Soul, Self, and Society

by Michael Rynkiewich

Globalization and urbanization are twin forces that are powerfully shaping economics, politics, and religion in the world today. Traditional anthropological theories are inadequate to recognize and analyze trends such as global migration, diasporas, and transnationalism. New departures in anthropology and the social sciences seeking to address these and other phenomena can help us critique and reshape the theology and practice of Christian mission. Today most societies are no longer monocultural. In such multicultural contexts any given individual may be competent in several cultures, several languages, several social networks. What does it mean to be in mission with people on the move--people who present themselves in one social identity, language, and culture within a particular setting, and then in another setting, even on the very same day, present themselves in another social identity, language, and culture? In the face of widespread, rapid movement of peoples and their increasingly fluid and multifaceted identities, will the missionary settle down somewhere or be itinerant along with the people? How are perplexing new questions in particular contexts to be addressed, such In what ways is the Nigerian who is founding an AIC congregation near Houston a missionary too? How will Brazilians and Koreans be trained for cross-cultural ministry? The world is changing faster than missionaries can be retrained for service. And yet ethnographic tools are still crucial to missionary practice. This important work seeks to draw on recent developments in anthropology to bring valuable perspective and tools to bear on equipping missionaries for work amidst the rapid shifting and complex shaping of peoples by the forces of today's globalized world.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2012

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great anthology for postcolonial missiology

[Ethan Treptow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worldview altering

[Jonathan Asbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

straightforward, informative, missional

I entered the reading with caution, many a contemporary postmodern approach to mission and anthropology is nothing more than a camuflaje propaganda machine. However, this book impressed me for all the right reasons. Honest, self-critical, academic and informative. It is an easy reading, yet a profound way. The goal is to describe the contemporary world and to challenge the believer, the missionary and the Christian anthropologist to meet it head on, but with God’s truth in Jesus. This is a must read.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a Christian introduction to anthropology. A few chapters in the middle bog the unlearned reader (myself) down a bit, but this seems applicable to anyone wanting to understand the relationship between Jesus and culture.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several different reasons why I really loved this book. To begin with it gives an honest critique of the church, anthropology, and missiology. Rynkiewich mentions in what was they have worked and in the several ways they have not worked and brings into light the question, what can missions to do bring the Gospel forth in our current world but more importantly in a way that is Scriptural? Whether your church does do global missions or not, I think this is a great book to read. Another aspect about this book that is wonderful is that you can have a conversation with those outside the church about the issues and topics at hand. It's a great way to open a conversation or to have a dialogue that otherwise would not have existed. And I think my favorite part is that Rynkiewich does not sugar coat where the church has gone wrong nor where humanity has gone wrong. Highly Recommend, especially if you want to approach humanity and outreach through a different lens.

[joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read excerpts from and the entire books for NAIITS classes in anthropology. Rynkiewich breaks down basic concepts of the science particular to the dynamic indigenous communities and brings up many good questions for pondering and discussing.

[Geoff Maddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of anthropology and mission. Highly recommended.

[Christopher Chandler]

A text for the study of anthropology and missions in a post modern world

Interesting from page one. Highly recommended for pastors, missionaries, or those interested in globalization and the church. Rynkiewich pulls a lot from his experience as an anthropologist.