REL 253-4 : Foundations of Mission

The current religious climate poses unique challenges to those engaged in mission. Thus the authors of this book propose a new, yet still biblical model for interacting with people of other faiths. They term this model 'giftive mission,' as it is based on the metaphor of free gift. We bear the greatest gift possible--the gospel message.

This book explores how religions have changed in a globalized world and how Christianity is unique among them. Harold Netland offers a fresh analysis of religion in today's globalizing world. He challenges misunderstandings of the concept of religion itself and shows how particular religious traditions undergo significant change with modernization and globalization. Netland then responds to issues concerning the plausibility of Christian commitments to Jesus Christ and the unique truth of the Christian gospel in light of religious diversity.

Tolerance currently occupies a very high place in Western societies; it is considered gauche, even boorish, to question it. The author traces the subtle but enormous shift in the way we have come to understand tolerance over recent years -- from defending the rights of those who hold different beliefs to affirming all beliefs as equally valid and correct. He looks back at the history of this shift and discusses its implications for culture today.

Winfried Corduan offers an introduction to the religions of the world; his survey covers major and minor religions. Neighboring Faiths emphasizes not just formal religious teachings but also how each religion is practiced daily. Dozens of photographs, charts and maps help shows how the faiths are lived out in contemporary culture. Moving beyond description, Corduan offers specific suggestions for how Christians can avoid giving unnecessary offense to followers of these faiths while engaging them in meaningful dialogue.

Today's pluralistic society is filled with religious alternatives and options, and the choices for faith commitment have never been more numerous. Many of these new religious movements are growing at a far faster pace than most traditional Christian denominations. Why are they so appealing? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Jehovah's Witnesses to contemporary versions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Sociologist Ronald Enroth assess what each movement believes, why they are attractive to so many, and how Christians can respond with grace and truth.