Proverbs as a window into Mongolian culture and a resource for developing a contextualized approach for evangelism.

摘要

The purpose of this research is to discover if a discussion of Mongolian proverbs with insiders and outsiders present can be used to better understand Mongolian culture. The resulting goal is to develop a contextually appropriate approach for evangelism in Erdenet, Mongolia. This research was motivated following observations of Mongolian Christians, noticing that for many the practice of their faith appeared to be a form of Shamanism overlaid with Christian terminology and practices.;Research was conducted using Participant Observation, interviews, questionnaires and focus groups from 1999 to 2011, in Mongolia. Each stage materialized as a part of a continual interaction of the various research methods in order to ensure validity and reliability.;The presentation of my findings is from the etic, as well as the emic, point of view. Throughout the process a constant conversation unfolded between what I was seeing and discovering, and what Mongolians were saying. This conversation put me in a better position to be able to process and discern their worldview with them. I became an informed outsider. The result was Mongols attaining a better understanding of their own culture. The use of Mongolian proverbs to discuss the issues helped the Mongols to be more open, without being concerned about giving the correct "Christian answer.".;In the discussion groups I learned how frustrated many were with trying to evangelize the way they had been taught. They were pleased to discover that there were other ways to present the Gospel story that would resonate better with their friends and family. However, the more training Mongols had received, the less likely they were to actually attempt a different approach.