J. Andrew Kirk, Mission Under Scrutiny: Confronting Contemporary Challenges. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press. 2006.
Referenced in: Theology of Mission, Proposals and Formulations – Missio Dei
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Most books on theology of mission will acknowledge that the church engages mission amidst cultural issues such as conflict, violence, and same gender relations. But few will actually discuss how to address these issues missionally. Kirk helps with this. One may read his book as a whole or simply look at the chapters of interest. Each chapter is a comprehensive, coherent look at the subject as it impacts how the church conceives and fulfills its mission. The following are especially helpful:
- The Calling of Mission in a Post-Christian Environment – Good discussion on the characteristics of a post-Christian environment and their effect on the church.
- Vindicating Scripture in a Pluralist Culture – Sets forth an argument for the supreme authority of Scripture over all human affairs over against the objections of history, culture, religion, experience, science, and human freedom.
- The Gospel in Context: The Case of Same-Gender Relations – Good overview of what moves many to re-examine old certainties about same-sex relations. Helpful in interpreting the N.T. texts on homosexuality and lesbianism, how one relates pastorally to those who are confused on the issue, and how the church may communicate biblical teaching on this subject in a relativistic environment.
Culturally, Kirk reflects his European context (including an anti-capitalist spirit), yet his observations can be appreciated apart from his experience and bias. Theologically, he writes “from a position that believes that established Trinitarian theism, based on a written text that faithfully transmits God’s word, applicable to all peoples and cultures, is the only sustainable charter for the mission of God’s people.” (xiii) This moves him to address issues in a way that most biblically conservative people will appreciate.
This is not the most definitive text on any of the issues, but it could comprise and important part of one’s dialogue with the literature as studies progress.
From the Publisher
What is Christian mission in a world post-everything? This volume is a masterful rethinking of the problems and prospect of the Christian vocation to mission in light of the whole checkered legacy – religious, philosophical, colonial, and economic – of modernity.
Kirk draws on his considerable experience of worldwide mission and his expertise in modern Western thought to throw light on all the most burning questions, such as:
What kinds of mission initiatives are appropriate today? Is it legitimate to invite adherents of different religions to follow Jesus? What role have Christians played in advocating violence, and also in being agents of peace and reconciliation?
About the Author
J. Andrew Kirk has spent his life in theological education in South America and the United Kingdom. He has traveled widely on all continents and retired in 2002 from his teaching position at the University of Birmingham, England.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
Related Ministry Resource Guides:
- Missional Perspectives 01, Introduction
- Missional Church Resources, Introduction and Index
- Missional Philosophy
- Theology of Mission
- Missional Communities
- Missional Leadership / Missional Strategies
- Missional Lifestyle, Discipleship, Spirituality
- Church Leadership and Renewal, Index to Resources
- Ecclesiology
- Evangelism
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: