Should we try to bring people to Christ or not? In a multi-cultural world evangelism is often under attack, with those seeking to evangelize sometimes being branded arrogant, ignorant, hypocritical and meddlesome. Against such a backdrop this unique book asks what sort of evangelism is ethical in a liberal, post-Christian society. Elmer Thiessen makes a significant contribution to the subject, giving confidence to those who dare to spread the good news of the Gospel in today's world.

TGBS
The Good Book Stall
Average rating of0.0
This is a brave book as it provides a philosophical defense for ethical proselytizing. I was surprised that this would be as much needed in America as in the UK - but clearly there are a lot of questions on the other side of the pond towards mission, evangelism, proselytizing and 'persuasion' as there is here. 'Proselytization' and 'persuasion' are negative words in the UK context and even evangelists often avoid using the terms. Here, in a well written book, we have a careful analysis of the issues and a well thought out and articulate presentation of its rightness - if 'ethically' presented. For me a key section of this academic book is in the consideration of 'aggressive' proselytization. This comes up often, e.g. when Jay Newman is quoted saying Newman 'tends to load the dice by talking about fanatical, irrational, or aggressive proselytizers'. "When two groups of aggressive proselytizers meet, the result is inevitable 'holy war". Theissen says proselytizers do not have to be aggressive and so the consequence is not inevitable 'or even most probable’.. and that there is much counter evidence to suggest that 'proselytizing has for many individuals led to a relief from guilt, peace of mind, awareness of being loved, and the ability to love'. Theissen goes on to cite 'empirical studies show that the religiously committed are happier as a result of their conversion'. (p115). Well, this is a big debate in our post modern context where proselytizing and persuading people to become Christian is not popular. Here is a consideration of many facets e.g. abuse of power (p169), converting children (p179) and the place of dialogue (p216) etc. I was interested to see what the author calls 'ethical' and 'unethical', and was pleased to see the answer (p208/9) 'ethical proselytizing operates under the assumption that the other has the right to proselytize as well'. He even says, 'it is immoral to assume or to work towards a monopoly of the proselytizing enterprise' (p209 and repeated p237). Appendix 1 has a list of 15 criteria which the author uses to describe 'ethical' proselytizing - I found it a most helpful and useful checklist. This then is a stimulating read, and I commend it to be read by many who have questions about evangelism.

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account