Written in a simple yet engaging style, Dr Kevin Smith applies his years of experience and expertise in scholarly writing and research in this one-volume guide. Perfect as an introduction for new and continuing undergraduate or postgraduate students, this publication provides helpful guidelines and illustrations on all the elements that go into producing an academic work. Combining specific instruction on researching and preparing an academic work, as well as practical advice for task management, makes this an ideal go-to guide for students and supervisors alike.
African Christianity is not an imported religion but rather one of the oldest forms of Christianity in the world. In The Kingdom of God in Africa, Mark Shaw and Wanjiru M. Gitau trace the development and spread of African Christianity through its two-thousand year history, demonstrating how the African church has faithfully testified to the power and diversity of God's kingdom. Both history students and casual readers will gain greater understanding of how key churches, figures and movements across the continent conceptualized the kingdom of God and manifested it through their actions. The only up-to-date, single-volume study of its kind, this book also includes maps and statistics that aid readers to absorb the rich history of African Christianity and discover its impact on the rest of the world.
Interpretation of Scripture occurs within one's worldview and culture, which enhances our understanding and ability to apply Scripture in the world. However, few books address Bible interpretation from an African perspective and no other textbook uses the intercultural approach found here. This book brings both an awareness of how one's African context gives a lens to hermeneutics, but also how to interpret texts with integrity despite our cultural influences.
African Hermeneutics was born of Prof Elizabeth Mburu's frustration at only having textbooks that predominantly followed a Western worldview to teach her African students. Mburu's approach to hermeneutics is one that begins in Africa, moving from the known to the unknown as students learn to apply her 'four-legged stool model' to biblical texts, namely examining: the parallels to African contexts, the theological context, the literary context, and the historical and cultural context. This textbook will help students and pastors interpret Scripture with greater accuracy in their own context, allowing for faithful application in their local contexts.
Christianity is often viewed in Asia as a Western imposition. Challenging this, Dr. Jerry Hwang examines the Old Testament's cultural engagement of its ancient Near Eastern context, arguing that Scripture itself provides the ultimate model for contextualizing theology in Asia.
While it is common for missiological studies to ignore the Old Testament in their discussion of contextualization, truly biblical contextualization must include the whole Bible, not simply the New Testament. This study provides insightful discourse between the Old Testament and various Asian contexts, while demonstrating how Asian perspectives can help overcome the Eurocentrism prevalent in Old Testament scholarship.
This is an ideal resource for scholars and practitioners interested in a biblical perspective of contextualization, especially as related to constructing theology that honors the truth of Scripture in the context of Asia.
In today's world, as we experience global pandemics, economic disparity, and large-scale wars, the importance of good leadership has never been so vital. Good and effective Christian leadership is paramount to today's missions strategy, but during these times of crisis it is clear many mission organizations are falling short.
Leading Well in Times of Disruption seeks to understand and address the key shortcomings, and to provide a roadmap for leaders in global mission. Leadership development must not simply produce knowledgeable individuals, excellent in skill and technique, but those who are also Christ-like in character. In this essential work, seasoned leadership development specialists and practitioners from around the world offer comprehensive insights rooted in the gospel, to provide practical, actionable guidance for mission leaders, to transform the world around them.
For several decades concern has been expressed about the need for greater integration and contextual significance in the curricular design of theological education. In addition, there has been a growing awareness of the role theological schools should play in strengthening the missional vision and practice of local churches. Drawing on Dr. Perry Shaw's experience as faculty member, educational engineer, and acting academic dean for Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Transforming Theological Education provides theoretical foundations and practical principles for purposeful curriculum design, as well as tools for facilitating integrated and contextually significant learning in the classroom.
This updated second edition has been reorganized for thematic clarity and expanded to provide a stronger foundation for thinking theologically - rather than just educationally - about theological education. It also contains a wider range of curricular examples from innovative theological programs around the world, along with practical advice for implementing change in change- resistant environments. This handbook continues to be a one-of-a-kind resource for theological educators and all those involved in Christian leadership training.
Divided into four major sections, this textbook provides an in-depth exploration of the biblical, philosophical, cultural, and practical concerns facing African Christians as they proclaim and defend the gospel in Africa. Written by a diverse group of pastors and scholars, it provides a much needed interdisciplinary and contextualized approach to apologetics. It also seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and ministry practice, touching on such topics as hermeneutics, biblical criticism, church history, the nature of evil, religious inclusivism, Muslim-Christian engagement, eldership rites, domestic violence, cults, and the digital age. Biblically robust, contextually relevant, ministry-oriented, and accessible, this is a remarkable resource for enriching the life and ministry of Christians in Africa and beyond.
