Contextualization
This page is an attempt to collect links about the contextualization debate. It started out as a blog post of sorts, and I soon began receiving links from various sources, so I have made this page. I will update it as new resources are sent to me.
FYI, I am a C-4 proponent. In my view, C-5 is, at best, a transitory phase of the development of the church. I don't think it should be the goal for missionaries to shoot for C-5 believers or churches. However, the debate raises so many excellent missiological questions that I think we should engage it heartily. I also would be in favor of using the Camel Method and similar approaches. I think that US Christians need to learn about Islam in a much more positive and proactive way than we have to date. Islamic culture has many redeeming aspects and we are foolish to ignore them. However, that doesn't mean we abandon the call that all Christians are to identify with Christ. I am also concerned that "fooling" people into thinking that we are something that we are not is bad for the reputation of Christ.
If you have more resources, please send them on through to me!
The Contextualization Resource List
A Proponent Makes His Case
These articles are by John Travis, a pro-Insider Movement author. From here you can find other resources that are quoted.
The Camel Method
Here is where you can buy the book yourself. The author makes a defense in this article.
The IMB's Statements on Contextualization
Here the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention outlines their position on contextualization.
St. Francis Magazine
This resource has carried a number of critical articles about the more extreme versions of contextualization. This issue has lots of good info on both perspectives and tons of good links. You can spend a couple hours on these resources and still be learning new things! Highly recommended (you can download the whole issue and put it on your reading device!).
My experience with the Common Ground Movement
This is a critique from a CMB (Christian of Muslim Background) with a story about how this strategy may be perceived as deceptive by a Muslim (a conviction I share). Note: There is a difference between the Common Word movement and the Common Ground movement. The former is more ecumenical/cooperative in nature while the latter is more about missionary strategy. Sometimes I see them lumped together, but this isn't really fair. You can find the official site on the Common Word here, and this is a critique from John Piper.
Common Path Alliance Advocates of highly integrative ecumenical approach to Islam and Christian cooperation.
Biblical Missiology I never like it when people call their argument (or publication) "Biblical." It reveals a need to state that they have the message from the Bible and perhaps you don't. In any case, there are some articles here that are worth reading.
Contextualization Among Muslims Reusing Common Pillars Woodberry's article (Fuller prof and longtime Islamic scholar) on use of the Five Pillars of Islam in reaching out to Muslims. Check out the footnotes for additional references.
Can One be Identified with the Kingdom of God and Islam at the Same Time? John Span article on a key point. Definitely takes a narrow view of contextualization. Some may disagree strongly with this article.
H-Scale for Hindu Contextualization. The seven-point scale below defines contextualization of gospel and church in the Hindu world. The H-scale is developed from the C-scale, a similar scale used for Islamic contexts.
Insider Movements versus C5 contextualization. Points out differences between the ideas behind "Insider Movements" and the "C-Scale."
Send me more if you have them…. I am open to posting links/articles which show both sides of debate. It may take me a few days to post your input, so please be patient.
