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Boundless: What Global Expressions of Faith Teach Us about Following Jesus
In his many travels as a researcher for Youth With A Mission, Bryan Bishop discovered a startling phenomenon: hidden movements of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists who are experiencing and following Jesus outside the boundaries of traditional Western Christianity. And they have plenty to teach Christians in the West who feel spiritually stagnant or disillusioned.
Through colorful firsthand accounts, Bishop unveils fresh expressions of faith that can revitalize our own. Those who have left or are feeling the pull to leave the church, along with those who chafe against the European-American cultural box into which we force Christianity, will welcome this expansive view of what it looks like to follow Christ.
Through colorful firsthand accounts, Bishop unveils fresh expressions of faith that can revitalize our own. Those who have left or are feeling the pull to leave the church, along with those who chafe against the European-American cultural box into which we force Christianity, will welcome this expansive view of what it looks like to follow Christ.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2015
22 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 14, 2017
I really enjoyed Boundless. It's a fascinating glimpse into the variety of ways people follow Jesus all over the world--especially people who choose to remain in majority religious traditions but come to understand Jesus through those religious-cultural backdrops. It's inspiring and challenging.
What I also appreciate about Bryan Bishop's writing is that he not only celebrates the variety that he saw in his travels, but he also raises the difficult questions--though these don't come in until the final section of the book, and are a little surprising when they do become part of the discussion. Bishop's honest journeying and willingness to both question and enjoy are refreshing and excellent.
Boundless was a quick, easy read, and highly recommended. It's a good "general audiences" counterpart to Talman and Travis's Understanding Insider Movements, which is also highly recommended.
What I also appreciate about Bryan Bishop's writing is that he not only celebrates the variety that he saw in his travels, but he also raises the difficult questions--though these don't come in until the final section of the book, and are a little surprising when they do become part of the discussion. Bishop's honest journeying and willingness to both question and enjoy are refreshing and excellent.
Boundless was a quick, easy read, and highly recommended. It's a good "general audiences" counterpart to Talman and Travis's Understanding Insider Movements, which is also highly recommended.
September 27, 2015
Bryan Bishop used his journalist eye to record new ways Jesus was being followed and loved . In this book we are introduced to Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Native Americans and American youth and the new ways they have come to look to Jesus and the Bible for spiritual guidance, without the help of Christians. Many of the census now call our youth NONE, no religious affiliations, yet they are interested in the study of our Jesus. Somehow the followers of Jesus have managed to stifle cultural diversity .
The first sections of the books sit in on groups in their private studies of the Bible and Jesus, and how they blend there cultural music and worship practices with ours in an attempt to find the man. The Satsang of the Hindu, the Jamaat of the Muslim, the Monk of the Buddhist and the PowWoo of the American Indian, were all visited and the various respectful groups studying Jesus were reported. I found this very interesting and positive reading as how we can appreciate each others religion without trying to change them to our right way. Bryan Bishop is a researcher for Youth with a Mission and has reported these hidden movements outside the boundaries of traditional western Christianity. The accounts were colorful and I found useful.
He gave great suggestions for ways we could change our language to use terms like Love, Blessings, Joy, and that we should spend more time memorizing our scriptures and to look for ways in our neighborhoods where we could work with out cultures on common concerns of the neighborhood, and good educational programs of hope for the teens. Operation World book was used often to show the ways our population trends are changing. We must find ways to study non-Christian religions more sympathetically to find the good in them, to have a more sympathetic approach to people. With the current political climate there is nothing more important.
Without trying to sell Bryan's programs on Boundless Bible Study, he included in the last few pages of the book some examples of the ten sessions which could be found in www.BoundlessJesus.com I found the book to be very exciting and I would love to participate in this type of studies.
This book and Operation World would be excellent additions to any church program interested in breaking down barriers and walls.
August 30, 2015
I invite you to stretch your mind, to think outside the box in what following Jesus may look like in other parts of the world. Boundless by Bryan Bishop has explored, in-depth, other cultures and how they are following Jesus as their Savior while still living within their culture. This book expanded my knowledge that following Jesus has many, many different looks to it, not just the typical Western Christian view to which I’m so accustomed. Imagine celebrating Jesus while dancing in a full native headdress. Or listening to stories being told about Jesus in a small gathering in India.
I was surprised to learn that in other parts of the world, the word “Christian” has some negative connotations to it. A quote from the book explains this well: “In the Muslim world, for example, it’s not that the word “Christian” has become all bad for everyone, but it does produce a negative connotation for most. John Travis, a seminary professor who worked in an Asian Muslim country for more than twenty years, wrote, ‘While some Muslims may associate Christianity with the love and selfless living of Mother Teresa and relief organizations, most tend to focus on negative aspects of present-day Western culture like immodest dress, sexual promiscuity, disrespect of elders, indulgence in alcohol, Hollywood violence, narcotics, and pornography.’”
While at times this book was hard to follow with SO much information to digest, the knowledge and understanding I gained about other cultures outweighs the negative aspects.
Thank you to the author Bryan Bishop for writing such an intriguing and thought-provoking book. It inspired me to change my perspective and look outside the box.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was surprised to learn that in other parts of the world, the word “Christian” has some negative connotations to it. A quote from the book explains this well: “In the Muslim world, for example, it’s not that the word “Christian” has become all bad for everyone, but it does produce a negative connotation for most. John Travis, a seminary professor who worked in an Asian Muslim country for more than twenty years, wrote, ‘While some Muslims may associate Christianity with the love and selfless living of Mother Teresa and relief organizations, most tend to focus on negative aspects of present-day Western culture like immodest dress, sexual promiscuity, disrespect of elders, indulgence in alcohol, Hollywood violence, narcotics, and pornography.’”
While at times this book was hard to follow with SO much information to digest, the knowledge and understanding I gained about other cultures outweighs the negative aspects.
Thank you to the author Bryan Bishop for writing such an intriguing and thought-provoking book. It inspired me to change my perspective and look outside the box.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 21, 2016
This gracefully written book takes us along on the author's journey through the world of contextualized religion to discover what might help post-Christian westerners who hunger for a faith more relevant and vibrant than what they have inherited in traditional Christianity. Visiting groups who learn from and worship Jesus using forms inspired by Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and native American cultures (and generally found in those religious settings), Bishop sees his own faith grow and shares his questions and what he learns along the way from groups of believers who honor the centrality of the Bible, focus on Jesus, adopt local practices, and seek truth where they can find it. His honest and engaging travelogue through a landscape often marked with controversy nicely blends scholarship, journalism, and personal reflection. I would recommend this book to any who seek to understand contextualization, its faces, problems, and benefits. I believe it would hold the interest either of those who are new to these questions or those who have long considered them. Reminded me of Vincent Donovan's "Christianity Rediscovered."
October 27, 2016
I really loved this book! Bryan Bishop uses a blend of world-hopping primary, on-the-ground research, the best thinking in missiology, and wise conclusions he draws from all he learned, to present the reader with a peek into some of the most exciting ways that God is expanding the Kingdom. Highly recommended!
November 18, 2019
A fascinating and thought-provoking book. When I first read a description of the book before getting it, I had been concerned about whether Bishop was suggesting people could come to God without becoming Christians, but it is quickly clear that he is talking about people who are following Jesus, just that they may not use the term Christian to describe themselves, and they may even continue to think of themselves as Muslim or Hindu (for example) because they belong to that culture. For many of us in the pluralistic West, these terms are all identifying one's religion, but in cultures where religion and culture are not easily separated, to cease to be Muslim or Hindu (to use the same examples) is to abandon and reject one's culture, not just certain religious beliefs. There are of course valid concerns regarding continuing certain practices, and Bishop addresses these without trying to claim to have definitely answered them. He also suggests that Western Christians can learn from these Jesus-followers in other cultures, to realize how much of our own "Christian" practices are in fact cultural rather than essential to our Christian faith, and to see how practices from other cultures might enrich our own practice of Christianity.
January 19, 2023
Fascinating and challenging. (I would love to read an update now that we're 8 years after publication.)
Doesn't offer all the answers (particularly what is or isn't syncretism seems to be in the eye of the beholder) but the journey is fascinating. If western Christians can't travel and see for themselves the working out of faith in different cultures & contexts, then reading this book could be the next best thing.
Doesn't offer all the answers (particularly what is or isn't syncretism seems to be in the eye of the beholder) but the journey is fascinating. If western Christians can't travel and see for themselves the working out of faith in different cultures & contexts, then reading this book could be the next best thing.
April 2, 2018
This book asks good questions but gives less than satisfying answers. Some of the stories and examples seemed lacking, and it is guilty of oversimplification/generalization. Bishop was attempting to ask and address what followers of Jesus should look like around the world, I don’t think he helps the reader in reaching a conclusion.
February 7, 2018
I wasn’t sure what to think when I picked up this book; I just knew it sounded fascinating. I like that it mostly presented stories and allowed you to draw your own conclusions about what’s “right” and what’s “wrong.” It has certainly given me a lot to think about.
May 27, 2017
Excellent. Thought provoking and well rounded.
July 22, 2017
Challenges us to think outside the box that is Western Christianity.
July 23, 2017
Very descriptive telling of the author's travels, which I enjoyed. But I disagree with some of his conclusions. Sometimes he seems to force an opinion.
July 15, 2015
National Geographic Meets Operation World
Author, Bryan Bishop set out to find answers in his travels through North American and Asia.
What he found instead was a lot more questions.
Based on reports of a Muslim who had a vision of Jesus as the living God and Savior — who then began to read the Bible and evangelize his friends, Bryan began doing research in 1998 to verify the truth of the story. He learned that there are networks of Muslims who believingly follow Jesus without taking the name “Christian” or leaving their cultural roots. Known as “insiders” (because they choose to stay inside their own culture to live out their faith), the majority of them believe the core theological tenants of the Bible. Traveling to India, Bangladesh and Thailand to investigate these claims, Bryan discovered not only Muslim, but also Hindu and Buddhist communities of truth.
Boundless is the record of his research, and it is strong on the compelling details of foreign lands: fascinating descriptions of unfamiliar lifestyles and world views set against the backdrop of a cloud strewn sky and the scent of water hyacinths; an aching, stiff morning after a night of sleeping on a Bengali-style bed; a trip to a mysterious destination on the back of a motorcycle traveling on dirt roads that traversed watery fields. Another strength is its discussion of the brow-furrowing questions that pervade Bryan’s research. Who’s in and who’s out? Adapted from John Travis’s C1 to C6 spectrum, Bryan provides a continuum for describing a Christ-centered community in terms of its use of recognizable Western “church” culture and the degree to which it incorporates local and even non-religious culture. (To read more about the C1 to C6 spectrum in the field of missiology, click here.)
The author wisely allows John Stott to voice the question that hangs in the air:
“Is it possible to conceive of converts becoming followers of Jesus without so forsaking their Islamic culture that they are regarded as traitors? Can we even contemplate Jesus mosques instead of churches and Jesus Muslims instead of Christians?”
With our view of the Christian life as the only eternal safe zone, the question of who’s in and who’s out becomes monumental for missiology and evangelism. Boundless does not attempt to shoe-horn this controversy into a yes/no, black/white box, but certainly provides an abundance of evidence for consideration.
I found myself mentally squinting to discern the point where the incorporation of elements from another faith into Christianity moves beyond “thinking outside the bun” and becomes syncretism. We react negatively to the term “walls” in our culture, but few of us live in one-room shack. A wall that comes between the gospel and a heart that is seeking God is harmful and should be torn down. However, the walls that mark boundaries which distinguish truth from error are right and necessary, for they define the narrow way that leads to life. In light of this important distinction, Bishop’s Boundary Breaking Principles provide important clarification, because true Christ followers the world over:
1.Put the Book in its place — Stories, memorized truth from Scripture, are the basis for group gatherings and discussions.
2.Move toward Jesus — They are centered in a relationship with Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3.Turn pagan into holy — They utilize elements of popular culture to enhance worship and understanding of God.
4.Seek the whole truth — They exercise curiosity to access the spectrum of creation and thought to demonstrate the concept that “all truth is God’s truth.”
Reader, beware, for the spotlight of truth shines 360 degrees, and if you are not careful, you may find yourself in its circumference pondering the questions that its light illuminates:
•Am I being led by the Spirit in the same measure as these isolated communities of believers who rely solely on Scripture and prayer in the absence of other leadership?
•Is my over-arching trajectory toward Jesus and His Kingdom, or am I enamored with peripheral issues and traditions?
•Is the Bible central to my theology, or am I following more closely the words of authors and popular personalities?
•How well am I able to quote from memory the Words that I consider to be my Holy Book?
Regardless of ethnic context or whether or not we call it “Christianity,” Jesus is pursuing relationships that transcend strategy, methods, and even culture. He is at work on this fallen planet, and His grace and mercy are, indeed, boundless.
This book was provided by BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Author, Bryan Bishop set out to find answers in his travels through North American and Asia.
