Kenneth R. Ross, Daniel Jeyaraj, and Todd M. Johnson (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9781474439824
- eISBN:
- 9781474465366
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474439824.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Christianity has had a long, varied history in South and Central Asia. Today, it faces challenges old and new in a rapidly changing and diverse population. Socio-religious crosswinds involving ...
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Christianity has had a long, varied history in South and Central Asia. Today, it faces challenges old and new in a rapidly changing and diverse population. Socio-religious crosswinds involving Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, along with Communism and Radical Fundamentalism have left lasting impacts upon the region’s societies today. Christianity faces immense struggles, including navigating ingrained social stratification, culturally-accepted discrimination, as well as state-sponsored persecution. Despite the challenges, the gospel of kingdom moves forward through a resilient minority, an opportunistic diaspora, and the rise of indigenous theologies that provide a fresh witness of Christ in revolutionary ways. The future of Christianity in the region is expected to yield new insights into the global impact of the message of Christ.Less
Christianity has had a long, varied history in South and Central Asia. Today, it faces challenges old and new in a rapidly changing and diverse population. Socio-religious crosswinds involving Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, along with Communism and Radical Fundamentalism have left lasting impacts upon the region’s societies today. Christianity faces immense struggles, including navigating ingrained social stratification, culturally-accepted discrimination, as well as state-sponsored persecution. Despite the challenges, the gospel of kingdom moves forward through a resilient minority, an opportunistic diaspora, and the rise of indigenous theologies that provide a fresh witness of Christ in revolutionary ways. The future of Christianity in the region is expected to yield new insights into the global impact of the message of Christ.
David W. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195314809
- eISBN:
- 9780199785278
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195314809.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter develops a new framework and language for discussing the FAW movement. It presents the Integration Box, which builds on and utilizes this book's findings about the demand side, supply ...
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This chapter develops a new framework and language for discussing the FAW movement. It presents the Integration Box, which builds on and utilizes this book's findings about the demand side, supply side, and evidence of the FAW movement qua movement. It is clear that a quest for integration is the organizing principle of the FAW movement. Moreover, participants in the movement tend to experience and express the quest for the integration of faith and work through one or more of the modalities of ethics, evangelism, experience, and enrichment. When transposed into a new nonlinear theoretical framework, these Four E's result in the Integration Box, a model containing these four quadrants, or types, of FAW orientations and associated language. This conceptual framework facilitates critical analysis, discourse, and understanding the movement and its participants. Each quadrant represents one of the Four E's as the primary manifestation of the quest for integration.Less
This chapter develops a new framework and language for discussing the FAW movement. It presents the Integration Box, which builds on and utilizes this book's findings about the demand side, supply side, and evidence of the FAW movement qua movement. It is clear that a quest for integration is the organizing principle of the FAW movement. Moreover, participants in the movement tend to experience and express the quest for the integration of faith and work through one or more of the modalities of ethics, evangelism, experience, and enrichment. When transposed into a new nonlinear theoretical framework, these Four E's result in the Integration Box, a model containing these four quadrants, or types, of FAW orientations and associated language. This conceptual framework facilitates critical analysis, discourse, and understanding the movement and its participants. Each quadrant represents one of the Four E's as the primary manifestation of the quest for integration.
Peter L. Berger and Samuel P. Huntington (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780195151466
- eISBN:
- 9780199834914
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195151461.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Globalization is a far more complex set of phenomena than is suggested by the popular stereotype of American imperialism. The wide range of country studies in this book shows that while a global ...
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Globalization is a far more complex set of phenomena than is suggested by the popular stereotype of American imperialism. The wide range of country studies in this book shows that while a global culture heavily influenced by US values is indeed emerging, it is not US‐directed and that many non‐US cultures are contributing to other subglobalization processes. In particular, globalization is not exclusively secular–materialist in character, with substantial, if underrecognized, inputs from Christian evangelism, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, as well as other religions such as Islam and Buddhism.Less
Globalization is a far more complex set of phenomena than is suggested by the popular stereotype of American imperialism. The wide range of country studies in this book shows that while a global culture heavily influenced by US values is indeed emerging, it is not US‐directed and that many non‐US cultures are contributing to other subglobalization processes. In particular, globalization is not exclusively secular–materialist in character, with substantial, if underrecognized, inputs from Christian evangelism, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, as well as other religions such as Islam and Buddhism.
