This remarkable book begins by examining the biblical material on mission, focusing specially on the ethical witness of the Christian community. The author then turns his attention to patterns of mission from history, seeking to learn, from three distinct past examples (the Spanish conquistadores, Anabaptists, and the missionary congress in Edinburgh, 1912), how the Church has interpreted its mission in the world. A final section discusses changing views on the church's missionary undertaking in the world after the 2nd World War. It assesses the debates over the concept of missio Dei and 'the church for others'. It then considers the question of the church's preferential option for the liberation of the poor, its commitment to peace in the shadow of the threat of nuclear war and its missionary obligations in multi-religious and secular worlds. COMMENDATIONS "I cordially welcome Andrew Kirk's fine study. Drawing upon the Bible, history and theology, he has expertly reflected upon the Church and the world, in relation to both mission and the socio-ethical order. He has thus brilliantly met the requirements of the series in which his book appears, and has made a substantial contribution to debates which lose nothing of their importance with the passage of the years." - Alan Sell, General Editor, Christian Doctrines in Historical Perspective "From time to time a book appears that forces us to re-examine what we have taken for granted about Church and world. Andrew Kirk's bracing and bold book does this. Based on wide reading, readiness to challenge commonplace assumptions, and by highlighting topics generally neglected in mission theology, this work refreshes and inspires." - Wilbert R. Shenk, Senior Professor of Mission History, Fuller Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, Pasadena, California

British supernatural horror starring Robert Sheehan and Lily Cole. Jack (Sheehan) is a severely troubled man, burdened by the voices in his head. When he discovers that the voices he hears are those of dead people, he realises that they are using him as a messenger to send word to their loved ones. When a recently departed journalist gets in contact with Jack, expressing the need to say goodbye to his wife, Jack obeys the voice and finds himself getting close to the grieving widow, Sarah (Tamzin Merchant). As he spends more time with Sarah, Jack learns dark secrets about the couple, making him question the morals of his unwanted gift.

Focusing on the history of ideas, this book explores important questions concerning knowledge in relation to philosophy, science, ethics and Christian faith. Kirk contributes to the current debate about the intellectual basis and integrity of Western culture, exploring controversial issues concerning the notions of modernity and post-modernity. Repositioning the Christian faith as a valid dialogue partner with contemporary secular movements in philosophy and ethics, Kirk seeks to show that in 'post-Christian' Europe the Christian faith still possesses intellectual resources worthy to be reckoned with. This book's principal argument is that contemporary Western society faces a cultural crisis. It explores what appears to be an historical enigma, namely the question of why Western intellectual endeavours in philosophy and science seem to have abandoned the search for a source of knowledge able to draw together disparate pieces of information provided by different disciplines. Kirk draws conclusions, particularly in the area of ethical decision-making, from this apparent failure and invites readers to consider Christian theism afresh as a means for the renewal of culture and society.

Focusing on the history of ideas, this book explores important questions concerning knowledge in relation to philosophy, science, ethics and Christian faith. Kirk contributes to the current debate about the intellectual basis and integrity of Western culture, exploring controversial issues concerning the notions of modernity and post-modernity. Repositioning the Christian faith as a valid dialogue partner with contemporary secular movements in philosophy and ethics, Kirk seeks to show that in 'post-Christian' Europe the Christian faith still possesses intellectual resources worthy to be reckoned with. This book's principal argument is that contemporary Western society faces a cultural crisis. It explores what appears to be an historical enigma, namely the question of why Western intellectual endeavours in philosophy and science seem to have abandoned the search for a source of knowledge able to draw together disparate pieces of information provided by different disciplines. Kirk draws conclusions, particularly in the area of ethical decision-making, from this apparent failure and invites readers to consider Christian theism afresh as a means for the renewal of culture and society.

The particular words, whose use and meaning is examined in this study, are commonly used by people with strong convictions about moral issues and identity politics. They are often attached to ideals, policies and practices in diverse and frequently contradictory ways. Is there, then, so much confusion that the words no longer serve any useful purpose? Or, is there some merit in trying to indicate how the meaning of the words is being stretched to such an extent that the same word has come to signify conflicting opinions? When people expropriate language for particular partisan causes, communication becomes ambiguous and misleading. The rhetoric may sound persuasive, but it breaks down, when the conversation partner has little idea what the other is talking about. Reasoning together requires at least a minimal agreement on what a person intends when they employ certain words and phrases. The book shows how key words have become misused and how they may be restored to a more precise and accurate meaning.

What is Christian mission in a world post-everything? This volume is a masterful rethinking of the problems and prospect of the Christian vocation to mission in light of the whole checkered legacy - religious, philosophical, colonial, and economic - of modernity. Kirk draws on his considerable experience of worldwide mission and his expertise in modern Western thought to throw light on all the most burning questions, such as: What kinds of mission initiatives are appropriate today? Is it legitimate to invite adherents of different religions to follow Jesus? What role have Christians played in advocating violence, and also in being agents of peace and reconciliation?

How should today's Church shape its response to the Gospel? How can we set about 'making disciples of all nations' in our post-Christian, multi-faith world? What does 'mission' mean in our times? Here, at last, is a book which addresses these issues - and many more - with honesty and openness. It strips 'mission' of its old associations with colonialism and militarism. It looks anew at the underlying theology, reminding us that our task is God's mission, not a human construct. It explores key aspects of contemporary mission, from the familiar - such as the relation of mission to evangelism, and to people of others faiths - to the unusual and thought-provoking - such as mission and the environment, justice for the poor, and the overcoming of violence. J. Andrew Kirk, who has written and lectured widely on the subject of mission, also reflects on the importance of partnership and community - of mission as a shared enterprise. He brings the fruits of his own broad experience, along with current academic thinking in missiology, and presents this afresh for a wide readership. Brief exercises at the end of each chapter draw the reader personally into the issues covered. Students of mission and Christians who wish to engage with today's world, to integrate faith and life, will find here an inclusive, comprehensive and lucid presentation of all relevant discussions.