Contextualization: Meanings, Methods, and Models

by David J. Hesselgrave, Edward Rommen

Meanings, Methods, and Models




Meanings, Methods, and Models is a classic textbook that brings together the meanings, proposals, and tasks involved in contextualization. The authors trace its historical development, beginning with its roots in the Bible and early Church. They examine how cultural, linguistic, and theological elements influence the way the Gospel is communicated across different contexts. The book highlights how the Church has wrestled with expressing timeless truths in culturally relevant ways, while maintaining biblical integrity.




Hesselgrave and Rommen engage with the ideas of key theologians and missiologists, evaluating a range of contextualization models--from traditional mission methods to more adaptive, culture-centered approaches. They provide a balanced critique of these proposals, identifying both strengths and limitations. The authors conclude by offering their own definition and approach to contextualization--one that is both faithful to Scripture and practically effective for global mission work today.

Genres: Theology, Christian

294 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Dan Seely · Rating 4 out of 5]

An instant classic. Hesselgrave and Rommen deal comprehensively with contextualization, examining the biblical examples of contextualization and the historical attempts at contextualization from around the world before examining it's philosophical, theological, anthropological, hermeneutical, and communicational framework and then closing with various proposals and examples of authentic and relevant contextualization. This book provides tremendous insights on the importance and the "how-to" of contextualization. It would be beneficial not only to those studying contextualization as an academic discipline, but to anyone living in a cross-cultural setting who is seeking to better understand and communicate in a culture different from their own.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had great hopes that this book would provide me with clear directions on how to contextualize the message of Christ into desperate cultures. While there are some excellent hints about how to proceed, I found the book tedious.