- Missiology
-
Missiology is the area of practical theology that investigates the mandate, message, and mission of the Christian church, especially the nature of missionary work.[1] Missiology is a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural reflection on all aspects of the propagation of the Christian faith, embracing theology, anthropology, history, geography, theories and methods of communication, comparative religion, Christian apologetics, methodology, and interdenominational relations. "Inherent in the discipline is the study of the nature of God, the created world, and the Church, as well as the interaction among these three."[2]
Academic missiology organizations include the American Society of Missiology[3] and the Evangelical Missiology Society.[4] A Journal of Applied Missiology is published by Abilene Christian University.[5] Academic degrees specifically in missiology are granted by any number of theological schools and seminaries, including Fuller Theological Seminary [6] and Boston University.[7] Degrees in missiology were offered in 1950 by the University of Ottawa.[8]
The School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh houses the Centre for the Study of World Christianity.[9] The Centre fosters research on Christianity as a world religion, with special attention to activity outside of Europe and North America.[10] It also hosts a reading room attached to its extensive archives on Christian missions. Missiologist Andrew F. Walls founded the Centre and its current director is Brian Stanley[11] Edinburgh practical theologian Duncan B. Forrester is also noted for his work in missiology.
Because missiology considers both the positive and the negative consequences, as well as the strategies of the spread of Christianity, missiology also touches on the environmental impact of evangelization and charitable work, including practical facets of international politics and economic development.
One goal of missiology is to distinguish between practices that are essential to Christianity which must be practiced by Christians in all cultures, and other strictly cultural expressions of Christianity that can vary between societies while still expressing the Christian faith.[12]. It helps emerging Christian communities deal with the question of inculturation.
Contents
Notable Missiologists
References
- ^ Dictionary.com S.v. "Missiology"
- ^ Morreau, A. S. "Missiology." Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Ed. Walter A. Elwell. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001. 780-83. Print.
- ^ "American Society of Missiology annual meeting, June 18-20". Boston University. 2010-01-16. http://www.bu.edu/cgcm/2010/01/16/american-society-of-missiology-annual-meeting-june-18-20/. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- ^ "Evangelical Missiology Society". http://www.emsweb.org/. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- ^ "Journal of Applied Missiology". http://www.bible.acu.edu/ministry/centers_institutes/missions/page.asp?ID=272. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- ^ "Doctor of Missiology". Fuller Theological Seminary. http://www.fuller.edu/dmiss/. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ^ "Cooperative ThD in Missiology with GCTS". Boston University. http://www.bu.edu/cgcm/academics/cooperative-thd-in-missiology-with-gcts/. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- ^ "University of Ottawa". The Evening Citizen: p. 4. 1950-08-23. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vbsvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fNwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6215,1728627&dq=missiology&hl=en. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- ^ http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity/research/centres/world-christianity/overview
- ^ http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity/research/centres/world-christianity/about
- ^ http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity/staff-profiles/stanley
- ^ Missiology.org - "Contextualization and Syncretism" by Dr. Gailyn Van Rheenen
See also
External links
Categories:- Practical theology
- Christian interfaith and secular relations
- Christian missions
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