The Logic of Evangelism (80)

In this book William J. Abraham attempts to address the dearth of modern theology on the topic of evangelism. In contrast both to the traditional focus on proclamation and to the more recent emphasis on church growth, Abraham argues that evangelism should be construed as primary initiation into the kingdom of God. Fleshing out his thesis by discussing how conversion, baptism, morality, the creed, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the classical spiritual disciplines are related to kingdom initiation, Abraham seeks to articulate the implications of his theory of evangelism for the practice of evangelism. Besides holding forth a specific norm regarding how evangelism should be understood, Abraham also maintains that the sorely needed critical discussion about evangelism should proceed in a particular way--not by drawing up new, specialized schemes but rather by bringing to bear on the topic relevant material from a number of appropriate disciplines. The book thus seeks to provoke or inspire other scholars to pursue critical reflection on evangelism, to further develop the new ground broken here. From Library Journal Abraham (Perkins School of Theology) subjects the theory and practice of evangelism to modern theological reflection. He points out that very little critical theological thought has been applied to this area and that no major contemporary theologian has written about it. In an attempt to foster such serious study, Abraham takes a logical and scholarly approach, defining evangelism as "primary initiative into the Kingdom of God" as opposed to "preaching the Gospel" or "church growth." After developing his thesis in the first five chapters, he then examines the relation to evangelism of conversion, baptism, spiritual gifts, and related topics. Practical evangelism and ecumenism are also discussed. An excellent and scholarly work long overdue in the field. Recommended for large public and academic libraries. For another look at evangelism, see Randall Balmer's Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory , reviewed below.- Ed. -- C. Robert Nixon, M.L.S., Lafayette, Ind.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review Catalyst "Of the evangelism books currently available, Abraham offers the deepest and most penetrating analysis of what evangelism is and ought to be. His argument is narrowly focused but has wide ramifications. . . Theological depth and a holistic approach to the Christian life make this book a powerful foundation for evangelistic practice."Clergy Journal "Rarely do evangelism books bring depth to critical theological thinking. This one does. . . This book is for those willing to accept a challenge. It is tightly argued and well written; the argumentation is thick. . . This book will provoke and promote a great deal of theological discussion. This is Abraham's aim, for he wants to begin earnest theological thinking about evangelism again."Evangelical Missions Quarterly "A profound and challenging book."Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society "This extremely thoughtful and theologically astute consideration of evangelism is an attempt to wed theological concepts with evangelistic practice. . . Surely Abraham has made a positive contribution in redirecting evangelism from the human axis to the divine. He has struck the right tone in pleading for a credible communication of the gospel by the whole community of believers."Library Journal "Abraham subjects the theory and practice of evangelism to modern theological reflection. He points out that very little critical theological thought has been applied to this area. . . In an attempt to foster such serious study, Abraham takes a logical and scholarly approach. . . An excellent and scholarly work long overdue in the field."Missiology "Abraham's integration of theology and the practice of evangelism...makes hisThe Logic of Evangelism the most significant contribution to the study of evangelism in o