ISBN: | 9781839732737 |
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Imprint: | Langham Global Library |
Format: | Paperback |
Dimensions (mm): | 229 x 152 x 15 |
Publication Date: | 31/01/2022 |
Pages: | 280 |
Language: | English |
The God That the Poor Seek
Conversion, Context, and the World of the Vulnerable
The assumption that conversion looks the same regardless of culture or religious context is challenged by a growing number of missiologists, both in the Majority World and in the West. In this book, Rupen Das explores the particularities of conversion for some of the world’s poorest populations. Sharing the stories of Syrian refugees and Indian slum dwellers, Das positions their voices within a missiological framework of contextualization, seeking to understand what attracts the marginalized to the gospel of Christ.
This book is filled with practical insights for those ministering to the world’s poor in contexts of missions, development, or local outreach. It also offers a powerful glimpse into the identity of the crucified God who knows human pain and does not turn his back on human suffering.
Endorsements
This book skillfully portrays the profound interplay of culture and theology, the simple yet incredible faith of the poor, and the radical impact of the gospel.
Jessy Jaison, PhD
New India Bible Seminary, Kerala, India
This is a must-read book for every student and practitioner who is committed to a holistic understanding of mission among the poor which breaks down the divisions between the physical, social, and spiritual aspects of their lives and instead sees them as a coherent whole.
Jaisankar Sarma, PhD
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA
The real-life stories of the poor and their relationship with Christ seals the validity of this excellent scholarly work. This book transports us from our comfortable world to the realities that confront the poor resulting in their encounter with Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dr. Robert Cunville
President, United Bible Societies
This study is a serious corrective to any oversimplification of the reasons behind Christian conversion, a powerful aid to those seeking to reach the poor with the gospel, and a most useful contribution to the literature on practical contextualization in mission.
Hwa Yung, DMiss
Bishop Emeritus, The Methodist Church of Malaysia
Rupen Das has amplified the voices of the poor and allowed us to hear firsthand from them. He is helping the poor find their voices and express for themselves their hopes and dreams. His “whole gospel” approach is refreshing!
Peter Tarantal
Associate International Director, OM International
Table of Contents
- Acronyms
- Non-English Words
- Acknowledgements
- Foreword
- Preface
- Introduction
- Conversion as a Window into the Spiritual Lives of the Poor
- Contextualization and the Cultures of Poverty
- Is It Possible to Hear the Voices of the Poor?
- Voices of the Poor: Syrian Refugees
- Voices of the Poor: Indian Slum Dwellers
- Understanding Conversion to Christ among the Poor
- Immanuel: The God That the Poor Seek
- Appendix I: Using Translators as Recorders of the Stories
- Appendix II: Analysis of the Content of the Stories
- Bibliography