Rating: 
Summary: Newbigin is a must read for missions and evangelism
Review: Newbigin breaks down the core issues and pre-suppostions that we face in a pluralistic culture. His experience as an eastern missionary has given him an objective eye to view the Western world. He deals with the issue of pluralism above post-modernism, simply because it is more of the issue that the gospel faces in our current world. If you plan to do missions or evangelism this book will give you a great backdrop for understanding the key issues that you will face.
Rating:
Summary: A great affirmation of faith in a multicultural world
Review: Newbigin is certainly qualified to speak about the relationship of Christianity and other religions and cultures. I loved this book. It pulled me along from the first page to the last. Newbigin is able to bridge the usual liberal-conservative divisions within the church. He makes it clear that one doesn't have to compromise the Gospel at all in order to live in "the global village" and announce the Good News to nonChristian cultures. Newbigin died in January in his 90th year--one of the great saints of the Church!
Rating:
Summary: Newbigin's book is a must-read for Western Christians
Review: Newbigin was a British missionary to India for 40 years. As he traveled between India, with its many religions, and the West, with the increasing number of personal religions of non-religion, he had an excellent perspective on how Christianity fit into the cacophanous jumble of religious diversity. Newbigin deals head-on with many issues that American and other Western Christians have trouble with, the greatest being, "How can we claim that Jesus is THE way, THE truth, and THE life when we see so many good people who have alternative belief systems?" This is a book that will challenge Christians to take courage.
Rating:
Summary: A highly relevant book for students of Christian missions
Review: The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society is a highly relevant book for any modern student of missions. Newbigin's numerous theological and sociological insights have made this a work of frequent citation in missiological texts by other authors.
In the first five chapters of his book Newbigin draws from Michael Polanyi's Personal Knowledge to critique many of the fallacies of a rationalistic worldview - a worldview which is steadily losing ground to postmodern systems of thought in the present era. He unapologetically asserts that "dogma," long critiqued by proponents of rationalism and positivism as a backward and inferior belief system which characterizes religion, is just as much a part of the modern scientific worldview. All cultures adhere to certain "plausibility structures" or ways of thinking which are unanimously accepted by the members of society. Truth claims are then tested against these plausibility structures to determine their validity. But the plausibility structures themselves are based on unproven, dogmatic assumptions. Newbigin asserts that Christians adhere to a different plausibility structure than society at large - one which is no less certain than the prevalent worldview which so esteems reason and scientific knowledge. He believes Christians should not feel compelled to defend their beliefs according to a popular secular plausibility structure.
Newbigin believes that the Bible is unique in that it relates a universal history of mankind. Although the context of this history lies within a particular group of people in a particular part of the world, its message is applicable to all peoples. This history offers a unique message of hope for all peoples, something which is lacking in many cultures, especially in the modern West. Many Europeans and Americans have no hope at all in the future and therefore have lost all incentive to invest in it. Christ is the center of this history, and his story, as related in the New Testament ultimately envisions a goal which we can work toward - the creation of a better society as we progress in our lives and await the hereafter. Newbigin does not limit Christ's message to a this-worldly social gospel, but nevertheless believes that Christians who focus exclusively on saving souls are missing an important dimension of his teaching. He gives an insightful interpretation of Biblical passages such as Ephesians 3:10 and Colossians 1:15-17, claiming that the "principalities and powers" mentioned in these texts are not demonic beings but rather unjust social structures which can become demonic. Christians have a responsibility to change these structures for the good of all.
Newbigin addresses the issue of how Christians should view those who practice other religions by emphasizing that in the past people have frequently been asking the wrong question, "Who can be saved?" He believes that Christians should approach adherents of other faiths with respect, acknowledging the ways God has worked in their lives, being willing to cooperate with them in worthwhile projects for the benefit of society, and ultimately to share with them the unique story of Jesus.
Newbigin's book is profound and thought-provoking. Although not everyone will agree with all of his insights, they nonetheless merit careful consideration and reflection.
Rating:
Summary: A highly relevant book for students of Christian missions
Review: The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society is a highly relevant book for any modern student of missions. Newbigin's numerous theological and sociological insights have made this a work of frequent citation in missiological texts by other authors.
In the first five chapters of his book Newbigin draws from Michael Polanyi's Personal Knowledge to critique many of the fallacies of a rationalistic worldview - a worldview which is steadily losing ground to postmodern systems of thought in the present era. He unapologetically asserts that "dogma," long critiqued by proponents of rationalism and positivism as a backward and inferior belief system which characterizes religion, is just as much a part of the modern scientific worldview. All cultures adhere to certain "plausibility structures" or ways of thinking which are unanimously accepted by the members of society. Truth claims are then tested against these plausibility structures to determine their validity. But the plausibility structures themselves are based on unproven, dogmatic assumptions. Newbigin asserts that Christians adhere to a different plausibility structure than society at large - one which is no less certain than the prevalent worldview which so esteems reason and scientific knowledge. He believes Christians should not feel compelled to defend their beliefs according to a popular secular plausibility structure.
