The Logic of Evangelism

by William J. Abraham

In this book William J. Abraham attempts to address the dearth of modern theology on the topic of evangelism. In contrast both to the traditional focus on proclamation and to the more recent emphasis on church growth, Abraham argues that evangelism should be construed as primary initiation into the kingdom of God. Fleshing out his thesis by discussing how conversion, baptism, morality, the creed, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the classical spiritual disciplines are related to kingdom initiation, Abraham seeks to articulate the implications of his theory of evangelism for the practice of evangelism. Besides holding forth a specific norm regarding how evangelism should be understood, Abraham also maintains that the sorely needed critical discussion about evangelism should proceed in a particular way--not by drawing up new, specialized schemes but rather by bringing to bear on the topic relevant material from a number of appropriate disciplines. The book thus seeks to provoke or inspire other scholars to pursue critical reflection on evangelism, to further develop the new ground broken here.

Genres: Theology, Evangelism, Ecclesiology, Church

254 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1988

About the author

William J. Abraham is the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology, working as a philosophical and systematic theologian.

Reviews

[John Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of this book is terrible. Abraham is redefining the entire concept of evangelism theologically and practically for our world today. What are the major critiques evangelism? That it is only proclamation, and therefore individualistic and the people who 'convert' aren't actually true Christians; and that it is all about church growth without substance to the growth. Abraham addresses both issues by defining evangelism as initiation into the kingdom of God.

First, then, we must tackle the theological concept of the kingdom of God. There is good news to share, as Abraham says, here and now and later, and without this good news then who cares? But in addition to being good news, the kingdom also requires something of the convert that in turn requires proper initiation and instruction. Without that initiation (not in terms of the rites of joining but in terms of teaching, guidance, and transformation), evangelism is hollow and the faith of the convert is hollow.

I resonate with this definition and Abraham does an excellent job of propounding the ins and outs of what evangelism as initiation must be, and why. I still have concerns about how concerned Abraham is with the community of faith over and above the individual, but I can understand at least that the community must be highlighted when the individual has taken central place for so long, to the detriment to individuals everywhere who are spiritually wandering and lost because they did not have proper initiation into the kingdom.

[Merv Budd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abraham offers one of the few serious attempts at crafting a theology of evangelism. It was written in the 80's but it still gives much to consider. He offers a theology of evangelism rooted in realized eschatology with evangelism defined as the initiation into the kingdom of God. His theology offers some good correctives to the current "get a decision" mentality that is often rooted in pragmatism rather than a robust theology. It is a worthwhile read, even if at times a bit slow and in some places dated.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very strong work that is not new but still very relevant. His holistic but impassioned, ecumenical, and historically grounded vision of evangelism is stirring. He narrates dangers and bad practices of evangelism we all know too well while arguing for a fuller, theocentric model of evangelism. Abraham is always great but sometimes a bit dense, however this is accessible and rewarding.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abraham offers great definitions of evangelism and theological implications of how we define and approach evangelism. Unfortunately his conclusions are somewhat overshadowed by his ecumenical universalism? offered at the end of the book.

[Arleen Luo · Rating 5 out of 5]

After three decades, the value of the book has been gradually yet not fully revealed.

[James R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

early WJA concepts

Important warnings on the nature and practice of evangelism. Written at times unnecessarily complex. He could have made his points in half the pages

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a blog by an evangelist who said that his church had passed out over 3 million tracts in his city, but saw no noticeable difference in attendance in their church. This only confirmed to me that so much of evangelism is simply off base, and doesn't take into account a changed life here & now (note: I'm sure some people were genuinely converted with the tracts--I'm not dogging tracts at all).

But when you read the NT, there was really no such thing as coming to Christ that was not at the same time coming to be a part of the people of God marked out by baptism. Abraham seeks to address this issue by stating that "we should construe evangelism as primarily initiation into the kingdom of God." He argues that 'coming to Christ' should entail understanding the rule of his kingdom since he is a king, as well as entrance into the church through the sacrament of baptism.

"What is important is to combat the isolation of evangelism from the full ministry of the church and to rescue it from the shallow anthropocentrism and individualism into which it has tumbled in the last two centuries."

Though I definitely do not agree with everything written in this book (why do I even feel the need to qualify my comments?), there is much here that is spot on.

Favorite quote:
"In the end, the kingdom will come; in the meantime let us prepare the world to receive its Lord & Savior."