New Book

I have dived in as well to Paul Hiebert's work, Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues. I find his work informative. People who serve overseas as missionaries are required to enter an intense training before arriving. Yet, for those of us in North America, how much "training" is their for our mission here? Yes, we grew up here. Yes, we very familiar with our "culture," maybe too familiar. Or are we?

Hiebert takes a look at missions through the eyes of anthropology, identifying historically how we have, in many cases, brought not only the gospel, but our culture as well--unable to separate the two. He identifies shifts in the approach to mission over the years. There are three:

1. Colonialism
2. Anticolonialism
3. Globalism

In each, through a filter of four (Missions, Anthropology, Theology, and Epistemology), he identifies 24 elements for consideration. These consist of things like the way other religions are viewed, what is the need addressed during each shift, and the attitude of the missionary toward the indigenous people.

As I continue the pursuit of my project, I can't help but think this may provide a way through to a new creation of some kind. Stay tuned.

Until next time...