Communicating Christ In Animistic Contexts

[DESCRIPTION] Whether in New Age mysticism, occultism, Haitian voodooism, Chinese ancestor veneration, or Japanese Shintoism, animistic beliefs are widespread, even today. Gailyn Van Rheenen turns our attention to what Paul Hiebert called “the excluded middle,” the intermediate realm of spirits, ancestors, gods, and ghosts. Rather than being merely anecdotal, he presents a rigorous, biblical, theological, and anthropological foundation for ministering in animistic contexts. [/DESCRIPTION] [CREDIT] by: Gailyn Van Rheenen (Author) [/CREDIT] [PAGES] 346 [/PAGES] [BINDING] Paperback [/BINDING] [PUBLISHER] William Carey Library [/PUBLISHER] [PUBLISHYEAR] 1996 [/PUBLISHYEAR][ENDORSEMENT2]

This work provides a much-needed analysis of animistic belief systems and practices.  It is unique in the theological and biblical perspectives it brings to the subject.

Timothy Warner [/ENDORSEMENT2] [ENDORSEMENT3]

The author is a careful scholar, who writes out of a thorough knowledge of classical understandings, contemporary thought, personal experience, analyzing the whole in light of a completely authoritative Bible... The result is a lucid and balanced work that is second to none.

David Hesselgrave (from the Foreword) [/ENDORSEMENT3] [ENDORSEMENT4]

While evidence of the original purpose of the book as a doctoral project is visible, that is the only source that draws together this wealth of materials into a very readable yet scholarly work.  It would be a mistake to consign this topic only to those who work among the tribal peoples.

Norman Allison [/ENDORSEMENT4]

[TOC]

Foreword by David J. Hesselgrave

Preface

Part 1 Understanding Animism

1. The Meaning of Animism and Its Place in Today’s World

2. Tools for Learning Animistic Worldviews

3. The Cosmic and the Earthly

4. Change in Animistic Societies

Part II Thinking Theology in Animistic Contexts

5. Christianity and Animism: Contrasting Worldviews

6. Kingdom Theology: Introducing Animists to Christian Perspectives

Part III. Analyzing Animistic Practices and Powers

7. Animistic Practitioners

8. The Animistic Practice of Divination

9. Impersonal Spiritual Forces

10. Personal Spiritual Beings

Conclusion: Sin and Salvation in Christianity and Animism

Works Cited

Index of Subjects

Index of Names

Index of Scripture

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