In this day when Christians and churches are widely dispersed throughout the world, the ques- tion 'Who is the church?' could easily be dismissed as irrelevant. In this publication, Bishop David Zac Niringiye pleads that as Jesus warned, we should not be in haste to conclude that any community with religious titles or forms and who speaks the right language of 'Lord, Lord . . . ' is authentic church. Taking his cue from Hebrews 11 and 12 the author addresses the motif of 'the people of God', looking first at the ancient people of Israel, beginning with Moses, then the new Israel and the covenant in Christ, born through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and finally the life of the new community, the church, during the apostolic era. Through this biblical journey it is made clear that as the pilgrim people of God and the new community in Christ we must be marked by faith, love and hope, looking forward to the full consummation of the kingdom of God - justice, peace and joy, fully realized when 'the new heaven and the new earth where righteousness dwells' (2 Peter 3:13) is inaugurated.
In an age of unsurpassed globalization, Melba Maggay reminds us of the beauty of unique cultures no matter how small their imprint on the world may seem. Yet these cultures do not exist in isolation, but have a complex interrelation with one another, be they monoliths such as western capitalism or subsistence communities like El Nido on the island of Palawan, the home of the author's ancestors.
This rich global tapestry is a gift from God, yet not without imperfection, sin or hardship. It is these realities to which we must apply the gospel in our own lives and in missiology. This book gives a prophetic call to proclaim the good news and do justice in and towards every culture under the sun, while demystifying some of the major narratives that inform worldviews across the globe today. And it is the kingdom of God for every tribe, tongue, people and nation that brings true global unity.
The second volume of an exciting new series exploring global theology. Though the global center of Christianity has been shifting south and east over the past few decades, very few theological resources have dealt with the seismic changes afoot. The Majority World Theology series seeks to remedy that lack by gathering well-regarded Christian thinkers from around the world to discuss the significance of Christian teaching in their respective contexts. The Trinity among the Nations focuses on Christian understandings of the character and work of God in various contexts. The contributors highlight global trends in trinitarian theology in relation to historic Christian confessions, especially the Nicene Creed, and draw out the rich implications of the doctrine of God for the church and Christian living today.
The Book of Revelation describes a church from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation glorifying the Lamb that was slain. As the church expands in the Majority World and Christianity becomes an increasingly global faith, this vision is an increasingly visible reality. The insights found in The Church from Every Tribe and Tongue are not commonplace. Written by nine theologians and biblical scholars from Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America, each provide fresh perspectives surveying the most pressing ecclesiological issues in their various regions. The end result is a prescient analysis and constructive proposal detailing how the worldwide church can bear witness in a diverse and changing world.
Human beings are complex. For all our contemporary knowledge and ability, however wonderful and widely available, people around the world face a crisis of human identity that calls into question the meaning of existence and the basis of moral behaviour. Responding to these challenges, Joe Kapolyo recognizes both the authority of the Bible, which teaches that people are created in the image of God but also corrupted by rebellion and sin, and the relevance of distinctly African perspectives on what it means to be human. Although he reads these perspectives critically, they lead him to reaffirm the biblical vision of redeemed human life in community in Christ. This vision offers a solution to the crisis of identity experienced by people who have forgotten who they are - and whose they are.
Getting to Grips with Biblical Hebrew provides a simple introduction to biblical Hebrew for beginners. Consisting of thirty lessons, the book focuses on the basic grammar and vocabulary necessary for reading and understanding the biblical text. Exercises are taken directly from the Hebrew Bible, and students gain hands-on experience with the joys and challenges of translation.
This textbook is specifically designed to be accessible for students who have never learned a foreign language or whose knowledge of English might be limited. For this reason, proficiency with English grammar is not assumed, and key concepts are explained as they occur. Tables of prefixes and suffixes are also provided to assist students in using a Hebrew dictionary.
By providing insight into the process of translating from ancient to modern languages, this resource will enrich a student's ability to interpret the Hebrew Bible in the here and now. Systematic and easy to use, this introduction to biblical Hebrew is perfect for anyone desiring to better understand the Old Testament texts.
Asian Christian Theology provides a survey of contextually reflective, robustly evangelical theology for students to engage with the core doctrines of Christianity and their outworking in different cultures across Asia. The contributors of the chapters come from all corners of Asia to systematically examine traditional doctrinal themes and contemporary concerns for the Asian church. Ideal for use as a companion textbook in Asian seminaries and institutions, this book will also provide excellent further reading for those outside of Asia seeking global theological perspectives, and for those in contexts of significant Asian diaspora. Many excellent books surveying theology exist, but this book is a major step forward for students and scholars seeking to understand the dynamic environment of evangelical theology in Asia.
