Honor and Shame in Ecuador

Abstract

Chapter 1 introduces the question of using honor and shame by showing how

honor and shame have helped to shape missiology. The problem of the role and use of

honor and shame Ecuadorian culture frames the remainder of the dissertation research.

The chapter concludes by survey recent scholarship concerning honor and shame, as well

as defining key terms, and stating research methodology.

Chapter 2 looks at the aspect of honor and shame as it relates to the aspect of

covenant within the Bible. Each section on the covenants highlights the various aspects of

honor and shame. The relational changes for those in the covenant and those who are not

will further show how honor and shame functions. This section concludes by highlighting

contextualization concerns when focusing on honor and shame within covenants.

Chapter 3 surveys honor and shame as a cultural identifying mark. Typically,

there are three types of cultural worldviews, guilt and innocence, power and fear, and

honor and shame. Each culture has each three albeit each with a different emphasis. Since

the idea of honor and shame is present to some degree within all cultures, it is necessary

to take this into account when engaging different cultures.

Chapter 4 briefly traces the honor and shame roots through the history of

conquest. Latin American culture began with a seven hundred years’ war over the Iberian

Peninsula. There are language and cultural overlaps between the Arab and Latin

American culture. During the end of the war in the Iberian Peninsula, there was a war up

the Andes mountains by the Incan Empire. Their conquest and religious history helped

pave the way for the conquistadors to take over. After the Spanish began to rule, there

were rules set in place which helped to keep things the status quo until Ecuador changed

the constitution in 1998 formerly recognizing Indigenous people.

Chapter 5 synthesizes much of the information by making practical

applications for missionaries. Since honor and shame is a useful paradigm to use when

engaging cultures, it also presents various dangers to an incorrect application of

honor/shame. The conclusion shows both the benefits and dangers of honor and shame

while engaging Ecuadorians.