What he found instead was a lot more questions.
Based on reports of a Muslim who had a vision of Jesus as the living God and Savior — who then began to read the Bible and evangelize his friends, Bryan began doing research in 1998 to verify the truth of the story. He learned that there are networks of Muslims who believingly follow Jesus without taking the name “Christian” or leaving their cultural roots. Known as “insiders” (because they choose to stay inside their own culture to live out their faith), the majority of them believe the core theological tenants of the Bible. Traveling to India, Bangladesh and Thailand to investigate these claims, Bryan discovered not only Muslim, but also Hindu and Buddhist communities of truth.
Boundless is the record of his research, and it is strong on the compelling details of foreign lands: fascinating descriptions of unfamiliar lifestyles and world views set against the backdrop of a cloud strewn sky and the scent of water hyacinths; an aching, stiff morning after a night of sleeping on a Bengali-style bed; a trip to a mysterious destination on the back of a motorcycle traveling on dirt roads that traversed watery fields. Another strength is its discussion of the brow-furrowing questions that pervade Bryan’s research. Who’s in and who’s out? Adapted from John Travis’s C1 to C6 spectrum, Bryan provides a continuum for describing a Christ-centered community in terms of its use of recognizable Western “church” culture and the degree to which it incorporates local and even non-religious culture. (To read more about the C1 to C6 spectrum in the field of missiology, click here.)
The author wisely allows John Stott to voice the question that hangs in the air:
“Is it possible to conceive of converts becoming followers of Jesus without so forsaking their Islamic culture that they are regarded as traitors? Can we even contemplate Jesus mosques instead of churches and Jesus Muslims instead of Christians?”
With our view of the Christian life as the only eternal safe zone, the question of who’s in and who’s out becomes monumental for missiology and evangelism. Boundless does not attempt to shoe-horn this controversy into a yes/no, black/white box, but certainly provides an abundance of evidence for consideration.
I found myself mentally squinting to discern the point where the incorporation of elements from another faith into Christianity moves beyond “thinking outside the bun” and becomes syncretism. We react negatively to the term “walls” in our culture, but few of us live in one-room shack. A wall that comes between the gospel and a heart that is seeking God is harmful and should be torn down. However, the walls that mark boundaries which distinguish truth from error are right and necessary, for they define the narrow way that leads to life. In light of this important distinction, Bishop’s Boundary Breaking Principles provide important clarification, because true Christ followers the world over:
1.Put the Book in its place — Stories, memorized truth from Scripture, are the basis for group gatherings and discussions.
2.Move toward Jesus — They are centered in a relationship with Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3.Turn pagan into holy — They utilize elements of popular culture to enhance worship and understanding of God.
4.Seek the whole truth — They exercise curiosity to access the spectrum of creation and thought to demonstrate the concept that “all truth is God’s truth.”
Reader, beware, for the spotlight of truth shines 360 degrees, and if you are not careful, you may find yourself in its circumference pondering the questions that its light illuminates:
•Am I being led by the Spirit in the same measure as these isolated communities of believers who rely solely on Scripture and prayer in the absence of other leadership?
•Is my over-arching trajectory toward Jesus and His Kingdom, or am I enamored with peripheral issues and traditions?
•Is the Bible central to my theology, or am I following more closely the words of authors and popular personalities?
•How well am I able to quote from memory the Words that I consider to be my Holy Book?
Regardless of ethnic context or whether or not we call it “Christianity,” Jesus is pursuing relationships that transcend strategy, methods, and even culture. He is at work on this fallen planet, and His grace and mercy are, indeed, boundless.
This book was provided by BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 28, 2015
What can we learn from the World Christian Movement? How is Jesus worshiped in diverse religious and cultural contexts? Are there fresh expressions of faith which can bring new vitality to our stagnant European-American churches? Bryan Bishop thinks so. Having managed research projects for Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for twenty years and a communication and mission instrructor, he has colorful firsthand accounts of what following Jesus looks like in the two-thirds world. In Boundless: What Global Expressions of Faith Teach us About Following Jesus he shares stories, lessons and challenges.
