Global Missiology English

Sam George and Askok Kumar, eds., Sharing Jesus with Hindus: Global Witness Among Hindu Diaspora

Prasad D R J Phillips — 2024-10-21

This recent addition to the series edited by Sam George on Christians in diaspora missions is distinct for its singular focus on witnessing among diaspora Hindus. Co-edited by Ashok Kumar, the book delves into a theme that is increasingly relevant as the Hindu community grows in different parts of the world. The volume offers a snapshot from a diverse group of Christian scholar-practitioners, each with a unique global context and involvement in Christian ministry to and among Hindus. This unique focus on witnessing among diaspora Hindus will surely captivate the reader, providing a fresh perspective on Christian missions.

Mission Dynamics Among Biharis: Toward Contextualized Approaches

Santosh Kumar — 2024-10-21

One of the main reasons why South Asia is among the most challenging contexts for world missions is Christianity’s Western heritage. More specifically, Biharis, despite efforts for more than two centuries, are among those who have either adopted Christianity as a foreign religion or completely resisted it. Contemporary missiological understanding has emphasized that approaches that take into consideration local culture are an unavoidable path to a better interreligious understanding of the Christian faith. Based on the concept of contextualization, what are some essential cultural elements of Bihari culture that Christian missionaries have to take into consideration in communicating the gospel to people from that region? This article discusses these mission dynamics from various perspectives, including that of a former Hindu Bihari. The article discusses examples of Bihari religious concepts, terms, and practices that Christian mission should address in order to find relevance in its approaches.

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GME — 2024-10-21

Christian Recessions and Declines: What Might We Learn from Them?

J. Nelson Jennings — 2024-10-18

Why did we on the Global Missiology – English (GME) editorial team decide to take up the theme of “Recessions and Declines: Noteworthy Decreases of Christianity and Its Influence”? Is doing so at all helpful, appropriate, or instructive? Considering revivals and growth provides both encouragement and examples to emulate. What good could come from describing and analyzing Christian losses and shrinkages?

Eclipse of the Son: The Fate of the 1880s Revival in Meiji Japan

Greg S. Whyte — 2024-10-18

Japanese Christianity in the 1880s was experiencing significant growth, so much so that missionaries were proclaiming that Japan would become the center of East Asian Christianity by the turn of the century. However, this trend reversed itself in the 1890s, when Christianity was no longer looked upon with favor by the Japanese people, and the rapid growth of the previous decade thus reversed itself into decline. After exploring Christianity’s rapid growth in the 1880s (which is rarely mentioned in “revival” literature, despite its resemblance to other, more famous revivals of the period), this article will explore several reasons for its reversal.

How Should Muslim Identity be Determined?

Fred Farrokh — 2024-10-18

The Muslim world remains the greatest missiological challenge for the global church. Many missiologists are presently wrestling with the issue of identity development for new believers in Christ from Muslim background. The insider movement initiative prescribes their permanent retention of Muslim identity. Controversy has arisen since the global Muslim community has hitherto been unwilling to confer Muslim identity upon Christ-worshippers. This article considers whether Muslim identity should be self-determined or reciprocally determined. The article concludes by stating the perils of an autonomous, self-determined Muslim identity, then offers recommendations for healthy, Christo-centric identity development among new believers who are from a Muslim background.

The Theological Voice of a Poor Man in a Desert: Right for Africa?

Jim Harries — 2024-10-21

Abba Matta revitalized the monastery of St. Macarius in Egypt, leaving it thriving at his death in 2006. His books demonstrate a life marked by deep devotion to prayer and holy living, from youth. Conflict in the church contributed to his passing through harsh conditions. His writings, spiritually guided and deeply rooted in the Bible, offer profound insights into Christian living, in theological depth and commitment. His implicit critique of the prosperity gospel combines with deep insights relevant to African contexts. Translating some of his key texts into prominent African languages like Hausa and Swahili could provide healthy ways forward on the continent.

Emojis and Visio Divina: Contextualizing the Gospel to Reach East African Youth in the Digital Sphere

David Hirome — 2024-10-18

This study investigates how East African youth engage with Christian contemplative spirituality through Visio Divina, using digital art and emojis on smartphones. With a qualitative approach, six Ugandan and Kenyan participants enrolled in a three-week Visio Divina exercise via WhatsApp. Results indicate that participants experienced a range of emotions, suggesting that Visio Divina effectively fosters deep spiritual reflections. The study demonstrates the potential of digital art and emojis to communicate the gospel in a way that resonates with African youth. This research highlights the benefits of aligning spiritual practices with contemporary digital communication methods, offering new insights for modern evangelization.

Call for Papers for April 2025 Special Issue: "Lausanne IV: Reviews, Analyses, and Projections"

GME Editorial Team — 2024-10-18

The April 2025 issue of Global Missiology - English will examine the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, or “Seoul-Incheon 2024,” that took place in September, 2024. Lausanne I-III gathered in 1974 (Lausanne), 1989 (Manila), and 2010 (Cape Town), hence Lausanne IV (Seoul) marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Lausanne Movement. Proposed titles with approximately 100-word abstracts are due October 31, 2024. Full manuscripts of approved paper proposals will be due January 31, 2025.

Call for Papers for October 2025 Special Issue: "Diaspora Communities: Relationships, Identities, Challenges, and Opportunities"

GME Editorial Team — 2024-10-18

The October 2025 issue of Global Missiology - English will examine an array of topics related to diaspora communities. The important roles played by diaspora peoples in Christian mission are recognized today more than ever. Much study of diaspora phenomena has been conducted, but more is needed in specific relation to communities of people living in diaspora. Proposed titles with approximately 100-word abstracts are due April 30, 2025. Full manuscripts of approved paper proposals will be due July 31, 2025.