Missions Methods and Principles
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 57, No. 1 – Fall 2014
Managing Editor: Terry L. Wilder
By A. Scott Moreau. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2012.429 pages. Paperback, $28.99.
Contextualization is a term in missions that many sending agencies, as well as individual missionaries, use to show that they have become relevant and up-to-date in both their philosophy and methodology. It shows up in purpose statements and action plans, particularly as a critique of previous approaches that now seem old-fashioned and inappropriate. Moreau takes this term and helps the reader understand how it is used across the world of missions, with particular attention to the approach of evangelicals.
Chapter 1 explores and positions evangelical contextualization within the broader contextualization discussion, pointing out the tension between an evangelical versus ecumenical approach in how the term is defined and applied. He sets the stage for an evangelical discussion by first looking at the broader perspective as illustrated in the models of Bevans and Shreiter. His concluding argument, however, is that this broader perspective does not do justice to the nuances and variations found within evangelical contextualization. Evangelicals cannot just be lumped together as though there is one uniformed approach to contextualization.
In chapters 2 and 3 Moreau raises the important issue of presuppositions. The way in which contextualization is done is directly related to the presuppositions that are brought to bear, and for evangelicals this has centered on the presupposition that biblical norms supersede any accommodations to a particular context. Moreau goes on to provide a good, detailed discussion of the challenges that are faced when bringing such presuppositions into the task of contextualization, showing that it is more complex than may initially be imagined.
Indigenization is a term that is often used interchangeably with contextualization, and Moreau gives a useful comparison between the two which seems to place indigenization as an important concept within contextualization. He also raises awareness of terms such as transformation, syncretism, and holism, which are central to the current discussion on contextualization. All of this helps the reader understand a scale of contextualization that addresses a Gospel that is not contextual enough on the one end, to that which goes too far at the other end. Within these two extremes then are the various tools and methods used by evangelicals which Moreau outlines well in chapters six, seven and following. Where others have used the term catalyst for those who apply the various tools and methods, Moreau introduces the term initiator to describe these roles. Essentially, an initiator is a person or group from within or outside of the culture that begins the process of contextualization. Moreau takes time to unpack the various initiator roles which is very helpful in distinguishing between them. For the cross-cultural evangelist or church planter this helps to clarify their particular role in a specific context.
The best use of this book may be as a core textbook for a semester course on contextualization where the many aspects can be debated and discussed over time. For the individual reader working through it on their own, they may get the feeling that they are standing in front of a contextualization fire hose, with terms and approaches pouring out rapidly. There does seem to be a rising debate in missions to unreached people groups on whether to use a common ground or point of contact approach to contextualization. This would be a useful inclusion with an expanded discussion on insider movements. Another area that may be too much to expand upon and would potentially add to the pressure from the fire hose is that of the increasing role of the Global South and the decreasing role of the West in contextualization. World missions does seem to be at a crossroad in this regard where there are those who trumpet the shift as already having taken place and those who counter this with questions such as: where are the Global South seminaries, books, and churches that are informing the West? All in all, this book is a very commendable attempt to address a broad and complex subject and should be on the shelf of anyone addressing the topic of contextualization.
