Dictionary of Mission Theology: Evangelical Foundations

by John Corrie (editor)

In recent decades mission theology has quietly undergone a remarkable reorientation. No longer the exclusive enterprise of the West, like the global Internet, Christian mission has become decentralized. While places such as Pasadena, Wheaton and New Haven still represent important nodes of mission thinking in the United States, these are now part of a network that includes locations such as Nairobi, Manila and São Paulo. Christian mission now radiates from everywhere to everywhere, and mission theology has been enriched and shaped by this new reality. The Dictionary of Mission Theology is the first reference book of its kind to reflect this new world of mission. With the majority of its 160-plus articles written by contributors from the Majority World, it reflects a variety of global contexts. The missiological implications of central Christian doctrines are explored, and a range of new perspectives are highlighted and weighed. Along with affirmations of time-tested foundations, one will find here original contributions to missiological thought, challenges to traditional views of mission, and an invitation to creatively integrate evangelism, liberation, healing and justice. More than simply a look-it-up reference work, the Dictionary of Mission Theology is a handbook for church leaders and missionaries, and a textbook for teachers and students of mission theology worldwide. In every context where Christian mission is learned and practiced, the Dictionary of Mission Theology will set a new benchmark for mission theology.

Genres: Reference, Theology

478 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2007

Reviews

[Phil Whittall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I initially wondered what variety of dictionary they'll think of next but this is a fascinating reference tool. Firstly because of its content: thinking about the world from the perspective of mission brings articles on AIDS, church planting, human rights and relations with other religions. Secondly because of its contributors: more than 60% of the 160 articles are written by non-Western authors reflecting the shift in Christianity'€™s centre of gravity from north to south and gives this reference tool a global perspective on mission and not just one from the West to the Rest.

It differs from more recent IVP dictionaries by foregoing their two part structure with introductory essays and returns to a straight A-Z format. It'€™s well produced as always but this does have a fairly narrow audience -€“ those involved in cross cultural mission or church planting, students and mission minded leaders, but for them this will be a valuable reference book.