The Christian and the "Old" Testament

Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. (Author)

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The Christian and the "Old" Mission examines the continuing significance of Christian mission while addressing the challenges of its historical legacy. It reflects on the foundations, accomplishments, and shortcomings of the “old” mission era, particularly in light of critiques about colonialism, cultural dominance, and outdated strategies. The book insists that mission is integral to Christian identity but recognizes that the traditional, one-way Western approach is no longer sufficient. Instead, mission must be reimagined in ways that emphasize reciprocity, cultural sensitivity, and partnership, valuing indigenous leadership and local contexts.

Drawing from biblical mandates and historical examples, the author encourages believers to view mission as both proclamation of the gospel and acts of service, grounded in humility and genuine love. Contextualization and mutual learning are presented as vital for effective ministry in today’s diverse, interconnected world. Ultimately, the work calls for a renewal of mission practice—one that honors the faithful witness of the past while engaging the present and future with creativity, respect, and courage.

No single question about the Bible is more crucial, more basic, more troublesome, more complex, more profound, more weighty or more urgent than the question of the true nature of the connection between the religion/faith of the Old Testament and that of the New Testament... It cuts to the heart of the often misunderstood dynamics of the global mission movement. It sheds light on practically every page of the Bible.

Here Kaiser is at his best, warmly down to Earth, personable, exuberantly encouraging, making profound insights plain... We are not talking now about common knowledge, widely accepted perspective; in these talks you will find unusual and crucial insights that are not common although they ought to me and must be.

Ralph D. Winter, Ph.D.U.S. Center for World Mission

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

1. The Christian and the Old Testament

2. The New Testament Problem: God’s Central Plan

3. Three Foundational Blessings: Genesis 1-11

4. Three Foundational Promises: Genesis12-50

5. The Theology of Having Faith in the Old Testament

6. The Theology of the People of God: Exodus 1-19

7. The Theology of the Law of God

8. Aspects of the Law of God: Exodus 20 Through Deuteronomy

9. The Theology of the ‘Tabernacling’ God: Exodus 25 Through Leviticus