BoundlessBishop observes the radical diversity of Jesus followers throughout the world. In chapter two he introduces 'the C-Scale,' based on John Travis's work with Muslim populations (p. 31) The C scale measures the full spectrum of Christian practice ranging from: Traditional Church Using OUtsider Language (C1) to Small Christ-Centered Communities of Secret/Underground Believers (C6). Between these two poles are: Traditional Churches using insider language (C2), Christ-Centered Communities using Insider language and neutral cultural forms (C3), Christ-Centered Communities Using Insider Language and Biblically Permissible Cultural and Religious Forms (c4) and Christ-Centered communities of those who have accepted Jesus but still remain part of their cultures religious context (C5).
While Travis's research focused solely on Muslim communities, Bishop has observed the entire spectrum of Christ followers among Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Indigenous communities. In part one he profiles Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Native Americans who follow Jesus within their cultural contexts, often having shared language and practices with the wider culture. Part two unfolds lessons that Bishop has learned: fresh ways of telling the biblical story, Christ centered spirituality, a focus on 'kingdom language' in interfaith dialogue, trusting the Spirit, speaking gospel in new religious idioms. Part three focuses on how learning to see Jesus outside of our cultural biases reinvigorates the church here.
Bishop is looking at religious practitioners and thus, there is a practical bent to his reflections. He acknowledges the problem of possible syncretism but observes that through the Holy Spirit's guidance, the groups he saw weren't developing weird theologies (90). The people and communities that Bishop profiles all hold fast to salvation through Christ alone.
I liked hearing the different stories of Jesus followers in different contexts. This isn't a repudiation of traditional church and missional models. Instead Bishop opens us up to the diverse ways people are coming to meet Jesus. This is exciting stuff. Four stars.
Note: I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for my Honest review.
BoundlessBishop observes the radical diversity of Jesus followers throughout the world. In chapter two he introduces 'the C-Scale,' based on John Travis's work with Muslim populations (p. 31) The C scale measures the full spectrum of Christian practice ranging from: Traditional Church Using OUtsider Language (C1) to Small Christ-Centered Communities of Secret/Underground Believers (C6). Between these two poles are: Traditional Churches using insider language (C2), Christ-Centered Communities using Insider language and neutral cultural forms (C3), Christ-Centered Communities Using Insider Language and Biblically Permissible Cultural and Religious Forms (c4) and Christ-Centered communities of those who have accepted Jesus but still remain part of their cultures religious context (C5).
While Travis's research focused solely on Muslim communities, Bishop has observed the entire spectrum of Christ followers among Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Indigenous communities. In part one he profiles Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Native Americans who follow Jesus within their cultural contexts, often having shared language and practices with the wider culture. Part two unfolds lessons that Bishop has learned: fresh ways of telling the biblical story, Christ centered spirituality, a focus on 'kingdom language' in interfaith dialogue, trusting the Spirit, speaking gospel in new religious idioms. Part three focuses on how learning to see Jesus outside of our cultural biases reinvigorates the church here.
Bishop is looking at religious practitioners and thus, there is a practical bent to his reflections. He acknowledges the problem of possible syncretism but observes that through the Holy Spirit's guidance, the groups he saw weren't developing weird theologies (90). The people and communities that Bishop profiles all hold fast to salvation through Christ alone.
I liked hearing the different stories of Jesus followers in different contexts. This isn't a repudiation of traditional church and missional models. Instead Bishop opens us up to the diverse ways people are coming to meet Jesus. This is exciting stuff. Four stars.
Note: I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for my Honest review.
August 7, 2015
I've often wondered what hidden expressions of following Christ there may be throughout the world. In Boundless I am given a glimpse of such movements. Bryan offers a recounting of his travels and leads the readers through his developing thought regarding alternative forms of Christianity throughout the world. In part one, I found parallels to Peter's retelling of Gentile inclusion in the people of God by the work of the Spirit in Acts as Bryan recounted the Spirit's work today in leading the Church towards different expressions and cultures than we may be currently comfortable with. I was both challenged and amazed to hear how varied peoples' experiences have been in recent years.
Through reflection on these experiences Bryan suggests four guiding principles as the foundation to following Jesus in any culture, even here in the post-Christian West. They are: keeping the Bible central, focusing on moving towards Christ, turning Pagan practices/festivals/items into Holy, and seeking the whole truth wherever it may be found.
He then moves on to the implications for viewing Christianity and sharing the good news today, with a number of important considerations for discussion. The Appendix includes a 10-session Bible Study focusing on the 'storying the Bible' approach discussed earlier in the book.