James Davison Hunter
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199730803
- eISBN:
- 9780199777082
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199730803.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The “common view” is that culture is made up of the accumulation of values held by the majority of people and the choices made on the basis of those values. If a culture is good, it is because the ...
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The “common view” is that culture is made up of the accumulation of values held by the majority of people and the choices made on the basis of those values. If a culture is good, it is because the good values embraced by individuals lead to good choices. If people’s hearts and minds are converted, they will have the right values, they will make the right choices and culture will change in turn. Common View Summary: 1) Real change is individual, 2) Cultural changed can be willed into being, and 3) Change is democratic – from the bottom-up by ordinary citizens.Less
The “common view” is that culture is made up of the accumulation of values held by the majority of people and the choices made on the basis of those values. If a culture is good, it is because the good values embraced by individuals lead to good choices. If people’s hearts and minds are converted, they will have the right values, they will make the right choices and culture will change in turn. Common View Summary: 1) Real change is individual, 2) Cultural changed can be willed into being, and 3) Change is democratic – from the bottom-up by ordinary citizens.
Charles S. Preston
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195394337
- eISBN:
- 9780199777358
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195394337.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter concerns itself with the debate between Joachim Wach and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan over the issue of relativism. It provides a critical assessment of the significance of this engagement ...
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This chapter concerns itself with the debate between Joachim Wach and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan over the issue of relativism. It provides a critical assessment of the significance of this engagement for the late period of Wach’s work. The religious and philosophical reasons for Wach’s attempts to be both relativist and not relativist, and Wach’s critical assessment of Radhakrishnan, serve as material for launching a critique of the underlying religious and scholastic biases in Wach’s thought during his tenure at the University of Chicago. The chapter concludes with a foray into similar debates over relativism in the field of anthropology and based on that discussion proffers some tentative thoughts regarding how the study of religion might more profitably make use of questions regarding the methodological place of relativism.Less
This chapter concerns itself with the debate between Joachim Wach and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan over the issue of relativism. It provides a critical assessment of the significance of this engagement for the late period of Wach’s work. The religious and philosophical reasons for Wach’s attempts to be both relativist and not relativist, and Wach’s critical assessment of Radhakrishnan, serve as material for launching a critique of the underlying religious and scholastic biases in Wach’s thought during his tenure at the University of Chicago. The chapter concludes with a foray into similar debates over relativism in the field of anthropology and based on that discussion proffers some tentative thoughts regarding how the study of religion might more profitably make use of questions regarding the methodological place of relativism.
Jane Idleman Smith
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195307313
- eISBN:
- 9780199867875
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195307313.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
A one-shot meeting for the purpose of getting to know each other is often the only way Christians and Muslims engage with each other. For groups who want to continue, however, it is important to ...
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A one-shot meeting for the purpose of getting to know each other is often the only way Christians and Muslims engage with each other. For groups who want to continue, however, it is important to determine what kind of dialogue participants are interested in. Groups often peter out simply for lack of direction and guidance. Here a number of different kinds of dialogue are discussed, from debate and confrontation to classroom discussions, theological engagement, attempts to worship together, and movements to form interfaith teams to work for some aspect of social action. Some groups simply want to learn how to live together as neighbors, to practice what is called the dialogue of life.Less
A one-shot meeting for the purpose of getting to know each other is often the only way Christians and Muslims engage with each other. For groups who want to continue, however, it is important to determine what kind of dialogue participants are interested in. Groups often peter out simply for lack of direction and guidance. Here a number of different kinds of dialogue are discussed, from debate and confrontation to classroom discussions, theological engagement, attempts to worship together, and movements to form interfaith teams to work for some aspect of social action. Some groups simply want to learn how to live together as neighbors, to practice what is called the dialogue of life.
