As Christians, how should we think about cultural identity? In this book, Bryan shows that far from being a result of the fall or a by-product of Babel, cultural diversity has been an integral part of God’s vision for humanity all along. “Although many have thought of Scripture as the story of God’s purposes for individuals,” he observes, “that is only part of the story.” Rather, the Bible “also reveals the purposes of God for peoples” (p. 34).

To demonstrate this, Bryan returns to the beginning, asserting that even before sin entered the world, humans were created to scatter, multiply, be fruitful, and fill the earth. The dispersion of diverse image bearers brings him glory by portraying God in his multi-faceted fullness. 

Read the rest of my Themelios Review of Steven M. Bryan’s Cultural Identity and the Purposes of God here!