I find this book a very helpful introduction to an often touchy subject among Western Christians. The tendency to whitewash our own culture as acceptable for Christianity while denouncing the practices of other cultures as intrinsically sinful and beyond redemption is still strong today. Rather than decide ourselves what God wants to use within each culture, Bryan shows how Christ-followers around the world and in different religions are navigating these difficult decisions with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As Charles Kraft is quoted saying in the book, 'Each attempt to construct a localized, 'ethnic' theology must still be seen as experimental." I would argue that we need more experimentation in our own post-Christian culture in navigating what new expressions Christ might have for us today. This is a great book to help us begin this difficult but rewarding journey.
Thank you to Baker Books for sending me this wonderful book for review!
Through reflection on these experiences Bryan suggests four guiding principles as the foundation to following Jesus in any culture, even here in the post-Christian West. They are: keeping the Bible central, focusing on moving towards Christ, turning Pagan practices/festivals/items into Holy, and seeking the whole truth wherever it may be found.
He then moves on to the implications for viewing Christianity and sharing the good news today, with a number of important considerations for discussion. The Appendix includes a 10-session Bible Study focusing on the 'storying the Bible' approach discussed earlier in the book.
I find this book a very helpful introduction to an often touchy subject among Western Christians. The tendency to whitewash our own culture as acceptable for Christianity while denouncing the practices of other cultures as intrinsically sinful and beyond redemption is still strong today. Rather than decide ourselves what God wants to use within each culture, Bryan shows how Christ-followers around the world and in different religions are navigating these difficult decisions with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As Charles Kraft is quoted saying in the book, 'Each attempt to construct a localized, 'ethnic' theology must still be seen as experimental." I would argue that we need more experimentation in our own post-Christian culture in navigating what new expressions Christ might have for us today. This is a great book to help us begin this difficult but rewarding journey.
Thank you to Baker Books for sending me this wonderful book for review!
November 9, 2015
Your typical "Christian church" in the West, has worship music often played to popular tunes, a sermon in a lecture-style format, and possibly small groups the congregation and break into throughout the week. At least, that's been my experience in the last 20 years. What if the parameters were different? What if the worship was in the music style of the local community? What if the message was discussed as a group? What if learning was more effective through a storytelling and probing questions to follow?
This is sort of the route that Bryan Bishop took in his book, Boundless. As a researcher for Youth with a Mission (YWAM), Bishop traveled the world and discovered hidden movements of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and others experiencing Jesus without the cookie cutter Western Christianity. Can people who live in communities of these other cultures still experience Jesus?
At first, Boundless seemed similar to a book I've already reviewed, Jesus without Borders by Chadd Gibbs. In both works, the author goes on these trips around the world and visits the Christian groups in the areas. There are remarkable similarities to their findings, even as they travel to different places. However, Boundless has a few additional topics:
Bishop summarizes a few principles that reveal the boundaries of Western Christianity being broken There are additional videos that go along with a 10-week study that groups can go through Personally, I enjoyed reading Boundless and the revelations that it reveals. I am not surprised that there are groups meeting and using their own cultural aspects to share the Gospel. We should meet others where they are at, or so that is what I've been taught. When we share our own experiences, it places perspective in other peoples eyes, just as if we were sharing about a trip we went on and what we did.
I received a complimentary copy of Boundless from Net Galley.
Boundless can be found in various places, but I highly encourage purchasing from http://bryanbishop.net/resources/ or http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/b.... I am purchasing a copy for a friend, who i think will absolutely love it!
This is sort of the route that Bryan Bishop took in his book, Boundless. As a researcher for Youth with a Mission (YWAM), Bishop traveled the world and discovered hidden movements of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and others experiencing Jesus without the cookie cutter Western Christianity. Can people who live in communities of these other cultures still experience Jesus?
At first, Boundless seemed similar to a book I've already reviewed, Jesus without Borders by Chadd Gibbs. In both works, the author goes on these trips around the world and visits the Christian groups in the areas. There are remarkable similarities to their findings, even as they travel to different places. However, Boundless has a few additional topics:
Bishop summarizes a few principles that reveal the boundaries of Western Christianity being broken There are additional videos that go along with a 10-week study that groups can go through Personally, I enjoyed reading Boundless and the revelations that it reveals. I am not surprised that there are groups meeting and using their own cultural aspects to share the Gospel. We should meet others where they are at, or so that is what I've been taught. When we share our own experiences, it places perspective in other peoples eyes, just as if we were sharing about a trip we went on and what we did.