Newbigin believes that the Bible is unique in that it relates a universal history of mankind. Although the context of this history lies within a particular group of people in a particular part of the world, its message is applicable to all peoples. This history offers a unique message of hope for all peoples, something which is lacking in many cultures, especially in the modern West. Many Europeans and Americans have no hope at all in the future and therefore have lost all incentive to invest in it. Christ is the center of this history, and his story, as related in the New Testament ultimately envisions a goal which we can work toward - the creation of a better society as we progress in our lives and await the hereafter. Newbigin does not limit Christ's message to a this-worldly social gospel, but nevertheless believes that Christians who focus exclusively on saving souls are missing an important dimension of his teaching. He gives an insightful interpretation of Biblical passages such as Ephesians 3:10 and Colossians 1:15-17, claiming that the "principalities and powers" mentioned in these texts are not demonic beings but rather unjust social structures which can become demonic. Christians have a responsibility to change these structures for the good of all.
Newbigin addresses the issue of how Christians should view those who practice other religions by emphasizing that in the past people have frequently been asking the wrong question, "Who can be saved?" He believes that Christians should approach adherents of other faiths with respect, acknowledging the ways God has worked in their lives, being willing to cooperate with them in worthwhile projects for the benefit of society, and ultimately to share with them the unique story of Jesus.
Newbigin's book is profound and thought-provoking. Although not everyone will agree with all of his insights, they nonetheless merit careful consideration and reflection.
Rating:
Summary: Classic and Unsurpassed
Review: There's little I can say about this book that will do it justice. This is, in my opinion, without doubt (a phrase that takes on a whole new meaning after reading Newbigin) the best treatment of contemporary religious pluralism ever written. Newbigin is theologically astute, writes with clarity and acumen, missionally informed and focused and touches on virtually all the relevant issues connected with the question of pluralism.Some of the most rewarding things I have gleaned from Newbigin involve the issues of "faith" and "reason" and "science." Newbigin's engagement with Michael Polanyi and Alasdair MacIntyre treats these issues wonderfully well, showing how "science" does not have a privilaged position in the discussion of what counts as public truth. Science names a socially embodied tradition that relies on established doctrine, schooling, and ultimately, faith to function. There is, ultimately no contention between "faith" and "reason," but rather between different socially embodied traditions that each attempt to narrate their interpretation of the world from their own particular fiduciary-rational framework. This puts the whole issue of "science and Christianity" in a different light. After reading Newbigin, I was more conviced than ever the Christianity has no obligation or stake in attempting to justify itself on the basis of scular reason. Rather Christianity is an laternative form of reasoning based on different presuppositions. This ultimately calls for witnesses rather than lawyers, so to speak. Much of evangelical theology is intent on "prooving" that Christianity is true "beyond a reasonable doubt", not realizing that the role of the Christian is not that of the layer (if anyone is that it is the Holy Spirt), but rather of the summoned witness. Newbigin's work in this book yeilds so much fruit in relation to these questions. This book also touches on other relevant themes that are far too many to mention here. Newbigin's treatment of the principalities and powers was excellent, and his work on the church is also superb. When he declares that the congregation is the hermeneutic of the gospel, all I can do in response is write "YES!!" in the margins. This book should be required reading for any Christian attempting to think through the "tough issues" of religious pluralism, faith and reason, church and state and the like. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Classic and Unsurpassed
Review: There's little I can say about this book that will do it justice. This is, in my opinion, without doubt (a phrase that takes on a whole new meaning after reading Newbigin) the best treatment of contemporary religious pluralism ever written. Newbigin is theologically astute, writes with clarity and acumen, missionally informed and focused and touches on virtually all the relevant issues connected with the question of pluralism. Some of the most rewarding things I have gleaned from Newbigin involve the issues of "faith" and "reason" and "science." Newbigin's engagement with Michael Polanyi and Alasdair MacIntyre treats these issues wonderfully well, showing how "science" does not have a privilaged position in the discussion of what counts as public truth. Science names a socially embodied tradition that relies on established doctrine, schooling, and ultimately, faith to function. There is, ultimately no contention between "faith" and "reason," but rather between different socially embodied traditions that each attempt to narrate their interpretation of the world from their own particular fiduciary-rational framework. This puts the whole issue of "science and Christianity" in a different light. After reading Newbigin, I was more conviced than ever the Christianity has no obligation or stake in attempting to justify itself on the basis of scular reason. Rather Christianity is an laternative form of reasoning based on different presuppositions. This ultimately calls for witnesses rather than lawyers, so to speak. Much of evangelical theology is intent on "prooving" that Christianity is true "beyond a reasonable doubt", not realizing that the role of the Christian is not that of the layer (if anyone is that it is the Holy Spirt), but rather of the summoned witness. Newbigin's work in this book yeilds so much fruit in relation to these questions. This book also touches on other relevant themes that are far too many to mention here. Newbigin's treatment of the principalities and powers was excellent, and his work on the church is also superb. When he declares that the congregation is the hermeneutic of the gospel, all I can do in response is write "YES!!" in the margins. This book should be required reading for any Christian attempting to think through the "tough issues" of religious pluralism, faith and reason, church and state and the like. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Answers the questions you didn't want to face
Review: This is an incisive response to the problems we feel when trying to evangelise. How can I claim to know the truth? Why should I make a stand? I have been going to Church all my life (and am now 18) and I have found this book very helpful in explaining my feelings when trying to evangelise in terms of the culture I have been brought up in. This book allows you to grasp the arguments behind the practical steps that we as Christians should take to spread the word. This is in fact (contrary to the shallow one star review) a very 'change the world' book. Absolutely brilliant
Rating:
Summary: An extremely valuable read
Review: When I initially picked up this book, I thought, "oh, another one of these books." There seems to be a new book on pluralism and postmodernism coming out every day. I had read bits of Newbiggin before, and knew that a missionary in India for forty years would have something to say worthwhile. I was not mistaken. Newbiggin's clear voice and wise, yet succinct, observations make this an extremely valuable book to read. I was greatly influenced by this book, and found new insights and confirmation of my own undeveloped thoughts which encouraged and challenged my thinking.
