This is an interesting book by an "amateur" missionary who went to
Venezuela and then Colombia to bring the Gospel to the Indigenous ( in
the old days called "Indians) of that region. I first heard of this
book from a speaker Don Richardson, the author of the book PEACE
CHILD. While on may not agree with Mr. Olson's theology, one has to
admire him for his dedication.
The "Lutheranism" that he rejected seemed to be more an upbringing in
morals and ethics than salvation by grace. I wonder if this church had
forgotten about Sola Fide and Sola Gratia? If memory serves me
correctly his pastor, stressed the confirmations vows. If I remember
correctly we in the Lutheran church Missouri Synod say remember your
Baptism.
Bruce Olson does have some validity in saying that one should not
upset the culture in bringing the Gospel. One has to be careful in
not equating American or German culture with Christianity. On this
point I am reminded of Luther's Mass. Luther did not abolish the
Roman Catholic Mass. In his words he gave the Mass a "haircut." To
this day one can still see some similarity in structure between the
Lutheran Divine Service and the Roman Catholic Mass. One South
American Indian complained to Bruce Olson that they wanted nothing to
do with those who became Christians since they built their church in a
square. To this Native American, a building should be round. Whether
a church building is square or round is not clearly stated in
scripture. It may be considered a point of indifference or what we
Lutherans call adiaphora. However in showing sensitivity to the
indigenous culture, perhaps the building could have been built in a
round shape. Ironically I think the English word "church" does mean
circle.
I am not sure about Mr. Olson's methods about not upsetting the
culture. But it is interesting to see how he worked with the local
witch doctor. He allowed himself to get infected with pink eye. Then
he had her apply the Western Medicine. He allowed her to give her
incantations. When he was healed of the infection, he was able to
point to effects of Western Medicine. This won the witch doctor over.
Eventually he was able to establish health clinics in various places.
Another point which caught my attention was his point about the South
American Native Americans not making such a sharp distinction
between "natural" and "supernatural." He may be on to something.
Perhaps we modern Western Christians have been so conditioned by the
natural world and scientific "law" that we have forgotten that God is
not limited by these laws. God is sovereign. One cannot say that the
laws of nature or so ironclad that Christ could not have healed the
sick or be raised from the dead. I wonder if the "naturalistic"
culture of our day has sometimes made us into practicing deists?
Mr. Olson's experience in teaching of the faith was also very
interesting. The tribal elders were resentful of the young being
taught about Christianity first. These elders felt left out. This
could have been a potential source of resistance as well as
resentment. Mr. Olson corrected this practice and started teaching the
elders. Luther's instruction for his Small Catechism was that the
head of the house should instruct from the catechism. Perhaps I'm
wrong, but I wonder if current practice in Lutheranism has relegated
the Small Catechism to "kid stuff" to be learned at confirmation age
and then forgotten? Or perhaps it is a misperception of many adults
that the Small Catechism is "kid stuff." I suspect the Roman
Catholics and the Presbyterians also have a problem with people who
think they've learned it all once they've passed Confirmation Class.
When Pastor Klemet Preus spoke at our church, he emphasized education
of the congregation. I admit there is much I don't know. I wonder if
we could have a Sunday School class on the Small Catechism or the
Large Catechism or even the whole Book of Concord? Of course I could
be off base. Perhaps a number of adults would groan or protest if our
Sunday School covered the Small Catechism. But my impression is that
simply going through the Small Catechism in Confirmation class does
not mean that one knows it all. I am reminded of someone who was
asked to teach the Confirmation Class. He started teaching the class
as an agnostic, not really believing the catechism. (I don't think the
Pastor knew about his spiritual condition). But as this person began
to teach the class, Luther's Catechism began to make sense and he
ended the class believing the Catechism. Eventually he went on to
Concordia Seminary Fort Wayne and became a pastor.. Perhaps we should
not underestimate the Small Catechism.
Sorry for straying from my review. In conclusion, while one may not
agree with the theology of Bruce "Bruchko" Olson, one can glean some
interesting insights from the book.
Guy
# posted by GuyTak @ 9:23 PM
