Postmodern Evangelism

In chapter twelve of Evangelism Outside the Box, Rick Richardson explores three different views of the Gospel. First of all, there is the satisfaction theory. It is this theory that evangelicals are most drawn towards. Jesus took our sin upon Himself and suffered for our sake. Through faith we find forgiveness and gain access to God. The second theory is that Jesus was an example to us. As we see His sacrificial death we are inspired and encouraged to choose such a life for ourselves. The third view is referred to as the classical view of the atonement. In it Jesus is seen as the Victor over sin and death and Satan. He frees us by taking away these things that hold us in bondage.

Richardson teaches that Jesus did indeed pay the penalty for our sins, that His death on the cross is an example for us and that He is Victor.[1] He believes that each of these ideas needs to be taught by the church. However, Richardson also holds that in different eras of history, the theory to first present to those outside of the church should change. In the modern era, with “growing individualism, economic freedom and rising nationalism”[2] Luther’s focus on justification by faith resonated strongly with the populace. Richardson believes that this is no longer the case.

Instead, he encourages us to start sharing the Gospel with the Christ as Victor approach. He explains:

In our postmodern culture we cannot assume . . . people are familiar with Scripture or basic biblical ideas. We cannot assume that they feel accountable in any way to a supreme being. We cannot assume that they even think at all in terms of sin. We cannot assume that they will need to have any logical consistency or coherence to their ideas about God. After all, the postmodern assumption is that we create our own reality in the arena of spirituality. In a biblically illiterate, subject-centered postmodern world we face new challenges to communicate the gospel in a meaningful, true and resonant way. [3]

Then he goes on to say:

The modern worldview saw belief in Satan and the powers and principalities as primitive and outmoded. In a postmodern world, interest in the spiritual world, in angels and devils, in magic, the occult, and fantasy has mushroomed. People today can see themselves as pawns of powers that are bigger than they are. They look to the spiritual world for meaning and help. Shows and books and articles on angels have multiplied. Jesus’ victory over darkness and Jesus’ deliverance from the power of addiction are dimensions of the good news whose relevance has returned with intensity.[4]

So, what do we think? Is the Christ as Victor theory the best way to first engage postmoderns with Jesus?

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[1] See Colossians 2:13-15 for example.

[2] Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 122.

[3] Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 122.

[4] Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 126.

Twin Towers

"Here again are twin themes of postmodern conversion stories: authentic community and genuine God experiences." (Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 113.

For some time now I have been impressed with the community God has developed at Faith in Focus. Downtown Toronto is full of individuals who, whether they recognize it or not, crave to be part of a group. We are not islands, but beings made in the image of God, and God exists in an eternal, loving relationship between His three Persons.

Authentic and loving community is important not only for the sake of helping believers thrive in their pursuit of God, but as Richardson points out, it is important for helping people take the step of faith into a relationship with God. The love that is available within the embrace of the church has the power to turn hurting hearts and struggling minds to the open arms of our Father. Keep it up Faith and Focus! May we daily draw closer to God and to one another in love. 

Faith in Focus on Mission - Sharing the Gospel

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian  eunuch is a beautiful one (Acts 8:26-40). There are two things that I would like to reflect on here.

First of all, the obedient heart of Philip is an incredible example. He is directed where to go and he goes. Then he is told which chariot to join and he runs to the chariot. He could have questioned the wisdom of these commands. He could have said that he had other things he would rather do. He could have said that he was not ready to serve God or he could have let fear prevent him from acting. But we hear of none of these things. Philip simply obeys the leading of God. With fantastic results.

God still speaks to us today. He speaks through the Bible. He whispers to our spirits. He guides through the wisdom of fellow believers. When God calls us to do something we must jump into action. Rather than make excuses for not acting, may we respond as Philip did, with the hope that God will do something incredible!

Secondly, Philip takes advantage of the situation before him. When he notices that the Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah he engages him in conversation and is allowed to share the message of Jesus. When we hear people read Scripture or speak about religious matters a door is opened for us. We can walk through that door if we are ready and willing, and can bless people with the truth of God. Or we can shy away and keep this great message to ourselves. May God give us the passion and the courage to speak the Good News!

May I provide all of us with a challenge for the coming week? It is simply this, to be ready to share the Gospel each day. To be ready in each conversation, in each interaction, to bring Christ into it if it seems that God is opening a door or if we feel a tug on our heart to do so. May we have wisdom, courage and power.

Thoughts on Missionary Prayer 3

"Christians have been divided for years over the most effective means of transforming our world. Is it through verbal proclamation of the gospel or with social action? In truth, the two cannot be separated. Without both, there simply is no good news. One thing ties them together--prayer. When prayer to our God of temporal justice and eternal salvation is emphasized, evangelism and social action are linked in the most essential way. The God who inspires prayer for the world stirs the hearts of His people both to share His good news and to dispense love and mercy. When we see people coming to Christ, health improving, economic opportunity increasing, and kingdom values growing, we find that believers have been praying. Because of the nature of evil in the world, prayer is essential."
John D. Robb in: Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne eds., Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader (Pasadena: William Carey Library, 1999), pp. 145-146.