Newbiggin develops his thoughts by showing why and how a Christian message can be conveyed and understood in a pluralist society. He first shows how a pluralistic understanding views religion in general. Coming from an Indian perspective he has an excellent understanding of this. Pluralist societies tend to be religious, accepting the transcendent as something which is greater than one single philosophy can grasp hold of. Yet, Newbiggin approaches this directly, asking "why?" What makes a person know that the transcendent is greater than one religion? He challenges the view by showing that those who claim this are asserting a source of knowledge on their own, establishing for themselves a point of reference which they deny to others. In addition, Newbiggin shows the now common fallacies which are involved in a true pluralistic view. A person can not be a pluralist in a math class. Thus, there are accepted areas in which Truth can be established. The role now before us is to show, and proclaim, that religion can be this area, and that Christianity is this truth.
Along with the claims of truth that must be continually asserted, Newbiggin has several chapters on missions and evangelism which I found very interesting. He points out that the New Testament epistles are virtually devoid of references, exhortations, or instructions to evangelism and missions. This is an unusual observation in respect to the modern emphasis on such activities. Newbiggin points out that these were not referred to for one main reason. It is that the role of evangelism was never thought of as the responsibility for the believer. Rather, evangelism was a result of the power of the Holy Spirit acting in such a way that people were drawn to see and inquire what this new power was. "The mission of the Church in the pages of the New Testament is more like the fallout from a vast explosion, a radioactive fallout which is not lethal but life-giving." Thus, we understand why Paul exhorted his churches to mature, growing in their faith and understanding of the Triune God. It would be through this maturity that the Spirit would naturally move in the lives of believers to reach out to the community around them. When a church loses this focus, ministry becomes difficult and impossible, especially in an age of pluralism.
Overall this is a tremendously valuable book, which continues to spark new thought and approaches to how exactly Christianity can speak to this current era.
Rating:
Summary: An extremely valuable read
Review: When I initially picked up this book, I thought, "oh, another one of these books." There seems to be a new book on pluralism and postmodernism coming out every day. I had read bits of Newbiggin before, and knew that a missionary in India for forty years would have something to say worthwhile. I was not mistaken. Newbiggin's clear voice and wise, yet succinct, observations make this an extremely valuable book to read. I was greatly influenced by this book, and found new insights and confirmation of my own undeveloped thoughts which encouraged and challenged my thinking.
Newbiggin develops his thoughts by showing why and how a Christian message can be conveyed and understood in a pluralist society. He first shows how a pluralistic understanding views religion in general. Coming from an Indian perspective he has an excellent understanding of this. Pluralist societies tend to be religious, accepting the transcendent as something which is greater than one single philosophy can grasp hold of. Yet, Newbiggin approaches this directly, asking "why?" What makes a person know that the transcendent is greater than one religion? He challenges the view by showing that those who claim this are asserting a source of knowledge on their own, establishing for themselves a point of reference which they deny to others. In addition, Newbiggin shows the now common fallacies which are involved in a true pluralistic view. A person can not be a pluralist in a math class. Thus, there are accepted areas in which Truth can be established. The role now before us is to show, and proclaim, that religion can be this area, and that Christianity is this truth.
Along with the claims of truth that must be continually asserted, Newbiggin has several chapters on missions and evangelism which I found very interesting. He points out that the New Testament epistles are virtually devoid of references, exhortations, or instructions to evangelism and missions. This is an unusual observation in respect to the modern emphasis on such activities. Newbiggin points out that these were not referred to for one main reason. It is that the role of evangelism was never thought of as the responsibility for the believer. Rather, evangelism was a result of the power of the Holy Spirit acting in such a way that people were drawn to see and inquire what this new power was. "The mission of the Church in the pages of the New Testament is more like the fallout from a vast explosion, a radioactive fallout which is not lethal but life-giving." Thus, we understand why Paul exhorted his churches to mature, growing in their faith and understanding of the Triune God. It would be through this maturity that the Spirit would naturally move in the lives of believers to reach out to the community around them. When a church loses this focus, ministry becomes difficult and impossible, especially in an age of pluralism.
Overall this is a tremendously valuable book, which continues to spark new thought and approaches to how exactly Christianity can speak to this current era.
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