Cultural Identity and the Purposes of God: A Biblical Theology of Ethnicity, Nationality, and Race

by Steven H. Bryan

Understanding God’s Design for Cultural Diversity

Humanity’s diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and races were intended to be a blessing from God. However, due to sin and rebellion, these differences often result in alienation, hatred, and even violence, becoming one of the most urgent problems facing the world. Cultural divisions are unfortunately common in the church, too. How can Christians embrace God’s purposes for diversity and experience renewal and unity as his people?

Steven Bryan presents a biblical framework for thinking about cultural identity and experiencing cultural diversity as a positive good that God intended. Writing from more than 20 years of experience in cross-cultural mission work in Ethiopia, Bryan examines historical and political aspects of nationality, ethnicity, and race. This practical examination of cultural ideologies—including multiculturalism, nationalism, and intersectionality—helps readers move from asking, Who am I? to Who are we? as God’s people.

Timely and Applicable: Equips readers to understand God’s purposes for their cultural identity and bridge divides inside and outside of the church
Comprehensive: Explores contemporary issues including ethnocentrism, globalization, multiculturalism, and collective identity
Theological: Explores the story of Scripture from creation to new creation to show how cultural identity is an important part of God’s design
Accessible: Written for pastors, ministry leaders, lay people, missionaries, and anyone who is grappling with the relationship between cultural identity and Christian identity