James K. Wellman Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195300116
- eISBN:
- 9780199868742
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300116.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter on religion and culture argues that H. Richard Niebuhr's model of Christ and Culture is too abstract in this context. The Pacific Northwest has no assumed religious ethos; it is an open ...
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This chapter on religion and culture argues that H. Richard Niebuhr's model of Christ and Culture is too abstract in this context. The Pacific Northwest has no assumed religious ethos; it is an open religious market, where religions live and die on how well they sell their brand. The taken for granted aspects of Protestant mainline and liberal Protestant churches have less success though they do have a market in gay and lesbian men and women who make up nearly a third all these congregations. The evangelical brand offers an extensive program in local and global missions that challenges their congregations to evangelize their community and the world.Less
This chapter on religion and culture argues that H. Richard Niebuhr's model of Christ and Culture is too abstract in this context. The Pacific Northwest has no assumed religious ethos; it is an open religious market, where religions live and die on how well they sell their brand. The taken for granted aspects of Protestant mainline and liberal Protestant churches have less success though they do have a market in gay and lesbian men and women who make up nearly a third all these congregations. The evangelical brand offers an extensive program in local and global missions that challenges their congregations to evangelize their community and the world.
Abigail Brundin
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264133
- eISBN:
- 9780191734649
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264133.003.0009
- Subject:
- Literature, 16th-century and Renaissance Literature
This chapter examines the discreet Reformation content inside the deeply conformist structure of Petrarch's sonnet. It investigates the manifestation of the link between vernacular literature and ...
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This chapter examines the discreet Reformation content inside the deeply conformist structure of Petrarch's sonnet. It investigates the manifestation of the link between vernacular literature and reformed spirituality in Italy in the sixteenth century and the potential evangelising role of the former. It analyzes the poetry of Vittoria Colonna whose works can be considered the clearest manifestation of literary evangelism.Less
This chapter examines the discreet Reformation content inside the deeply conformist structure of Petrarch's sonnet. It investigates the manifestation of the link between vernacular literature and reformed spirituality in Italy in the sixteenth century and the potential evangelising role of the former. It analyzes the poetry of Vittoria Colonna whose works can be considered the clearest manifestation of literary evangelism.
Christopher P. Scheitle
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199733521
- eISBN:
- 9780199866281
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199733521.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter explores nine activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population: Charismatic Evangelism, Relief & Development, Education & Training, Publishing & Resources, Radio & Television, ...
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This chapter explores nine activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population: Charismatic Evangelism, Relief & Development, Education & Training, Publishing & Resources, Radio & Television, Missions & Missionary, Fellowship & Enrichment, Advocacy & Activism, and Fund-Raising, Grant-Making, & Other. Each sector is described and profiles of select organizations are provided.Less
This chapter explores nine activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population: Charismatic Evangelism, Relief & Development, Education & Training, Publishing & Resources, Radio & Television, Missions & Missionary, Fellowship & Enrichment, Advocacy & Activism, and Fund-Raising, Grant-Making, & Other. Each sector is described and profiles of select organizations are provided.
Feruza Krason
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9781474439824
- eISBN:
- 9781474465366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474439824.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
85% of the population of Uzbekistan are Uzbeks, while the rest are Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs and other smaller ethnic groups. Uzbekistan declares freedom of conscience but government and society are ...
