Contextualization: Meanings, Methods, and Models

This classic textbook brings together the meanings, proposals, and tasks involved in contextualization. Hesselgrave and Rommen explore the history of contextualization in the Bible and the Church while examining the proposals of prominent thinkers on this subject. They conclude with their own definition and approach to contextualization. Those who have come to expect expert analysis of contextualization from David Hesselgrave will not be disappointed with this work. "His Expertise," writes George Peters, "shines through in this book."

Teaming up with Hesselgrave is Ed Rommen, who, according to Peters, is "becoming an authority in practical contextualization." Together they skillfully bring the labyrinth of meanings, proposals, and tasks of contextualization into clearer focus. The result, says Peters, "is the most comprehensive treatise on the subject produced by evangelical scholars."

The authors survey the history of contextualization in Bible and church history, explore significant proposals of prominent thinkers, and evaluate these proposals from five different perspectives. They conclude their study by outlining their own definition and approach to contextualization, using numerous examples to illustrate their methods.

David J. Hesselgrave is the author of Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally: An Introduction to Missionary Communication, Planting Churches Cross-Culturally: A Guide for Home and Foreigns Missions, and Scripture and Strategy: The Use of the Bible in Postmodern Church and Mission.

Edward Rommen is the editor of Christianity and the Religions: A Biblical Theology of World Religions, Missiology and the Social Sciences: Contributions, Cautions and Conclusions, and Spiritual Power and Missions: Raising the Issues.