Contextualization in the New Testament: Patterns For Theology And Mission

How can the gospel authentically come to life in widely differing cultural settings? This is a question gospel communicators and theologians have asked in many situations around the world. The technical term is contextualization. Missionary theorists have pondered and written on it at length. More and more, those who do theology in the West are also trying to discover new ways of communicating and embodying the gospel for an emerging postmodern culture. However, few have considered in depth how the early church contextualized the gospel - and yet the New Testament provides numerous examples. As both a cross-cultural missionary and a New Testament scholar, Dean Flemming is well equipped to examine how the early church contextualized the gospel and to draw out lessons for today. By carefully sifting the New Testament evidence, Flemming uncovers the patterns and parameters of a Paul or Mark or John as they communicated the Word, and he brings these to bear on our contemporary missiological task. Rich in insights and conversant with frontline thinking, this is a book that will revitalize the conversation on this subject, and refresh our Christian engagement with today’s diverse cultures, communities and contexts.