Christian Mission in the Modern World

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Classic on Christian Mission
Review: It's hard to believe that Stott wrote this book in 1976, yet, I read it in 1999 for a Christian Mission class, and it seems so appropriate today. Dr. Stott was on the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism, and has obviously thought about these and researched this deeply. He comes from an Evangelical Protestant heritage.

This is a particularly insighted book, an introduction to Christian Mission. The change from the plural, missions, to the singular, mission, is indicated by Stott as what all Christians should be doing, that is, both evangelism AND striving for social justice (that is, arguing the case of the orphan, widow, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, fighting against oppression, etc.).

Stott defines a number of crucial terms and places them within the context of Christian theology, for instance, evangelism just means 'proclaiming the Good News,' specifically that of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, Stott is very practical and uses biblical theology (such as the theology of the Incarnation gives us an example of what it means to be involved with others, to share their sufferings and concerns, and to understand their culture and be able to dialogue with them at where they are at). And Stott is very good at providing negative examples, or warnings, such as that Christians are also to be 'salt and light,' maintaining their identity as Christians; that the Gospel is not liberation theology (although the influence of the Gospel may be seen in the culture in fighting against social injustices), the Gospel does not ensure health and wealth. Salvation does mean freedom from sin, to serve and obey God.

The book is divided between 5 large chapters that have a number of topics discussed. The first is Mission -- what is Christian Mission? As mentioned, evangelism, theology, social justice are all discussed.

The second chapter is Evangelism, and the priority and meaning (even definitions) of evangelism, and what we as Christians should be doing.

This leads into dialogue, and how we are to dialogue with others. Stott is very practical at the end of the chapter discussing what are some different arenas of dialogue, for example, with Muslims, within Great Britain, and Hindus.

The next chapter is on Salvation, what it doesn't mean, and what it means.

This leads us into Conversion, and discussion on theology (as well as the individual's responsibility) in matters, such as the Christian doctrines of regeneration, repentance, and the effects of conversion on the church, society, culture, and the role of the Holy Spirit (and even the necessity not to be stupid, like assuming that the Holy Spirit will overcome my own stupidity or lack of preparation).

In all, a very solidly theological and practical work, as all of Stott's works are.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Classic on Christian Mission
Review: It's hard to believe that Stott wrote this book in 1976, yet, I read it in 1999 for a Christian Mission class, and it seems so appropriate today. Dr. Stott was on the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism, and has obviously thought about these and researched this deeply. He comes from an Evangelical Protestant heritage.

This is a particularly insighted book, an introduction to Christian Mission. The change from the plural, missions, to the singular, mission, is indicated by Stott as what all Christians should be doing, that is, both evangelism AND striving for social justice (that is, arguing the case of the orphan, widow, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, fighting against oppression, etc.).

Stott defines a number of crucial terms and places them within the context of Christian theology, for instance, evangelism just means 'proclaiming the Good News,' specifically that of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, Stott is very practical and uses biblical theology (such as the theology of the Incarnation gives us an example of what it means to be involved with others, to share their sufferings and concerns, and to understand their culture and be able to dialogue with them at where they are at). And Stott is very good at providing negative examples, or warnings, such as that Christians are also to be 'salt and light,' maintaining their identity as Christians; that the Gospel is not liberation theology (although the influence of the Gospel may be seen in the culture in fighting against social injustices), the Gospel does not ensure health and wealth. Salvation does mean freedom from sin, to serve and obey God.

The book is divided between 5 large chapters that have a number of topics discussed. The first is Mission -- what is Christian Mission? As mentioned, evangelism, theology, social justice are all discussed.

The second chapter is Evangelism, and the priority and meaning (even definitions) of evangelism, and what we as Christians should be doing.

This leads into dialogue, and how we are to dialogue with others. Stott is very practical at the end of the chapter discussing what are some different arenas of dialogue, for example, with Muslims, within Great Britain, and Hindus.

The next chapter is on Salvation, what it doesn't mean, and what it means.

This leads us into Conversion, and discussion on theology (as well as the individual's responsibility) in matters, such as the Christian doctrines of regeneration, repentance, and the effects of conversion on the church, society, culture, and the role of the Holy Spirit (and even the necessity not to be stupid, like assuming that the Holy Spirit will overcome my own stupidity or lack of preparation).

In all, a very solidly theological and practical work, as all of Stott's works are.