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85% of the population of Uzbekistan are Uzbeks, while the rest are Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs and other smaller ethnic groups. Uzbekistan declares freedom of conscience but government and society are intolerant of any Uzbek who chooses Christ over Islam and any person deemed too religious is monitored carefully. The fall of the Soviet Union brought confusion as many returned to Islam, ‘the religion of their fathers.’ Christianity has been considered a ‘Russian’ religion in Uzbekistan, due to the presence of ROC and Protestant churches via imperial Russia. There are five Roman Catholic churches throughout Uzbekistan. The current Evangelical movement was seeded by Mennonites, the forced exile of Molokans, the preaching of the English philanthropist Granville Augustus William Waldegrave and by the perseverance of the Russian Baptists. Missionaries came to teach and work as doctors, and to teach business while South Koreans came as missionaries to “local” Koreans in the country. Whereas the number of ethnic Uzbek Christians was only about 100 in 1994, some estimates suggest 10,000 ethnic Uzbek Christians today. Still, Uzbek Christians face difficulties and ostracism in daily life. Nevertheless, the Uzbek Church is quite active in evangelism and the growth of the Church has been exponential.Less
85% of the population of Uzbekistan are Uzbeks, while the rest are Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs and other smaller ethnic groups. Uzbekistan declares freedom of conscience but government and society are intolerant of any Uzbek who chooses Christ over Islam and any person deemed too religious is monitored carefully. The fall of the Soviet Union brought confusion as many returned to Islam, ‘the religion of their fathers.’ Christianity has been considered a ‘Russian’ religion in Uzbekistan, due to the presence of ROC and Protestant churches via imperial Russia. There are five Roman Catholic churches throughout Uzbekistan. The current Evangelical movement was seeded by Mennonites, the forced exile of Molokans, the preaching of the English philanthropist Granville Augustus William Waldegrave and by the perseverance of the Russian Baptists. Missionaries came to teach and work as doctors, and to teach business while South Koreans came as missionaries to “local” Koreans in the country. Whereas the number of ethnic Uzbek Christians was only about 100 in 1994, some estimates suggest 10,000 ethnic Uzbek Christians today. Still, Uzbek Christians face difficulties and ostracism in daily life. Nevertheless, the Uzbek Church is quite active in evangelism and the growth of the Church has been exponential.
Bal Krishna Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9781474439824
- eISBN:
- 9781474465366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474439824.003.0015
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Nepal is a country of over 28 million people, a multi-ethnic nation of more than 125 languages and a great variety of cultures. Hinduism is the major religion. Buddhism and animism also have a strong ...
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Nepal is a country of over 28 million people, a multi-ethnic nation of more than 125 languages and a great variety of cultures. Hinduism is the major religion. Buddhism and animism also have a strong presence. Islam and Christianity are minority faiths, the latter of which is a growing religion but it is still not fully recognised by the government and suffers persecution. Christianity arrived in Nepal in 1662, when Italian Capuchin priests passed through Nepal en route to Tibet. During the 1970s churches started to grow in various parts of the country, though Christians were not allowed to preach and conversion to Christianity was prohibited. Today, there is estimated to be about 6,000 congregations, with the number rapidly increasing. Evangelism and church planting have been the heart of Nepalese Christianity, as pioneers of evangelistic and church-planting activities have made a great contribution to the growth of the church in Nepal from the 1950s. Community churches, where people gather for worship within their own local areas, are becoming more popular than denominational churches. The churches, both through their own programmes and in cooperation with other theological institutions, have developed formal theological education to equip their leaders and members.Less
Nepal is a country of over 28 million people, a multi-ethnic nation of more than 125 languages and a great variety of cultures. Hinduism is the major religion. Buddhism and animism also have a strong presence. Islam and Christianity are minority faiths, the latter of which is a growing religion but it is still not fully recognised by the government and suffers persecution. Christianity arrived in Nepal in 1662, when Italian Capuchin priests passed through Nepal en route to Tibet. During the 1970s churches started to grow in various parts of the country, though Christians were not allowed to preach and conversion to Christianity was prohibited. Today, there is estimated to be about 6,000 congregations, with the number rapidly increasing. Evangelism and church planting have been the heart of Nepalese Christianity, as pioneers of evangelistic and church-planting activities have made a great contribution to the growth of the church in Nepal from the 1950s. Community churches, where people gather for worship within their own local areas, are becoming more popular than denominational churches. The churches, both through their own programmes and in cooperation with other theological institutions, have developed formal theological education to equip their leaders and members.
Pradeep Perez sj
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9781474439824
- eISBN:
- 9781474465366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474439824.003.0017
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Bangladesh is majority Muslim at 91%, mostly Sunni, with Islam as the state religion since 1988. The Hindus at 8.1% are the largest religious minority. Buddhists make up another 0.7%. Christians of ...
