Customer Reviews

Anthropology for Christian Witness

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"Anthropology for Christian Witness" is the crowning acheivement for a man who has been a wealth of Evangelical understanding at Fuller Theological Seminary for more than a decade. Kraft originally studied Anthropology at an undergraduate level which has flavored his missions and teaching perspectives since that time. When he went on the mission field, however, he found himself totally unprepared for the worldview differences that he encountered, especially those differing from Western Christianity, which typically denies the spirit world and power (see Kraft's "Christianity with Power", 1989). His ministry after that time seems to include coming to grips with the spiritual, power, and cultural aspects of Christian life and ministry in the context of multiple worldviews.

"Anthropology for Chrisitian Witness" is a synopsis of this process. It contains a clear definitions for the complicated processes involved in worldviews, perspectives, and assumptions that exist under the surface in any culture. He also then launches into an excellent discussion of communication theory with it's meanings and forms, with special emphasis on communication to the receipient. His discussion on worldviews and how they relate to change then prepares the Christian for cross-cultural ministry, which may not necessarily be in the next country, but in our increasingly diverse country may be "next door". As a Pastor and Bible College professor, I found the book to be a succinct summary of the Anthropological concerns of cross-cultural ministry and a sharpening tool for my own ability to witness. I strongly recommend it as a resource tool or a textbook for cross-cultural missiology or Anthropology.

Worldview for Christian witness is a succint summary of anthropological study. This is a well researched work and the result of many years teaching experience and interaction with students and scholars. This work is highly recommended for anyone who wanted to study Anthropology, especially for those who aspire to be a cross-cultural worker whether in the missions field or marketplace.

book served its purpose-- wasn't my favorite read, but needed for theology class. good condition- great delivery time.

I had to read this book for a class that I am taking and found the information to be both challenging and insightful. Ideal for anyone who is considering working in a missions capacity.

I wonder how Christians would like a book called "Anthropology for Muslim Witness" or "Anthropology for Hindu Witness"? That is how all anthropologists will feel about this book. Anthropology is not for anybody's "witness." It is to witness the diversity of culture and religion itself. Anthropology is not designed or intended to impose one culture or religion on another. In fact, that is the very opposite and antithesis of anthropology. Anthropology is a science and a method for understanding and valuing other cultures on their own terms, not "witnessing" your own culture to them. And that is what one's own culture or religion is--just one more culture or religion in the pageant of human cultural and religious diversity. This book is a travesty, as are all such attempts to bastardize anthropology in the service of the most anti-anthropological causes.