Understanding Spiritual Power: A Forgotten Dimension of Cross-Cultural Mission and Ministry

While secularized cultures of the West have a great deal of difficulty dealing with the spiritual as a real, non-imaginary dimension of life, most of the world’s peoples do not. Having worked and studied among peoples of several non-Western societies, Marguerite Kraft is convinced that coming to terms with spiritual power presents one of the greatest challenges for all those who work among non-Westerners in pastoral or mission situations. ‘Understanding Spiritual Power’ addresses the dynamics of the felt need for spiritual power in relation to a people’s assumptions, values, and commitments, in order to provide a foundation for meaningful Christian witness in power-oriented societies. The Western Church, Kraft argues, under pressure from modern rationalism, has largely lost awareness of God’s power and position vis-a-vis the spiritual realm so important in other societies. (Indeed, this loss of power could be one reason for the interest in Eastern and New Age philosophies on the part of Westerners disillusioned with the modern worldview.) Having worked among the Kamwe in Nigeria, the Thai in Asia, and the Navajo in North America, Kraft focuses on specific ways in which people in these three societies view reality and suggests how the gospel can be articulated in forms they can understand. ‘Understanding Spiritual Power’ offers a theological as well as a practical perspective on spiritual power. By exploring living societies, providing examples and case studies, and offering specific strategies, this book makes a powerful case for rethinking and recasting traditional missiological methods. At the same time, it helps Western Christians with ears to hear question whether they might not learn as much from those with whom they work as they seek to teach.