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Bangladesh is majority Muslim at 91%, mostly Sunni, with Islam as the state religion since 1988. The Hindus at 8.1% are the largest religious minority. Buddhists make up another 0.7%. Christians of diverse denominations constitute less than 1%. There are two archdioceses and seven dioceses in Bangladesh. While William Carey, who translated and printed the Bible in Bengali, came to Serampore in 1793, Protestant missionary efforts took root during the first half of the nineteenth century. The Christian contribution to Bangladesh’s freedom fight during the Liberation War in 1971 involved about 1,500 Christians with 4,000 more assisting the combatants. However, the slow growth of Christianity in the country is due to resistance to the gospel by Muslims and Hindus who identify Christianity with Western ideologies. Secondly, early missionaries focused their work on education at the expense of evangelism. A third reason is the devastating climate, which has disheartened many missionaries from new efforts at evangelization. Still, the distribution of Christian literature continues to play an important role in evangelistic efforts. Christian relief and development works have evangelized many. The contributions of missionaries and indigenous Christians have proved to be highly significant in different sectors of national life.Less
Bangladesh is majority Muslim at 91%, mostly Sunni, with Islam as the state religion since 1988. The Hindus at 8.1% are the largest religious minority. Buddhists make up another 0.7%. Christians of diverse denominations constitute less than 1%. There are two archdioceses and seven dioceses in Bangladesh. While William Carey, who translated and printed the Bible in Bengali, came to Serampore in 1793, Protestant missionary efforts took root during the first half of the nineteenth century. The Christian contribution to Bangladesh’s freedom fight during the Liberation War in 1971 involved about 1,500 Christians with 4,000 more assisting the combatants. However, the slow growth of Christianity in the country is due to resistance to the gospel by Muslims and Hindus who identify Christianity with Western ideologies. Secondly, early missionaries focused their work on education at the expense of evangelism. A third reason is the devastating climate, which has disheartened many missionaries from new efforts at evangelization. Still, the distribution of Christian literature continues to play an important role in evangelistic efforts. Christian relief and development works have evangelized many. The contributions of missionaries and indigenous Christians have proved to be highly significant in different sectors of national life.
Paul D. Numrich
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195386219
- eISBN:
- 9780199866731
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386219.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
In 1985, a proposal to build the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple stirred lively public debate among Christians in a blue-collar suburb of Chicago. The evangelical magazine Christianity Today covered ...
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In 1985, a proposal to build the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple stirred lively public debate among Christians in a blue-collar suburb of Chicago. The evangelical magazine Christianity Today covered the story, which prompted a rebuttal from Hinduism Today. Some Christians wished to ban the idolatrous presence in order to avoid God's displeasure, others wished to evangelize the Hindus in the new mission field of America, and still others welcomed the opportunity to learn about an unfamiliar religious tradition through dialogue. This chapter follows the debate, quotes community members on all sides of the issue, and examines the theological and civic issues involved. In the end, the temple was built, the first of three Hindu temples now in that city.Less
In 1985, a proposal to build the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple stirred lively public debate among Christians in a blue-collar suburb of Chicago. The evangelical magazine Christianity Today covered the story, which prompted a rebuttal from Hinduism Today. Some Christians wished to ban the idolatrous presence in order to avoid God's displeasure, others wished to evangelize the Hindus in the new mission field of America, and still others welcomed the opportunity to learn about an unfamiliar religious tradition through dialogue. This chapter follows the debate, quotes community members on all sides of the issue, and examines the theological and civic issues involved. In the end, the temple was built, the first of three Hindu temples now in that city.
Paul D. Numrich
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195386219
- eISBN:
- 9780199866731
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386219.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The South Asian American population includes immigrant Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This chapter highlights initiatives of South Asian Christians to evangelize fellow South Asian immigrants, ...
