The Oxford Handbook of Mission Studies
Kirsteen Kim editor Knud Jørgensen editor Alison Fitchett-Climenhaga editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:28th Apr '22
Should be back in stock very soon
The Oxford Handbook of Mission Studies represents more than a century of scholarship related to the theology, history, and methodology of the propagation of Christian faith and the engagement of Christians with cultures, religions, and societies worldwide. It contains more than 40 articles by experts from different disciplinary and ecclesial perspectives, who are from all continents. It not only offers a broad overview of key approaches and issues in mission studies but it also highlights current trends and suggests future developments. The Handbook builds on renewed interest in mission studies this century generated by recent key statements on mission from ecumenical, evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox sources, and by a spate of academic works on the topic. Western church leaders now apply insights from foreign missions (such as, inculturation, liberation, interfaith work, and power encounter) to today's multicultural societies. Meanwhile, there are new initiatives in mission from the Majority World, where most Christians live, so that sending is not only 'from the west to the rest' but 'from everywhere to everywhere'. Therefore, this volume aims to reflect the voices of the receivers of mission as well as its protagonists and to raise awareness of new movements. In a time of growing recognition of 'religions' more generally, this work examines and theorizes the missional dimensions of the world's largest religion: its agendas, growth, outreach, role in public life, effect on cultures, relevance for development, and its approaches to other communities.
Both an empirical study of Americans dropping out of their religions and an interesting snapshot and analysis of the shiling Christian terrain in the U.S. Even those who take issue with Bullivant's diagnosis of American secularization will learn a great deal from his study of "nonverts" -- those who have disaffiliated from religion. * Religion Watch *
To wrap things up, Gina Zurlo and Todd Johnson survey the use of statistics to measure the spread of Christianity, its demography and impact. Their overview of current quantitative data on Christian mission and the growth of world Christianity makes fascinating and salutary reading. * Stephen Spencer, Anglican Communion Office, London, UK, Journal of Anglican Studies *
The Oxford Handbook of Mission Studies is well researched and thought-provoking, and is an excellent resource for church leaders, academics, mission practitioners, and students interested in expanding their understanding of the Christian mission. The handbook, which will play an important role in preparing generations of scholars and practitioners, provides them with compelling new perspectives on current trends and critical issues in mission studies. * Reading Religion *
Both an empirical study of Americans dropping out of their religions and an interesting snapshot and analysis of the shiling Christian terrain in the U.S. Even those who take issue with Bullivant's diagnosis of American secularization will learn a great deal from his study of "nonverts" * Religion Watch *
I think this is an important tool for study and research and it opens many doors for doing mission studies, as a first and secure ground for setting out on new research. * Christian Tauchner, Verbum SVD 64:2 *
The editors have presented to the whole of the mission studies community a thoughtful proposal for how to conceptualize what has become a vast collection of secular and theological literature pertaining to Christian outreach. Their approach to this scholarly field of knowledge merits serious consideration and engagement. * Stanley H. Skreslet, Missiology: An International Review 52 *
The Handbook's seven sections and their constituent chapters cover various topics from disciplinary perspectives, including theology, history, and the social sciences. Each one provides comprehensive, well-referenced discussions of mission studies writ large. Scholars of this field will find The Handbook a helpful reference work. * David P. Adams, Anglican and Episcopal History *
ISBN: 9780198831723
Dimensions: 253mm x 178mm x 45mm
Weight: 1446g
768 pages