Social Theory as an Ambassador for Christ
Introduction
Anthony Elliot’s book covers a broad range of social theories down through history from Marx, Weber and Freud, through Marcuse, Levi Straus, feminism and more. So, I recognized it encompasses a lot. I looked for a branch to perch on to try to survey the book’s material and try to digest some of it. It surely is a “full meal deal.”
Summary
Close to the beginning of the book, Elliot helps with the digestive process by introducing Natalie. She is the product of many societies. To begin with, she was born of Taiwanese immigrant parents; spent her childhood in Brooklyn; presently resides and works in London; frequently travels between London and Paris, and visits her boyfriend in Finland as well.
So we see that Natalie is the product of multiple social influences. However, even being influenced by so many social cultures, she still manages to fit in well in all her worlds.
I appreciate how Elliot is able to weave together so many different aspects of social theory. He writes about psychoanalysis, feminism and even clever theories like McDonaldization. In addition, he explains how our social theories have been impacted by things like globalization, the attack on 9/11 and the internet. The book seems to have been written for those who to want to know why social theory is so important to understanding our world today. It has allowed me to reflect on my own social influences including my many travels; and to see how I too was affected by social theories to be successful.
Analysis
I’ve traveled to many foreign lands for many different reasons, from going with the military and traveling for educational reasons, to taking several mission trips. When I traveled to these countries, sometimes I was oriented beforehand about what to expect and how to interact with the culture. Other times, I had to learn about the societal expectations by watching the country’s residents and asking questions. Elliot’s book has added to my understanding of how I can live in these societies including my own, and what I am expected to do. I truly believe this book will help me in my quest for global leadership and being an ambassador for Christ.
About the Author
Anthony Watkins
4 responses to “Social Theory as an Ambassador for Christ”
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Anthony,
You express my sentiments exactly in your statement, “I truly believe this book will help me in my quest for global leadership and being an ambassador for Christ.” When coming to a better understanding of social influences and the global culture through this book, one of my first impressions was what fertile ground for the propagation of the Gospel. As Christian theologians we are to be salt and light throughout the earth realm. We are to be ambassadors, champions, and servants for Christ in a world in which sinners “hath not seen Him, neither known Him” (I John3:6).
Anthony,
I enjoyed reading your blog. How or in what way do you think this book prepares you for the ministry God has called you?
Aaron
Anthony,
Thanks for touching on the value of being oriented to different cultures. This is a very practical notion, even as we live the influx of many cultural influences in our own home towns. I hope to apply some of this in my research into different cultures represented in my own community.
Nice blog Anthony. I too feel this book helps prepare us for global leadership and ministry. Do you have a sense of where God is calling you next?