Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture

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Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986 - Religion - 156 pages
In this book, Lesslie Newbigin attempts to look at modern Western culture through the eyes of an outsider and to ask, "What would it mean to confront this culture with the gospel?" Newbigin looks first at the broad issues raised by any cross-cultural communication of the gospel. He then focuses his discussion on modern Western culture, examining its essential features and the present signs of its disintegration. This leads to the main thrust of the book--the question of how biblical authority can be a reality for those who are shaped by this culture. Newbigin goes on to consider what would be involved in the encounter between the gospel and modern science, politics, and economics. Finally, he discusses the task of the church in bringing about this missionary encounter.

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About the author (1986)

Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) was a renowned theologian, missionary, and church leader. Born and educated in England, he later ministered for several decades in India. Over the course of his career, he held leadership roles in the International Missionary Council and the World Council of Churches. In recognition of his accomplishments in missiology and ecclesiology, he was awarded honorary doctorates from numerous institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Edinburgh. He published more than twenty books, including Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture and The Gospel in a Pluralist Society.