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As Christians seek to follow Paul’s example of becoming like all people in order to win them to Christ, a key question arises: How far is too far? Is there a point where appropriate contextualization becomes gospel-distorting syncretism? With the growing prominence of Insider Movements in the Muslim-majority world in recent decades, these questions have become especially urgent and hotly-debated. Based on an in-depth, biblical-theological study of key Bible texts used by Insider Movement proponents and critics, this book provides a ground-breaking new assessment tool for distinguishing contextualization from syncretism. It provides an invaluable resource for those engaged in ministry amongst Muslims, for those with questions about Insider Movement practices, and for all who seek to grow in their understanding and practice of biblically-grounded and authentic contextualization of the gospel.
For the first time in history, large numbers of people from the world’s major non-Christian religions are following Jesus as Lord. Surprisingly for many Western Christians, they are choosing to do so within the religious communities of their birth and outside of institutional Christianity. How does this work, and how should we respond to these movements? This long-awaited anthology brings together some of the best writings on the topic of insider movements. Diverse voices explore this phenomenon from the perspectives of Scripture, history, theology, missiology, and the experience and identity of insider believers. Those who are unfamiliar with the subject will find this book a crucial guid...
At the beginning of the twentieth century, famed theologian Abraham Kuyper toured the Mediterranean world and encountered Islam for the first time. Part travelogue, part cultural critique, On Islam presents a European imperialist seeing firsthand the damage colonialism had caused and the value of a religion he had never truly understood. Here, Kuyper's doctrine of common grace shines as he displays a nuanced and respectful understanding of the Muslim world. Though an ardent Calvinist, Kuyper still knew that God's grace is expressed to unbelievers. Kuyper saw Islam as a culture and religion with much to offer the West, but also as a threat to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here he expresses a balanced view of early twentieth-century Islam that demands attention from the majority world today as well. Essays by prominent scholars bookend the volume, showing the relevance of these teachings in our time.
Discover God's Heart for Muslims: Investigate Islam through this positive and hopeful 640-page book. Encountering the World of Islam explores the Muslim world and God's plan for Muslims. Read from a collection of writings about the life of Muhammad, the history of Islamic civilization, Islamic beliefs, Muslims today, and the everyday lives of Muslims from Morocco to Indonesia. Gain insight from 80 different practitioners into diverse Muslim cultures and worldviews as well as Christian outreach toward Muslims, our response to Islam, and prayer for the Muslim world. This book is used as the textbook for the Encountering the World of Islam course. Revised, updated, and expanded for 2014.Fifty-s...
In recent years, increasing numbers of people from Muslim backgrounds have become followers of Jesus. Some of these conversions have occurred in Cambodia. This book explores the experiences and reflections of forty Cambodians from a Muslim background who have chosen to believe in and follow Jesus. It is based on doctoral research utilizing in-depth interviews which sought to answer the following questions: 1) What role did contextualizing the Christian message play in making it more understandable and compelling? 2) What core themes or factors did those interviewed report as central in their own conversions? 3) How was the gospel message itself experienced as personally meaningful? This book probes the answers to those questions, revealing the manner in which forty Cambodians experienced God and the gospel message. The stories and reflections found here not only provide a glimpse into their lives, but also give insight into the way in which Muslim-background individuals come to believe in and embrace Jesus.
Insider Movements = Church-planting Movements? In the last few decades, the Church has witnessed a growing harvest of Muslim-background believers coming to Christ. However, a divide remains over whether the “insider” paradigm contributes to the flourishing and multiplication of healthy, biblical churches among Muslims. S. T. Antonio advances this conversation beyond the old arguments through a fresh analysis of the insider paradigm by asking the question, What is church? Starting with the identity-shaping narrative of the people of God, Antonio digs deep into the nature of biblical ekklesia from multiple angles—local and universal, visible and invisible, the classical "marks" of the ch...
Taking account of the significant developments in practice and thinking around the emerging church, this book will quickly establish itself as a key text for all interested in pioneer ministry, fresh expressions, church planting, church growth and ecclesiology.
Do you want to help bring people from all the nations into relationship with Jesus as he intends? Sadly, there are multiple mission approaches today that are ineffective or even counterproductive to reaching that goal. If that concerns you then join this journey through Scripture, mission history, and contemporary experience to find direction to redeem the nations. We will explore what Jesus intended missions to be, what it certainly is not, why it is important, how it should be carried out, and the essential divine power that must energize it. Along the way, you will discover dozens of misconceptions that can misdirect or scuttle your personal, church, or team efforts while clarifying how you should invest your life and resources to accomplish this most important task on earth.
Has the Church lost sight of her original vocation of living out her mission by serving the world? There is a prevailing ecclesiology of fatalism which suggests that it has, and that there is nothing to do be done about. This book argues however, that the church still has a role in bearing witness fruitfully and creatively even within a context of crisis. Leading thinkers offer theoretical, contextual and practical responses to encourage a renewed love for the church and renewed energy to bear witness appropriately and creatively. Chapters include: Richard Bauckham – on New Testament perspectives on a church in crisis Alister McGrath – challenging the narrative of decline Rev Dr Carlton Turner – on BAME Presence and the Witness of Diversity and Inclusion Dr Susie Snyder – on attending to those on the margins
When people of different cultures and religious traditions are being constantly drawn closer together, interreligious dialogue becomes not only a strategy to understand the "Others," but also an attitude to deepen one's faith. Christian faith acknowledges other religious traditions as genuine "ways" and "channels" of salvation for their adherents and that religions have a place in God's universal plan of salvation for humankind. The plausibility of this assertion can be exemplified by the concept of "inclusive pluralism," a theological model developed by the Belgian-born Jesuit theologian Jacques Dupuis. This book expounds that concept and reflects on its implication for the Catholic Church's unwavering commitment to interreligious dialogue.