I received a complimentary copy of Boundless from Net Galley.
Boundless can be found in various places, but I highly encourage purchasing from http://bryanbishop.net/resources/ or http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/b.... I am purchasing a copy for a friend, who i think will absolutely love it!
August 7, 2015
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.
When I think of Jesus I tend to think of worshiping him as an American. I sing to Him with an American style of song, I pray to Him with an American style of prayer, and I read my Bible through the eyes of an American.
Yet, all across the globe people are worshiping and finding Jesus in a non-American way. Some even continue to practice some of the traditions that their heritage has passed down to them.
Is this Biblical?
In his book, Boundless, Bryan Bishop explores how other cultures have found Jesus, worship Him in their own way, and then ponders where or not such an expression of faith is proper.
Muslims fasting for Ramadan, Hindus chanting and burning incense, and Buddhists meditating are a few of the examples that Bishop gives of those who found Jesus but still maintain some of their religious heritage.
A paraphrase of what one person said is that they see the truth in other religions, how it was twisted, and how they found Jesus by straightening out the twists. Some pointed to Paul quoting a poem about Zeus to introduce the true God to the Greeks at Mars Hill. If Paul used the present culture to point to God, why can't we?
I must admit that I was not sure how to handle this book at first but after completing my read I see the value. One takeaway is that I should research other religions so that I may connect with other faiths. By this connection, Jesus may be introduced. That is what truly matters and how sinners become "boundless" to sin.
When I think of Jesus I tend to think of worshiping him as an American. I sing to Him with an American style of song, I pray to Him with an American style of prayer, and I read my Bible through the eyes of an American.
Yet, all across the globe people are worshiping and finding Jesus in a non-American way. Some even continue to practice some of the traditions that their heritage has passed down to them.
Is this Biblical?
In his book, Boundless, Bryan Bishop explores how other cultures have found Jesus, worship Him in their own way, and then ponders where or not such an expression of faith is proper.
Muslims fasting for Ramadan, Hindus chanting and burning incense, and Buddhists meditating are a few of the examples that Bishop gives of those who found Jesus but still maintain some of their religious heritage.
A paraphrase of what one person said is that they see the truth in other religions, how it was twisted, and how they found Jesus by straightening out the twists. Some pointed to Paul quoting a poem about Zeus to introduce the true God to the Greeks at Mars Hill. If Paul used the present culture to point to God, why can't we?
I must admit that I was not sure how to handle this book at first but after completing my read I see the value. One takeaway is that I should research other religions so that I may connect with other faiths. By this connection, Jesus may be introduced. That is what truly matters and how sinners become "boundless" to sin.
February 14, 2017
This book was very informative. It was an interesting take on how different cultures view Christians and understandably. It was helpful to think about the idea of becoming more thoughtful and acceptable to other cultures. I found the book a bit confusing until I found the glossary in the back of the book. I tagged that section and made reference to it often. My eyes were opened in this read and my mine made more acceptable.
September 30, 2015
When I read the cover of Bryan Bishops book, I was immediately cautious. When I opened the book and began to read, more defenses went up. Why, you might wonder, was this the case? I was worried that this was another book that was planning to bash the Western Church and the ways in which “American” Christianity has been exported around the world. I was worried that this was going to be another one of those books that bashed guys like me, who pastor in afluent suburbs, for not being in touch with the true heart of Jesus. Another one of those books that blames church strategy for people walking away from their faith. When books start out with Barna statistics on how people are leaving the church, but offer no real solutions, I start to glaze over really quickly. Books of this ilk are a dime-a-dozen and the arguments are exhausting and banal.
Bishop didn’t quite lose me in the first two chapters, but I could see the writing on the wall. Chapter 3, however, was surprising and takes a bit of a turn as we land in India meeting Hindu people who follow “Sadguru Yeshu.” Interesting, I thought. He had started to set the hook!
See the rest of the full review on my blog
http://joevalenti.me/portfolio-item/b...
Bishop didn’t quite lose me in the first two chapters, but I could see the writing on the wall. Chapter 3, however, was surprising and takes a bit of a turn as we land in India meeting Hindu people who follow “Sadguru Yeshu.” Interesting, I thought. He had started to set the hook!
See the rest of the full review on my blog
http://joevalenti.me/portfolio-item/b...
May 23, 2018
Really interesting exploration of nontraditional ways worldwide followers meld Christianity with other religions and the many linked issues and promise.
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