Ethnodoxology

Ethnodoxology is the theological and anthropological study, and practical application, of how every cultural group might use its unique and diverse artistic expressions appropriately to worship the God of the Bible.

"Ethnodoxology" is a term coined by Dave Hall, founder of 'Worship From The Nations", a ministry of Pioneers. The following is an essay that Dave wrote explaining his concept of the term, which is used by various people with slightly different meanings.

"I define ethnodoxology as "the study of the worship of God among diverse cultures" or, more precisely, "the theological and practical study of how and why people of diverse cultures praise and glorify the true and living God as revealed in the Bible." The term finds its source in 2 Biblical Greek words. "Ethno," from the Greek word "ethne" meaning 'peoples' or 'people groups' and "doxology," from the Greek word "doxos" meaning 'glory' or 'praise.'

Why do we need a new term? When speaking of issues regarding worship and missions inevitably the topic of ethnomusicology enters into the discussion. However, the term "ethnomusicology" (the historical and scientific study of music of diverse cultures) has no directly Christian connotation and is limited to musical aspects only when speaking of the worship of other cultures. Ethnodoxology, on the other hand, places the study in an explicitly Christian context while at the same time encompassing all aspects related to Christian worship in a culture (i.e., one's life lived to the glory of God, music, arts [dance, drama, mime, visual arts, etc.], Eucharist, offering, preaching, etc.). Note that ethnodoxology addresses worship first and foremost as a life to be lived, and secondarily as an event in which to participate. Clearly scripture calls us to both (cf. Ps. 95 and Rom. 12:1)."

"For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." Is. 61:11 (NKJV)