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The South Asian American population includes immigrant Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This chapter highlights initiatives of South Asian Christians to evangelize fellow South Asian immigrants, often in cooperation with nonimmigrant evangelical groups and volunteers. Three cases are examined: (1) Indian evangelists, (2) Telugu Lutheran congregations, and (3) a Christian center in the heart of Chicago's South Asian community. “What we do is friendship evangelism,” explains a staff member at the Christian center. “We want to be the aroma, the love, and the hands and feet of Jesus in the community. We live the Gospel first, and then we give it vocally.”Less
The South Asian American population includes immigrant Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This chapter highlights initiatives of South Asian Christians to evangelize fellow South Asian immigrants, often in cooperation with nonimmigrant evangelical groups and volunteers. Three cases are examined: (1) Indian evangelists, (2) Telugu Lutheran congregations, and (3) a Christian center in the heart of Chicago's South Asian community. “What we do is friendship evangelism,” explains a staff member at the Christian center. “We want to be the aroma, the love, and the hands and feet of Jesus in the community. We live the Gospel first, and then we give it vocally.”
Paul D. Numrich
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195386219
- eISBN:
- 9780199866731
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386219.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter focuses on the efforts of nonimmigrant churches to resettle (and evangelize) non-Christian immigrants and refugees from across the globe by partnering with World Relief, the humanitarian ...
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This chapter focuses on the efforts of nonimmigrant churches to resettle (and evangelize) non-Christian immigrants and refugees from across the globe by partnering with World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals. As in the previous chapter, “friendship evangelism” plays an important role but crosses both religious and ethnic boundaries here. Friendship evangelists from Wheaton Bible Church, the main case study of the chapter, take their cue from biblical passages on showing kindness to aliens and strangers in the land and attach no strings to their relationships. “I make it clear that my friendship is not based on anything that they need to do or say,” explains a veteran of overseas missions, “that I will be their friend one way or the other.”Less
This chapter focuses on the efforts of nonimmigrant churches to resettle (and evangelize) non-Christian immigrants and refugees from across the globe by partnering with World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals. As in the previous chapter, “friendship evangelism” plays an important role but crosses both religious and ethnic boundaries here. Friendship evangelists from Wheaton Bible Church, the main case study of the chapter, take their cue from biblical passages on showing kindness to aliens and strangers in the land and attach no strings to their relationships. “I make it clear that my friendship is not based on anything that they need to do or say,” explains a veteran of overseas missions, “that I will be their friend one way or the other.”
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The political controversy surrounding the role of religion in public life calls for more objective attention to the faith factor in social activism. What does it mean for a community-serving program ...
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The political controversy surrounding the role of religion in public life calls for more objective attention to the faith factor in social activism. What does it mean for a community-serving program to be “faith-based”? How do churches and other religious organizations express their religious identity or convey a religious message in the context of social services? Drawing on case studies of fifteen Philadelphia-area Protestant churches with active community outreach, Saving Souls, Serving Society introduces a new vocabulary for describing the religious components and spiritual meanings embedded in social action, and provides a typology of faith-based organizations and programs. This analysis yields a framework for Protestant mission orientations that makes room for the diverse ways that churches interrelate spiritual witness and social compassion. In particular, the debate over faith-based initiatives has highlighted a small but growing segment of churches committed to both saving souls and serving society. The book illuminates the public engagement of these “;conversionist” churches, exploring how they navigate the tension between their spiritual mission and the constraints on evangelism in the context of social services. The closing chapters explicate the potential contribution of religious dynamics to social outcomes, assess the relationship between mission orientations and social capital, present recommendations for research on faith-based social services, and draw implications for a constructive approach to church-state relations. Openness to a fresh perspective can equip policy makers, scholars and practitioners to respond wisely to the evolving complexities of the religious contours of social ministry. Less
The political controversy surrounding the role of religion in public life calls for more objective attention to the faith factor in social activism. What does it mean for a community-serving program to be “faith-based”? How do churches and other religious organizations express their religious identity or convey a religious message in the context of social services? Drawing on case studies of fifteen Philadelphia-area Protestant churches with active community outreach, Saving Souls, Serving Society introduces a new vocabulary for describing the religious components and spiritual meanings embedded in social action, and provides a typology of faith-based organizations and programs. This analysis yields a framework for Protestant mission orientations that makes room for the diverse ways that churches interrelate spiritual witness and social compassion. In particular, the debate over faith-based initiatives has highlighted a small but growing segment of churches committed to both saving souls and serving society. The book illuminates the public engagement of these “;conversionist” churches, exploring how they navigate the tension between their spiritual mission and the constraints on evangelism in the context of social services. The closing chapters explicate the potential contribution of religious dynamics to social outcomes, assess the relationship between mission orientations and social capital, present recommendations for research on faith-based social services, and draw implications for a constructive approach to church-state relations. Openness to a fresh perspective can equip policy makers, scholars and practitioners to respond wisely to the evolving complexities of the religious contours of social ministry.
