Culture Shock - Part 3

How did Christianity change this culture?


This culture was one of betrayal, cruelty, and devastation. It was supported by two main tenants: treachery, and, as a last resort, the Peace Child. Before Don Richardson showed up in New Guinea, there wasn't an equal balance of these pillars. The pillar of treachery supported something like ninety percent of the culture and lifestyle, whereas the peace child was just the way out of an unlivable situation derived from betrayal and revenge. However, once Christianity came in, it blew the support of the first pillar. 

Christianity has a hard time penetrating the hearts of the people in a culture where murdering a "friend" that has been deceived is the ultimate goal. After Don Richardson had learned enough of the Sawi language, he shared the great news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To the Sawi, the hero was clear, but he wasn't the savior. They saw Judas, the man who betrayed Jesus with a kiss, as the ultimate hero. Judas followed Jesus, was a chosen friend, and gave him over to death with a symbol of love. These made a perfect man to the Sawi, because Judas was an expert traitor. To the Sawi Jesus was just another unsuspecting victim. However, once Don heard of the Peace Child, he knew what to do.

Don Richardson found the hole in an evil society: the Peace Child. Jesus was presented to the Sawi as the eternal, final, and ultimate peace child, who died for peace and salvation among all people. Upon hearing this, the Sawi practically disowned Judas for all credit,  for the killer of the peace child is the lowest of all lows. The Sawi then grasped real Christianity and real meaning and their culture started changing by shifting the tenants in opposite balances. From then on, the culture started becoming based on peace and the ultimate peace child: Jesus. No longer was treachery an ideal, and it became frowned upon, whereas peace, gentleness, and goodwill became desired and quality attributes. This culture went from wicked darkness to glorious light from God. In short, Christianity saved this culture from itself.