The Zi Scripture Engagement Challenge

Ethical considerations when devising a culturally-relevant, worldview-based, Scripture Engagement strategy for an ethnoreligious group.

The Zi Scripture Engagement Challenge

This presentation explores the complexities of engaging the Zi people, an ethnoreligious group with a worldview rooted in a strong sense of belonging. The Zi see their religion as God-given and share oral traditions that resonate with biblical narratives, such as stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham. However, their worldview diverges significantly from the Christian Scriptures.

Key Considerations:
1. Zi Values:
o Beliefs: Christianity prioritizes beliefs; the Zi prioritise behaviour and belonging.
o Behaviour: Conformance to Zi practices ensures God’s acceptance at death.
o Belonging: Demonstrably less important to Christianity; central to Zi identity.
2. Scripture Engagement Challenges:
o Strategies ignoring the Zi worldview risk irrelevance and ineffectiveness.
o Non-Zi Christians face language barriers in Scripture engagement.
3. Ethical Dilemmas:
o Should Christians encourage the Zi people to study their worldview?
o Could Zi worldview studies confuse or inhibit Gospel acceptance?
o Do non-Zi Christians have the right to critique the Zi worldview?
o Can Zi individuals unfamiliar with their worldview traditions become strong Christians?

Proposed Approach:

The presentation suggests a worldview-based Scripture Engagement strategy that respects Zi values and offers a culturally sensitive pathway to presenting the Gospel. It seeks to address the ethical and practical challenges of introducing Christian Scripture in a meaningful way to the Zi.