Escobar has produced a highly readable introduction to Christian mission as well as a cogently presented biblical missiology in this important volume. Taking into account the new realities and challenges of globalization in this post-Christian and postmodern world, Escobar utilizes trinitarian theology in order to construct a holistic and relevant theology of mission. An informative and inspiring work, addressing our contemporary situation, yet calling us to participate in the global mission of the triune God.
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dan (Mission Viejo, CA), June 03, 2009
In his book, The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone, Samuel Escobar identifies the significant paradigm shift in Christian Mission. No longer is the Mission field monopolized by elite westerns with a mission model that too closely represents western imperialism, rather the church from the south (South America, Asia, Africa) now has a vital voice in carrying out the great commission. According to Escobar, numbers of volunteer missionaries from the western church is now diminishing while those from the “south” are engaging in the powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit.
As Escobar outlines a brief history of Christian mission, he highlights how today’s world has experienced dramatic changes. He asserts that along with the “globalization” of our society, we are now post-Christian and postmodern. It is the task of the church to recognize and understand how today’s society is structured differently than that of the modern world. Contextualization must be explored, not only in how we read scripture, but also how we understand other people and other cultures. The Gospel has to be communicated in a way that it speaks into different cultures. This is of course must be done while emphasizing that the root message of the Gospel cannot be compromised in such a way that it is absorbed into the culture.
Escobar’s missional approach is saturated in Trinitarian theology. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are uniquely involved in the work of missions, as outlined in the narrative of Christ’s ministry in the Gospels, the launching of the church in Acts, and the sustaining work of Paul and the other Apostles as documented in their letters. Thus, in the midst of kingdom work, today’s missional church is Biblical literate, historical aware, and in tune with God’s Spirit. As the church actively works toward the kingdom practice of justice, it cognitively seeks guidance from the missional God who is one and three.
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