, above or below one.

 

[John of Japan]

I mentioned that a Bible translator sometimes uses a phrase if there is no equivalent word or concept in the target language and culture. An example of this is the Japanese translation for the word "justify" (dikaioo in Greek, δικαιόω). In Japanese it has to be gi to mitomerareru (義と認められる), or, "to be recognized as righteous."