Customer Reviews

Bishop Stephen Neill (American University Studies. Series VII. Theology and Religion)

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Stephen C. Neill was according to Dyron Daughrity in this historical and revealing biography, "one of the most important figures on the world Christian scene during the twentieth century" (1). And yet this great missionary, missiologist, and prolific writer (more than sixty-five books written, edited or co-edited by him) had a life characterized by "conflict."

Daughrity traces conflict throughout the life of Bishop Neill from his childhood through to his education in the early period of his life. Then Daughrity shows Neill struggling with conflict (although Neill hides it in his own personal biography) with the famous missionary of the Donhavur Fellowship, Amy Carmichael.

His service as educator and then bishop of the Tinnevelly Diocese in southern India was also characterized by the word "conflict" as seen in chapters four to seven of this book. The final conflict in Neill's life came in the years 1944-45 where he was accused of beating a national Indian leader with a cane.

I wonder if the word "conflict" that runs as a leitmotif through this historical biography needs to be balanced with the words "amazing accomplishments." This is not said to underplay the faults of Neill, it is just that there may need to be a balance.

The author has done a prodigious work to put this biography together although it only covers the period of Neill's life from 1900 (his birth) to 1945(when he lost his position as bishop and left India). Someone needs to cover the remaining period of his life to determine whether Neill learned the lessons of his bad experience in India.

Missionary leaders and missionaries need to read this book and understand the inner struggles that may hinder effective ministry for the glory of God. To that end, read this book and learn from it.