Joanna Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195332919
- eISBN:
- 9780199851263
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195332919.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, African-American Literature
This chapter provides essential background on the evangelical movements most attractive to pioneering black and Indian authors, and examines their respective racial policies and theologies. It argues ...
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This chapter provides essential background on the evangelical movements most attractive to pioneering black and Indian authors, and examines their respective racial policies and theologies. It argues that most 18th-century American evangelists, beginning with the eminent and influential Jonathan Edwards, marked the spectacular value of black and Indian conversions but failed to develop a clear theological outlook on race or to enlarge on the potentially progressive energies of revivalism. This cognitive lapse was especially egregious given the rapid advancement of racialist thinking in natural science and the legal institution of racial identities in the new nation. It fell, then, to a powerful group of black and Indian evangelist-authors to marshal religion against the degradations of racialist science and racist politics, producing in their efforts toward community regeneration new identities, religious traditions, and literatures. The chapter shows how 18th-century American evangelicalism, national politics, and natural science constructed race as a significant category of human experience. It also shows how people of color rose up to answer these constructions, telling their own stories and thus transforming the course of American literary history.Less
This chapter provides essential background on the evangelical movements most attractive to pioneering black and Indian authors, and examines their respective racial policies and theologies. It argues that most 18th-century American evangelists, beginning with the eminent and influential Jonathan Edwards, marked the spectacular value of black and Indian conversions but failed to develop a clear theological outlook on race or to enlarge on the potentially progressive energies of revivalism. This cognitive lapse was especially egregious given the rapid advancement of racialist thinking in natural science and the legal institution of racial identities in the new nation. It fell, then, to a powerful group of black and Indian evangelist-authors to marshal religion against the degradations of racialist science and racist politics, producing in their efforts toward community regeneration new identities, religious traditions, and literatures. The chapter shows how 18th-century American evangelicalism, national politics, and natural science constructed race as a significant category of human experience. It also shows how people of color rose up to answer these constructions, telling their own stories and thus transforming the course of American literary history.
Ian J. Shaw
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199250776
- eISBN:
- 9780191600739
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199250774.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the ...
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In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the work of high Calvinists in Manchester, the ‘shock city’ of the age, and London, then the largest city in the world. Six substantial case studies examine the response of ministers and their churches to socio‐economic change. The work of two Christian ministers who upheld evangelical Calvinism, rather than high Calvinism, is explored in order to provide instructive contrasts. Breadth of denominational coverage is maintained––the book features studies of one Anglican, two Strict Baptist, one Presbyterian, and two Independent ministers and their churches. On the basis of manuscripts, printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press, the study reveals a series of religious subcultures that were remarkably vibrant and active. The popular caricature of high Calvinism is challenged and evidence is presented to show that high Calvinists played a vigorous and successful part in the response of early nineteenth‐century churches to the process of urbanization. Particular attention is given to activity in the realm of evangelism, social concern, education, politics, and responses to poverty. High Calvinism, in the native English tradition, remained a live option in the early nineteenth century.Less
In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the work of high Calvinists in Manchester, the ‘shock city’ of the age, and London, then the largest city in the world. Six substantial case studies examine the response of ministers and their churches to socio‐economic change. The work of two Christian ministers who upheld evangelical Calvinism, rather than high Calvinism, is explored in order to provide instructive contrasts. Breadth of denominational coverage is maintained––the book features studies of one Anglican, two Strict Baptist, one Presbyterian, and two Independent ministers and their churches. On the basis of manuscripts, printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press, the study reveals a series of religious subcultures that were remarkably vibrant and active. The popular caricature of high Calvinism is challenged and evidence is presented to show that high Calvinists played a vigorous and successful part in the response of early nineteenth‐century churches to the process of urbanization. Particular attention is given to activity in the realm of evangelism, social concern, education, politics, and responses to poverty. High Calvinism, in the native English tradition, remained a live option in the early nineteenth century.
