Honor and Shame: A Book by Roland Muller
Have you ever wondered why certain cultures place so much emphasis on honor and shame? Or why some people are willing to die for their honor? These are the questions that Roland Muller explores in his book, Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door.
Who is Roland Muller?
Roland Muller is a missionary and author who has spent over 20 years living in Muslim cultures. He has written several books on the topic of honor and shame, including The Messenger, which has been translated into 10 languages. Muller is also the founder of the HonorShame Network, an organization that seeks to promote a biblical understanding of honor and shame.
What is Honor and Shame?
Honor and shame are cultural values that are present in many societies around the world. In cultures that value honor, a person’s reputation is of utmost importance. To lose one’s honor is to lose everything. Shame, on the other hand, is the feeling of disgrace that comes from failing to live up to societal expectations. In cultures that value shame, a person’s sense of self-worth is tied to their ability to conform to the expectations of their community.
Why is Honor and Shame Important?
Understanding honor and shame is crucial for anyone who wants to communicate the gospel in a cross-cultural context. In many cultures, the gospel message is not primarily about forgiveness of sin, but about restoring honor to a person who has lost it. By understanding the cultural values of honor and shame, we can better communicate the gospel message in a way that is meaningful to people from different cultural backgrounds.
What Can We Learn from Honor and Shame?
One of the key insights that Muller offers in his book is that honor and shame are not just cultural values, but biblical ones as well. In the Bible, honor is closely tied to obedience to God, while shame is the result of disobedience. By understanding the biblical roots of honor and shame, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the way that God has designed us to live in community with one another.
Conclusion
Overall, Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door is an insightful and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the cultural values of honor and shame. Whether you are a missionary, a pastor, or simply someone who wants to better understand the world around you, this book is well worth reading.
FAQ
What is the book “Honor and Shame” about?
The book “Honor and Shame” by Roland Muller explores the cultural concepts of honor and shame and how they impact relationships, communication, and behavior.
Who is Roland Muller?
Roland Muller is the author of “Honor and Shame” and is a cross-cultural worker who has spent over 20 years living and working in various countries, including China and Afghanistan.
Why is understanding honor and shame important?
Understanding honor and shame is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and building relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds. It can also help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own cultural values and biases.
What topics does the book cover?
The book covers a range of topics related to honor and shame, including the cultural origins of these concepts, how they impact communication and relationships, and how they are expressed in different cultures.
Who would benefit from reading this book?
This book would be beneficial for anyone who works or interacts with people from different cultural backgrounds, including cross-cultural workers, missionaries, business professionals, and educators.
