Notes from 'Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission'

Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission

Overview

This is the Twentieth Anniversary Edition of David J. Bosch’s seminal work titled "Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission". It is recognized as one of the 100 Most Significant Books of the 20th Century by "Christianity Today". The second edition includes a foreword by William R. Burrows and a new concluding chapter by Darrel Guder and Martin Reppenhagen.

Publisher Information

  • Published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545.
  • Part of the American Society of Missiology Series, Number 16.
  • Original publication © 1991; revised edition © 2011.

Foundation, Aim, and Nature of Mission

The contemporary crisis in mission manifests in three significant areas: foundation, motives and aim, and nature of mission. This foundation has been historically minimal, reflected in the works of early missiologists such as Gustav Warneck (1834-1910) and Josef Schmidlin (1876-1944).

Foundations of Mission
  • Supernatural Foundation: Mission derives its foundation primarily from Scripture, specifically, the "Great Commission" found in Matthew 28:18-20, and the monotheistic aspect of the Christian faith.
  • Natural Foundation: Includes four main components:
      - Religious Absoluteness: The belief in the superiority of Christianity over all other religions.
      - Acceptability and Adaptability: Christianity’s ability to be embraced by diverse peoples and cultures.
      - Superior Achievements: Christianity's historical successes in missionary work.
      - Endurance: The strength and resilience of Christianity compared to other faiths.
Ambiguities in Missionary Motives

The motives behind missionary endeavors have also been scrutinized and categorized into two main groups:

  • Impure Motives (Verkuyl 1978a:168-175):
      - Imperialist: Colonization and control of 'natives'.
      - Cultural: The imposition of colonizers' cultures.
      - Romantic: The allure of exotic lands.
      - Ecclesiastical Colonialism: Exporting one's denomination or ecclesiastical order.

  • Theologically Adequate but Ambiguous Motives (Verkuyl 1978a:164-168):
      - Conversion Motive: Focuses on personal commitment but risks spiritual individualism.
      - Eschatological Motive: Looks to a future reign of God, often neglecting present struggles.
      - Plantatio Ecclesiae: Church planting as synonymous with the Kingdom of God.
      - Philanthropic Motive: Encourages social justice but risks contrasting with the Kingdom’s true nature.

Consequences of a Weak Foundation

A lack of a robust foundation and ambiguous motives results in ineffectual missionary practices. The churches developed by Western missions often mirrored their home Christian traditions, leading to questions about their appropriateness and relevance in local contexts. Until recognized as independent, these churches remained under the domination of Western ecclesiastical oversight, leading to complaints about mission practices despite their good intentions.*

Ecclesiastical Export Trade Critique

The critique from figures like Schütz highlights that much of Western mission prioritizes individualism and Western values over a true proclamation of the Gospel. The plea is to reform the church inwardly to reflect more of Jesus Christ in its practice and outreach.

Chapter 1: Reflections on the New Testament as a Missionary Document

Introduction to Mission Theology

Most introductions to missiology begin by discussing Biblical foundations, but Bosch argues for a different approach, emphasizing the missionary nature of early Christianity that contrasts significantly with Old Testament understandings. Early-Christianity’s mission must be understood as foundational to its theological development.

The Missionary Character of the New Testament

The New Testament writings are often misconstrued as mere intra-Christian doctrinal struggles. Fiorenza suggests they should instead be viewed as reflections of early missionary activity. Key references to this shift demonstrate a need to view early Christian writings as inherently mission-focused (Hengel 1983b:53).

Varied Theologies of Mission in the New Testament

Despite the notion of a unified purpose, the New Testament presents a range of mission perspectives. Various authors contribute to a complex understanding rather than a singular definition of mission, resulting in a conceptual diversity in mission theology (Frankemölle 1982:96f).

Relation to the Old Testament

The concept of mission in the Old Testament differs significantly from the New Testament. The Old Testament appears to lack a clear mandate for outreach in terms of sending individuals to convert others, as seen primarily in the narratives of Israel's history. The critique notes that Old Testament understanding often focused more on the Israelites’ identity as God’s chosen people rather than active proselytization. (Rzepkowski 1974:80).

Old Testament Perspectives Over Time

The covenant aspect of faith in God and a dynamic historical understanding contrasts with static religious practices of surrounding nations. Israel's narrative involves election for service, particularly toward the marginalized (orphans, widows), emphasizing a mission that encompasses national identity and a covenant-based understanding of God’s involvement with humanity.

Tension Between Judgment and Mercy

Biblical narratives demonstrate Israel’s cyclic experience of judgment and mercy. For instance, both Second Isaiah and the book of Jonah reflect this duality, with Israel’s pride contrasting God’s mercy toward nations, suggesting that even amidst judgment, God preparatorily invites nations toward reconciliation and worship (Isaiah 49:7).

Jesus’ Ministry: Mission’s Continuation

Understanding Jesus in Context

Jesus of Nazareth's mission is deeply rooted in first-century Jewish faith, espousing values and messages that prepare for universal outreach yet remain culturally and religiously specific. This understanding contradicts earlier idealistic views that dissociated Jesus' mission from its Jewish contexts.

Historical Reliability and Interpretative Frameworks

The study of Jesus' life through the gospels must balance historical perceptions with theological interpretations. Form and redaction criticisms provide insights into early Christian missions but often blur distinctions between the historical Jesus and theological constructs derived from subsequent community interpretations.

Calls for Ongoing Dialogue

Critical Self-Reflection in Mission Today

Bosch advocates for a critical hermeneutic approach to mission—recognizing the necessity of interpreting the mission of Jesus through the lens of contemporary contexts, traditions, and self-definitions of today's believers (critical hermeneutics vs. historical analysis).

Self-Definitions of Early Christians

Understanding how early Christians defined themselves in their context assists in recognizing their missionary impulses, challenging contemporary Christians to explore deeper connections between past and present realities. This dynamic invites all believers to engage with this legacy to inform current understandings of mission.