Understanding Folk Religion: A Christian Response to Popular Beliefs and Practices

The authors discussed which questions formal and folk religions answer, and why people often fall into syncretism. I felt like their analysis was a different perspective on the same issue as is discussed by insider movement ideas. Basically, broad doctrines don’t always give answers on specific practice. I was encouraged by Christian authors mentioning the evil eye, as very few Christian authors do. Section 1 was helpful. Some beliefs mentioned in section 2 frightened and disturbed me, and (I thought) they were not as broadly relevant as section 1. Section 1 was very helpful.

At location 496, the author says that the Scriptures do not differentiate between the natural and the spiritual. Paul his to great lengths in 1 Cor 15, when teaching on the Resurrection, to show that such a distinction exists. He also does so in Galatians 5 when comparing the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.I think that people only change when their current world view is unable to answer existential questions a person is having. At that point, the person will struggle to hold on until the current position becomes untenable. Then, either an Epiphany takes place, or the person become a "reluctant convert," as C.S. described himself.Otherwise, I find the systems approach to be useful.

Understanding Folk Religion is a must read to be culturally sensitive and aware of one's own paradigm and its affect on how we have grace and deeper insight to those we want to share our love with. I was surprised at how many questions it answered and how practical the information was. I intend on reading it again.

Understanding Folk Religion is more than just an analysis of the beliefs and practices of folk religion. It provides an entire paradigm through which to evaluate what and how people believe and think. It powerfully shows that amidst all our differences with those of profoundly different backgrounds and cultures, we are inescapably the same: made in the image of God and trying to figure out how to cope with sin in a sinful world. Hiebert and others show how our practices and rituals reinforce our beliefs and how contrary expressions can reveal an identical root belief.Admittedly the writing is a little technical and dry and times, but the information is profoundly helpful. Highly recommended to those desiring to better understand those of different beliefs (not just adherents to folk religion!). And highly recommended to those interested in how practices and rituals reinforce and undergird beliefs.

The concepts and principles of critical contextualization are very helpful to anyone going to the mission field. Read it and apply it.

Very informative and easy to read

A Necessary read for all of those studying theology

Excellent resource for missionaries working in animistic/folk religious contexts!

A bit disappointing