Brian M. Howell - Introducing Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective

I heartily congratulate Howell and Paris on this second edition of Introducing Cultural Anthropology . I invested in the first edition by teaching from it critically for five years. I am pleased to see numerous improvements in the second edition that both students and instructors should appreciatefor example, discussion questions at the end of each chapter, a new chapter on medical anthropology, and helpful revisions throughout. I am excited to see in the second edition the fruit of two fine Christian anthropologists regularly teaching its subject matter; discussing it intentionally with students and a wide range of fellow anthropologists; and continuing related research, conference presentations, and publication. I am more than glad to highly recommend this second edition.

Robert G. McKee , Dallas International University

Praise for the First Edition

This engagingly written book is the most up-to-date introduction to cultural anthropology for Christians currently available. The authors summarize contemporary social theory and offer their own research and experiences on the field as an invitation to see the world anthropologically. Readers are helped to reflect on biblical themes in the light of anthropological realities and are encouraged to apply what they learn to a wide variety of work and ministry settings around the world.

Robert J. Priest , Taylor University

Howell and Paris have done us a huge favor. This timely textbook will be a tremendous help to Christian educators and students alike. Introducing Cultural Anthropology covers a comprehensive spectrum of contemporary anthropological topics ranging from conceptual considerations of culture to concrete examinations of power structures, and it does so in an attractive and understandable format that will facilitate fruitful learning. Quite honestly, each chapter was my favorite until I read the next one!

J. Nelson Jennings , Onnuri Community Church, Seoul, South Korea

This unique text will help students understand the increasingly interconnected world, while also giving them the tools to deal with the practical and ethical issues that arise. It also gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of a little-known speciesthe Christian anthropologist.

Michael Jindra , Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs, Boston University

This clearly written and well-organized text provides an insightful examination of cultural anthropology in a manner that encourages the integration of faith and learning. One of the most definitive ways that such integration manifests itself is through the authors strategic placement of biblically based devotions at the conclusion of each chapter. These devotions help to facilitate further reflection on the major concepts discussed within the particular chapter from a Christian perspective. In addition, the inclusion of field and research illustrations from the authors experiences as anthropologists as well as highlights from the experiences of other Christian anthropologists contribute depth and transparency to the systematic discussion of anthropological theory, concepts, and practice in the text. This is a needed resource within Christian higher education, and I highly recommend its use in introductory anthropology courses.

Katrina T. Greene , Biola University

The authors provide a concise and clearly written text that examines cultural anthropology from a Christian standpoint. Each chapter presents the subject matter in a form that preserves conventional scientific perspectives while viewing the subject through a Christian lens. This book fills a niche not previously addressed by the panoply of anthropological textbooks currently available.

Paul Langenwalter , Biola University

Introducing Cultural Anthropology provides an exceptional resource for helping students contextualize sometimes difficult anthropological topics such as culture, sexuality, and power with Christian faith. This integrative book updates previous offerings in anthropology, and does so in a way that is eminently readable and accessible to the student. Each author brings a distinct voice to the text, which helps the reader feel they are on a collegial journey with excellent guides. Highly recommended!

Matthew S. Vos , Covenant College