Theology in Missionary Perspective

Synopsis: Lesslie Newbigin was one of the most significant missionary strategists and theologians of the twentieth century. With the breakdown of confidence in some of the central philosophical and theological paradigms that have been shaped and sustained by the culture of modernity, Newbigin's approach to a genuinely missionary theology offers fresh insights and approaches, providing something of a prophetic model for the global Christian community in new and challenging times. In this collection of essays, scholars and practitioners from around the world engage with aspects of Newbigin's continuing legacy. They explore Newbigin's approach to theological method, his theological and philosophical account of Western culture in the light of the gospel, and some of the implications of his thought for global mission in the third millennium. This collection is essential reading not just for Newbigin enthusiasts but also for all who are concerned to develop a genuinely missionary encounter with contemporary culture. Contributors: Ian Barns, John G. Flett, Michael W. Goheen, Kenneth D. Gordon, Eleanor Jackson, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, David J. Kettle, J. Andrew Kirk, Mark Laing, Murray Rae, Martin Reppenhagen, Jürgen Schuster, Wilbert Shenk, Jenny Taylor, Geoffrey Wainwright, Ng Kam Weng, and Paul Weston. Endorsements: "All who face the challenge of re-evangelization of the Western world draw inspiration from the work of Lesslie Newbigin. We stand on the shoulders of a giant. Newbigin's thinking provokes continual reengagement. I warmly recommend this insightful collection as a resource for the mission of the church today." --Graham Cray, Archbishops' Missioner and Leader, Fresh Expressions Initiative, UK "No figure is more significant in the emergence of the missional church movement than Lesslie Newbigin. In this outstanding collection of essays, his contributions to ecclesiology, mission, and theology are set forth and critically assessed by an outstanding group of scholars and practitioners. This is essential reading for all those interested in the missional turn and its implications for Christian faith, life, and witness in a pluralist and changing world." --John R. Franke, General Coordinator, The Gospel and Our Culture Network "We are only beginning to comprehend the breadth and depth of Lesslie Newbigin's missionary theology. This book presents an impressive array of compellingly written essays that help us begin to take the measure of his achievement. It is most welcome." --Scot Sherman, President, Newbigin House of Studies "For its journey in the perplexing and thrilling territory of the post-Christian twenty-first century, the church in the West and far beyond has no better traveling companion than Lesslie Newbigin. In this book, some of the world's most sensitive and incisive interpreters trace in almost kaleidoscopic fashion the way Newbigin's central concerns and convictions illumine a wide range of missional challenges. Here is a reliable marker signaling how and why Newbigin's influence continues to expand." --George R. Hunsberger, Professor of Missiology, Western Theological Seminary Author Biography: Mark Laing taught missiology at Union Biblical Seminary in Pune, India, for several years. His doctoral studies focused upon Newbigin's theology of the church arising out of his work in India, and he is the author of From Crisis to Creation: Lesslie Newbigin and the Reinvention of Christian Mission (Wipf & Stock, 2012). Paul Weston teaches mission studies at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, UK and is an affiliated lecturer in the Cambridge University Divinity Faculty. He has a PhD on Newbigin's a