In this episode of Missiology Shelf, anthropologist Johnny Ramirez-Johnson joins us to discuss his latest book, The Power of Love for Reaching Out to "the Other." Drawing from his research and personal experiences, Johnny explores themes of love, cultural engagement, and the role of the Holy Spirit in mission. We also tackle intersectionality, self-awareness, and the challenges of white privilege in a multicultural society. Packed with practical wisdom, this episode highlights the importance of humility, listening, and taking actionable steps to build bridges across diverse communities. 

The Book

In The Power of Love for Reaching out to “the Other,” Dr. Johnny Ramírez-Johnson offers a dynamic exploration of intercultural connection, rooted in his IMAGE-IQ framework, which equips readers with tools to uncover biases and foster genuine diversity in an increasingly polarized world. Drawing on Antonio Damasio’s insights that emotions drive human behavior, Ramírez-Johnson posits that diversity reflects the Creator’s imagination and is central to a relationship with God. His framework emphasizes personal awareness, bias vulnerability, social bonding, and family bonding as essential skills for building intercultural empathy and addressing power and privilege. Framed by contributions from Sherwood Lingenfelter and Joy J. Moore, the book blends missiology, anthropology, neuroscience, and biblical studies in a reguetón-like fusion of disciplines.

Our Guest

Johnny Ramírez-Johnson is a Harvard-trained anthropologist and cultural psychologist, currently serving as Professor of Anthropology at Fuller Theological Seminary. With a background in theology, biblical languages, and human development, his work bridges anthropology, missiology, and theology, offering fresh perspectives on mission in multicultural contexts. He has authored several influential works, including A Way Up the Ladder and AVANCE: A Vision for a New Mañana, and coedited Can “White” People Be Saved? A storyteller at heart, Ramírez-Johnson blends rigorous academic insight with deeply personal narratives, challenging traditional paradigms in missiological anthropology and inspiring churches to engage meaningfully in a multicultural world. Warm, humble, and authentic, his life embodies his message of fostering empathy, addressing bias, and celebrating diversity in faith communities. Outside academia, he delights in exploring cuisines, theological conversations, and stories that illuminate human connection.

Credits

Hosted by Martin Rodriguez 

Produced by Martin Rodriguez