What would a theology of the Church look like that took seriously the fact that North America is now itself a mission field? This question lies at the foundation of this volume written by an ecumenical team of six noted missiologists—Lois Barrett; Inagrace T. Dietterich; Darrell L. Guder; George R. Hunsberger; Alan J. Roxburgh; and Craig Van Gelder. The result of a three-year research project undertaken by The Gospel and Our Culture Network; this book issues a firm challenge for the church to recover its missional call right here in North America; while also offering the tools to help it do so. The authors examine North America’s secular culture and the church’s loss of dominance in today’s society. They then present a biblically based theology that takes seriously the church’s missional vocation and draw out the consequences of this theology for the structure and institutions of the church.
#865123 in Books Walker n Company 2004-09-01 2004-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.94 x 1.33 x 6.10l; #File Name: 0802777112506 pages
Review
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. The Arrogance of HindsightBy Corn SoupThis is an anthropologically informed history of James Cook's three voyages to the Pacific. If you are looking for a biography of James Cook; a general history of Cook's voyages; or a maritime history; this book is not for you. The anthropological approach seems perfectly suited to these voyages since they included a number of first contacts between Polynesian and European civilization. In some cases; especially in his discussion of the artwork and the scientific approaches of 18th century Europeans in confronting Polynesia; Thomas is engaging. However..... As some other reviewers have noted; there is an air of anachronistic academic disdain that permeates the narrative and distracts the reader from engaging the subject. I'm not quite sure what Thomas's point is in much of the contempt he has for his subject. For example; he will deride Cook et al. for misinterpreting a certain aspect of Polynesian society; and tisk at the ignorance and cultural insensitivity that supposedly malinformed this misinterpretation. After all this; you'd think he'd supply better interpretations; right? Well; sometimes yes; with all the arrogance that 250 years of hindsight will buck you up with. Yet strangely; quite a bit of this book is devoted to his own guesses and speculating about Polynesian society. Perhaps these guesses are informed by that 250 extra years of scholarship; but they are often poorly argued and unconvincing.Read a more standard history of Cook before you read this; and then be prepared to wade through quite a bit of the ideological sludge that sullies some interesting material.3 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An extraordinary tale of a great explorerBy Richard SawyerThis is a highly absorbing account of the three voyages of Captain Cook. The author has done a very commendable job of describing all the people; places; and cultures that Cook and his crew encountered. His descriptions of the populations indigenous to the Pacific Islands; New Zealand; Austrailia; the Pacific Northwest; etc.; and of the geography of these places are well researched and fascinating. The interplay of cultures between the British explorers and those they encountered is emphasized with great effect. The personalities and motivations of the key figures; including Cook; are brought to life as well. The account of the voyages reads like an adventure story; while simultaneously being based on very solid research. Included are a number of excellent maps and a large number of excellent illustrations; primarily of paintings and sketches done by artists who accompanied Cook. Very highly recommended.15 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Excellent account marred by a few lapses in styleBy W. GrossI am not sure that the reviewers who complained about the "political correctness" of this title actually read the same book that I did. Nicholas Thomas presents an interesting; thoroughly researched; and balanced account of Cook's three voyages. Rather than depicting Cook as a malicious abuser of native societies; I was surprised to find that Cook was remarkably understanding; for his time; of cultural differences. The account of Cook's death in Hawaii (I trust I am not giving anything away); which to some extent was provoked by an unfortunate coincidence having to do with the native religion; was particularly fascinating.My one quibble with the book; for which I deduct "one star"; is with the style: first person asides; gratuitous use of the "F-word"; and a sprinkling of contractions (e.g.; "I'm"; "they're"--this is a book; for heaven's sake; not a post-it note!). It is too bad that an otherwise excellent and scholarly work was marred by inelegant language.
