Communicating Christ In Animistic Contexts

Whether in New Age mysticism, occultism, Haitian voodooism, Chinese ancestor veneration, or Japanese Shintoism, animistic beliefs are widespread, even today. Gailyn Van Rheenen presents a rigorous, biblical, theological, and anthropological foundation for ministering in animistic contexts.

There is a profusion of missional issues emerging in the Asian fields that call Christ's followers to actively witnessing the Truth. Missionaries from different continents have come to serve the Asian nations, and yet, these God's loving missionaries' effectiveness often seem to have left in the shade by some damaging fruits and (sometimes) being too much of Westernness stemming from a diversity of lacking knowledge particularly the local contexts to contextualize, and lack of preparation. The irrefutable finding is appealing within the Asian mission study in regard to the essentiality in equipping the Christians so that the ministries in Asia will experience the effectiveness in cultivating the diverse contexts (cultures) with the text (Scripture) they have. Many principles and practical information from this book grew out of the authors' experiences and the reflection of Missiologists and scholars such as Andrew Walls, Christopher Wright, Kazoh Kitamori, Paul Hiebert, etc.

Rev. Dr. Alan Tippett was arguably one of the leading missiologists of the twentieth century. Through his prolific pen, poignant observations, and powerful insights he significantly influenced mission research and activity in the period of the 1960s to 1980s. This was particularly facilitated through his research, writing, and teaching at the Institute of Church Growth, Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Mission, and his inaugural editorship of the American Society of Missiology’s journal, Missiology: An International Review. Yet for those who did not know Tippett’s material well, the very specific nature of his research and writing limited the influence of his insights. For example, without already knowing the pertinent content, why would a missionary to Thailand think of reading Tippett’s Solomon Islands Christianity? However, according to Doug Priest, editor of a number of Tippett’s posthumous publications, this volume has “done what even Tippett himself did not do, and that is to capture the key features of his missiology in one volume.” So Guiding Light functions as an in-depth overview of “The Essential Alan Tippett.” I can attest that the nature of Tippett’s material continued to inform and inspire me throughout the eleven years of the research and writing of this study.

In Safari-based Theology Dr. Enos Lwamba has developed an approach to theology and mission based on his proposed safari motif for the development of theology and mission. Based on his Ph.D. dissertation: The Safari Motif in the Development of Theology in Africa, Dr. Lwamba argues that God has used a series of divine redemptive safaris in the Bible to reveal Himself progressively to people. The author develops his proposed motif around a tri-dimensional conception of reality and time and explores a threefold aspect of the safari: mwanzo, sasa, and mwisho, which provide keys to the African mindset. He explores the various meanings and uses of the safari idea from both a biblical and theological perspective. In addition to the literal safaris, journey is an analogy of the church and believers are on a divine safari, individually and collectively. The safari model highlights the absolute necessity of the biblical message and the contextual situation to help Christians live effective and fruitful lives in society now and in future. Inspired by both John Mbitis The African Concept of Time and Paul Hieberts The Flaw of the Excluded Middle, the author utilizes biblical, theological, historical, and contextual sources to make his point. In the philosophical aspect of the safari, the author develops his notion of an African conception of time modeled on the cultural safari idea which he relates to development of theology and mission. He refutes the western influenced or commercially based notion that safari refers to a game hunting or tourist expedition to Africa. Dr. Lwamba promotes the argument that the philosophical framework and methodology drawn from the safari approach provides a more effective way of doing theology and mission in Africa and other contextual situations. He also draws parallels to the safari concept from such sources as Augustines City of God, John Bunyans The Pilgrims Progress and others in a refreshing and original style that the reader will find engaging. The motif provides interpretational and practical application tools as it harmonizes the unity of the biblical message. Its practical appeal makes Safari-Based Theology a must read for Christians and others interested in their daily journey of faith. The author contends that just as the idea of logos described the mindset, conception of divine truth, and aspirations of the Greek mind, the concept of safari does the same for the African. This book is highly recommended for pastors, missionaries, and teachers, as well as students of Bible and theology, culture and missions, and other related disciplines.

The refugee that has come to your church, the pastor of the immigrant church in your town, and you yourself all come before the same Bible, even the same verse, and walk away with completely different understandings and applications. In an increasingly globalized and multicultural world, how can we learn to see beyond our own cultural influences, understand those of others, and learn from each other in order to better understand and apply the word of God? How do we stay faithful to the text when our contemporary cultural perspective is so different from the original author's? This book will enable you to understand the common pitfalls and dangers related to cross-cultural hermeneutics while also equipping you with principles and real-life examples for how to interpret Scripture in such situations. Additionally, given the fact that our world is increasingly digitized and people are less and less likely to read, we will consider the issue of oral hermeneutics and how those who can't read or choose not to read can interpret Scripture faithfully.

Over the past decade, there have been few forums in which the controversial subject of this book could be openly discussed. During the 1994 and 1996 annual conferences of the Evangelical Missiological Society this subject was a central topic of discourse. These ten chapters represent an attempt to reflect the concerns and present understanding of evangelical missiologists on the Holy Spirit and mission dynamics.

Come follow the Cosmic Christ on the path of the green priesthood, deep into the heart of a living web of Divine Creation. "Christian animism", for many, can suggest nothing more than crude syncretism, or a blasphemous oxymoron. In this book the author challenges that view, from his own experiences and reflections, and those of many who find themselves on the fringes of church and society. He also searches out the fertile places of his own Christian tradition, seeking to hear a Word of healing for our Earth, a Word of grace for the trees and the animals, and a Word of invitation back to the garden of Creation, our once and future home.