Interrogating the Language of Self and Other in the History of Modern Christian Mission (Missional Church, Public Theology, World Christianity)

This book offers a critical analysis of the use of language in mission studies. Language and Christian missionary activity intersect in complicated ways to objectify the other in cross-cultural situations. Rethinking missiological language is both urgent and necessary to subvert narratives that continue to fetishize the other as cultural stereotypes. The project takes a step forward to reconceptualize otherness as gift, and such an affirmation should create a pathway for human flourishing and furthermore, open new avenues for missiological exploration to address issues arising from a world dominated by bigoted discourses, lies, and hate speech.

Man-Hei Yip is Visiting Researcher at Boston University School of Theology in connection with the Center for Global Christianity and Mission. She previously worked for the Lutheran World Federation in Geneva, Switzerland, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Man-Hei writes articles and book reviews for Currents in Theology and Mission. She is a contributor to Global Lutheranism: Vitality and Challenges (2018) and Luther's Small Catechism: An Exposition of the Christian Faith in Asian Contexts and Cultures (2019).

Craig L. Nessan is William D. Streng Professor for the Education and Renewal of the Church and professor of contextual theology and ethics at Wartburg Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Wilhelm Loehe and North America (2020).