In Chinese historiography and Christian biography, there is a striking contrast between the justifiable attention given to James Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM), and the relative neglect of his successor, Dixon Edward Hoste. In his landmark study of Hoste, Dr. Fung gives us important and fresh insights into the shaping of this man of God in the context of his times and his significance for God's missional purposes.
Ernest C. T. Chew, PhD
Vice-Chairman, The Evangelical Alliance of Singapore
Associate Senior Fellow, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Dr. Patrick Fung's fine account goes a long way to fill a longstanding gap in our understanding of the work of the China Inland Mission (CIM), which is the crucial role played by Dixon Edward Hoste, who succeeded Hudson Taylor as general director. Dr. Fung's meticulous analysis, much of it based on primary sources, clearly demonstrates that Hoste not only built on Taylor's vision of planting a fully indigenous church in China, but put in place the essential steps needed to bring about its fulfilment. A penetrating and invaluable study!
Hwa Yung
Bishop Emeritus, The Methodist Church in Malaysia
People are desperate for leaders who are credible - those who possess a moral center and exhibit sound leadership skills. Given our global realities, we need strategic leaders who possess cultural intelligence and theological discernment. The aim of this book is to shape such leaders. Each chapter combines careful research with contributions from leaders around the world. These voices bring much-needed insight to leadership issues when translated and applied in different settings, especially the many urban multi-cultural contexts that exist today. Present and emerging leaders, no matter the culture or field, will find this book invaluable in sustaining their call to godly leadership.
God's love in Jesus Christ for the salvation and recreation of all things is still the hope of the world. This Christian affirmation is the reality that holds all things and holds all things together. Yet in today's world, it is easy to understand why the church is in pain and declining in its Christian and moral influence.
Rethinking Church in the 21st Century is the culmination of three years of exploration into the condition of the church around the world today. Bringing together a diverse community of Christian voices, these essays offer reflections and admonitions to ignite the hearts of pastors and leaders during the dynamic, vulnerable, and hopeful times we face.
In this first volume, scholars and church leaders from across the globe respond to writings on suffering and persecution. The authors examine the universal themes of suffering and address topics such as violence, natural disasters, and persecution through contextually rooted lenses. The resulting essays are an authentic, richly diverse collection that offers fresh perspectives for the church to reflect on together.
People go to church every Sunday hoping to hear a life-giving word from the Lord but often find that they have to make do with either the dry crust of cognitive sermons or the empty calories of emotional exhortations. This book provides preachers with the tools to feed their flock with hearty sustenance.
Using real-life sermon examples from across Asia that reflect issues facing Asian Christians, Maggie Low builds a picture of a sermon as a body, taking you step-by-step through guidelines for what this body needs to come alive. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced preacher, you will learn to preach more confidently and relevantly through this skillful integration of biblical theology, homiletical theory, spirituality, and communication skills.
Preaching cannot deliver life unless preachers themselves listen to the Word of Life. Dr Low guides the reader to exegete the Scriptures and to listen to God personally so that they can deliver a life-giving word to the hearers.
It would seem that every culture on earth has a propensity towards controlling and authoritarian leadership - at its very core, the human condition has a desire for control and self-determination. In this book, Julyan Lidstone uses his decades of experience in western and central Asia and, most importantly, the authoritative teaching of the Bible, to shed light on issues of authoritarian leadership in honour-shame cultures.
Gifted young leaders are gathering new believers in Jesus all over the world but the prevailing culture of domineering leadership is the single greatest obstacle to the healthy growth and firm establishment of these new churches. Lidstone winsomely and accurately applies the servant leadership modelled by Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul, as revealed by Scripture, as the cross-centred antidote to the pain, damage and disillusionment caused by leadership that does not reflect the Christlikeness of the kingdom of God.
The twenty-first century is marked by mass migration. Massive population movements of the last century have radically challenged our study and practice of mission. Where the church once rallied to go out into the regions beyond, Christian mission is currently required to respond and adapt to missions around. As a result, leaders in this field have been developing diaspora missiology to provide a missiological framework for understanding and participating in God's redemptive mission among peoples living outside their places of origin. In this volume, experts in diaspora missiology from across the globe analyze the development of missions to migrants and add to our understanding of the contemporary church's opportunities and responsibilities for mission amongst diaspora groups.