Prophetic Dialogue: Reflections on Christian Mission Today

by Stephen B Bevans SVD, Roger P. Schroeder

A collection of essays that demonstrates that to be effective in the twenty-first century, mission must be prophetic as it encounters other cultures and religious traditions. "When we speak of mission as dialogue, then, we are about as far away from imagining mission as 'conquering the world for Christ' and missionaries as 'marines of the Catholic Church' as we probably can get. There has indeed been a radical shift, both in the world in which the church does mission and within the church's own consciousness of the goodness and even holiness of that world." These words from one of the essays in this superb collection clearly demonstrate the changing of mission today.

In this volume, Fathers Bevans and Schroeder address a primary challenge faced by Christians missioners today: How can they bring the Christian tradition to interact respectfully and effectively with members of other cultures and traditions from around the globe and still be prophetic?

Genres: Christian

194 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2011

Reviews

[Brian Gillispie]

This was a radical read for me. As someone who falls on the traditional conservative theological spectrum, I had to work really hard to read through the book. The writers are bold in the words used in reference to the Trinity (saying that God is a verb, the Holy Spirit a She, etc.). However, this book is proof that we should read works outside our spheres, because there were gems in this book in relation to missions that I would have missed if I stopped reading it. God is mission, mission preceded the Church, and mission should be prophetic dialogue. Great read to push you to think outside of what has traditionally been taught considering missions, and bringing to priority of the Missio Dei!

[Nathan Beasley]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Chapter 1 was a worshipful experience! God is missional! God has been at work in human history! Love the metaphors for understanding mission and the stories of inspiration.

[Melencio]

Prophetic Dialogue give us insight on how is mission today, the paradigm shifts in mission and the challenges in mission today. Fr. Bevans and Fr. Schoeder, in their other book "Constants in Context" which talk about the theology of mission for today is a great help to understand their position about Prophet Dialogue as a means in doing mission today. This book is really good.

[Trent Smith]

An interesting take on what Christian Mission looks like. Way different than typical evangelical ideas of mission trip run by the church. A high focus on the mission having a church to work through as well as the importance of discussion with other cultures as the primary way of bringing about missional work.

[Hayley]

Particularly like seeing mission as a conga line dance!

[LEE]

where can I read this book? and How can I read it in this website?