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inculturation

inculturation

1 9.9
The way a religion changes its practices to fit a local culture
  • noun
  • /ˌɪn.kʌl.tʃəˈreɪ.ʃən/
  • Formal
translation icon : inculturación
  • Many missionaries focus on inculturation to create a more relevant expression of faith in diverse cultures.
  • inculturation theology
  • work of inculturation
  • inculturation of the gospel

Examples

  • The process of inculturation allows the church to connect more meaningfully with local traditions and customs.

  • A third point is that inculturation is a two-way process.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The areas in which inculturation must be carried out cover all the activities of church life.

    Academic text (2004)
  • All branches of theology in Africa have done and will continue doing work on inculturation in general.

    Academic text (2008)
  • In the case of immigrants from what was once called the Third World, the inculturation of the gospel is a complicated task.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Anyone involved in the work of inculturation must also have more than a fleeting knowledge of the Christian/Catholic tradition.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Some African theologians engaged in the work of inculturation start by regarding culture as the normative principle.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The first lesson to learn from McCormick is that inculturation must be built on strong Christian theological convictions.

    Academic text (2008)
  • In sum, Bishop Pelotte challenged all Christians to carry inculturation to greater depths than a few isolated rituals.

    Academic text (2007)
  • In practice, tensions arise among mestizo pastoral agents and indigenous Catholic activists over different understandings of inculturation.

    Academic text (2001)

Synonyms

acculturation
vsinculturation
  • Specialized
2 8.2

Adopting the customs and daily life of another culture

focuses on religious adaptation rather than general cultural assimilation
indigenization
vsinculturation
7.7

Adapting something so it fits local customs and needs

focuses specifically on adapting religious practices and expressions to local culture

How Adapted

inculturation
  • Formal
1 9.9
adaptation
64 3.7

Surface Forms

inculturation singular

Morphology

inculturation = inculturate (semi-transparent) = in + culture + ation

The noun is formed by regular suffixation (-ation) from the verb 'inculturate', so the immediate derivational step is straightforward.

Etymology

Inculturation comes from the prefix in- meaning 'into' and culture meaning 'way of life' or 'care for', the same root as cultivate. So inculturation is like 'planting' a religion into a local culture so its practices can grow and feel natural there.