Fundamentalists and Contextualization
Patterns of Avoidance and Pathways to Acceptance
-
In this timely study, Mark Vowels sheds light on two worlds: fundamentalist Christian missions and the values of contextualization in missions. As he wrestles with how these two worlds interact, he offers a window—a contextual look—into fundamentalist missions. This study will be very helpful for missionaries from fundamentalist backgrounds who are pondering contextualization in mission.
— Edward L. Smither, PhD, Professor of History of Global Christianity and Dean of the School of Missions and Intercultural Ministry, Columbia International University -
In this carefully researched work, Dr. Vowels leads the reader through the labyrinth—and occasional minefields—of contextualization. He does so with scriptural clarity and keen understanding of the hard labor of missionaries on the field—but always with an eye for how the power of the gospel can cross every kind of barrier.
— Tim Keesee, EdD, Founder, Frontline Missions International Author, A Company of Heroes -
The gospel is objective, eternal truth. Any discussion in missions that seems subjective, therefore, is met with caution by those committed to the fundamentals of the faith. Contextualization is such a discussion. Several things make Vowels’s work on this topic unique and valuable. His posture is unquestionably orthodox, grounded in Scripture, providing a safe space for us to explore culture and communication. As a long-time practitioner and studious missiologist, he understands his topic well. His conclusions are tested with personal observation and consultation with other practitioners. And he writes incisively, unmasking the truth that every missionary contextualizes, whether by planting gospel seed into native soil or by trying to import his own cultural soil abroad. For anyone wrestling with how to remain biblically sound and culturally relevant, Vowels explains how biblically faithful contextualization actually protects the gospel’s integrity and removes weights that hinder its expansion.
— David Hosaflook, PhD, Executive Director of the Institute for Albanian and Protestant Studies Contributing author, Gospel Meditations for Missionaries
Illustrations
Tables
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Fundamentalism Explored
3. Contextualization
4. Fundamentalist Objections to Contextualization
5. Research Findings
6. Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Tables
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Fundamentalism Explored
3. Contextualization
4. Fundamentalist Objections to Contextualization
5. Research Findings
6. Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Author
-
Mark C. Vowels
Mark C. VowelsMark C. Vowels has been a cross-cultural church planter, a mission agency administrator, and a college professor. He currently teaches missions and oversees outreach ministries at Bob Jones University. His roles have afforded him the privilege of traveling to scores of countries to interact with missionaries. Mark’s greatest life achievement is being married to his college sweetheart for forty-three years and fathering two wonderful children who, with their families, love and follow Jesus.
- Pages: 284
- Publisher:
William Carey Publishing
William Carey Publishing
- Publish Year: 2027
- Series: EMS Monograph Series
- Vendor: MissionBooks.org