Adrian Hastings
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198263999
- eISBN:
- 9780191600623
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198263996.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Covers the Victorian missionary era in Africa in the nineteenth century. There are two main sections. The first is entitled ‘The evolution of a movement’, and discusses where Protestant mission had ...
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Covers the Victorian missionary era in Africa in the nineteenth century. There are two main sections. The first is entitled ‘The evolution of a movement’, and discusses where Protestant mission had arrived by the 1840s; the Catholic revival; David Livingstone and his influence; the Verona Fathers and White Fathers; and the state of missionary complexity by 1880. The second section, ‘Style, priorities, and mind’, discusses missionary characteristics and lifestyle; missionary teaching; the uses of medicine; language and translation; Christianity, civilization, and commerce; the Church Missionary Society (a consciously evangelical body) and Henry Venn, the London Missionary Society, Catholic missions (as led by Francis Libermann, Bresillac, Comboni, and Lavigerie), and the idea of the importance of forming local churches and priesthoods—cultural adaptation; and what missionaries thought of Africa.Less
Covers the Victorian missionary era in Africa in the nineteenth century. There are two main sections. The first is entitled ‘The evolution of a movement’, and discusses where Protestant mission had arrived by the 1840s; the Catholic revival; David Livingstone and his influence; the Verona Fathers and White Fathers; and the state of missionary complexity by 1880. The second section, ‘Style, priorities, and mind’, discusses missionary characteristics and lifestyle; missionary teaching; the uses of medicine; language and translation; Christianity, civilization, and commerce; the Church Missionary Society (a consciously evangelical body) and Henry Venn, the London Missionary Society, Catholic missions (as led by Francis Libermann, Bresillac, Comboni, and Lavigerie), and the idea of the importance of forming local churches and priesthoods—cultural adaptation; and what missionaries thought of Africa.
Adrian Hastings
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198263999
- eISBN:
- 9780191600623
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198263996.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Discusses conversion to Christianity in Africa in the period 1890 to 1920. There are two main sections: ‘The context of conversion’, and ‘The shaping of conversion’. The first section starts by ...
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Discusses conversion to Christianity in Africa in the period 1890 to 1920. There are two main sections: ‘The context of conversion’, and ‘The shaping of conversion’. The first section starts by discussing why and how there was such a scramble to convert. It goes on to discuss Islam within this scramble, missionaries, and the politics of partition, the changing shape of missionary endeavour, the ownership of land, and missionaries as critics of colonialism. The second section discusses some southern examples of black evangelism; West African conversion movements in the Age of the Liberian prophet William Wade Harris; the catechist and his tools; the logics of conversion; mass conversion in Buganda in the 1890s; Buganda as a model for its neighbours; comparison between conversions in Buganda and elsewhere in Africa; varieties of Ethiopianism; and the impact of World War I.Less
Discusses conversion to Christianity in Africa in the period 1890 to 1920. There are two main sections: ‘The context of conversion’, and ‘The shaping of conversion’. The first section starts by discussing why and how there was such a scramble to convert. It goes on to discuss Islam within this scramble, missionaries, and the politics of partition, the changing shape of missionary endeavour, the ownership of land, and missionaries as critics of colonialism. The second section discusses some southern examples of black evangelism; West African conversion movements in the Age of the Liberian prophet William Wade Harris; the catechist and his tools; the logics of conversion; mass conversion in Buganda in the 1890s; Buganda as a model for its neighbours; comparison between conversions in Buganda and elsewhere in Africa; varieties of Ethiopianism; and the impact of World War I.
