Christianity Rediscovered (Paperback)

~ (Author) "One would think it would be a fairly simple matter to define missionary work, to describe it, to explain its meaning, its purpose, and the..." (more)
Key Phrases: age group brotherhood, indigenous discovery, first evangelization, Christianity Rediscovered, East Africa, Ole Sikii (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This profound and thought-provoking book is one of the classics of modern missionary writing. Superficially just a good missionary story, about how one man brought a number of groups of Masai people in east Africa to Christian faith, it is something much more than that. For in what the author says about the method and content of evangelism; the meaning of the eucharist; and the nature of ministry, we are led back to the question our understandings of the mission of the church in all its contexts. For Donovan, his experiences in Africa meant a total reappraisal of the meaning of his faith, and therefore a rediscovery of his Christianity. His book, which is written with moving simplicity, continues to represent a provocative challenge to all those engaged in issues of evangelism and multiculturalism. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 169 pages
• Publisher: Orbis Books; 25 Anv edition (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570754624
• ISBN-13: 978-1570754623
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,531 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-read" for Christians preparing for the mission field, July 25, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Milligan College, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christianity Rediscovered (Paperback)

This book presents a thoughtful and refreshing response to the question, "What is the nature of mission work?" Donovan made a point to strip the Gospel of its "cultural accretions from the West", and so present the Masai with a Christ free to be the God of all tribes and nations, as He was really meant to be. Donovan's mission to the Masai paints a beautiful and awe-inspiring picture of our Lord, and of the church that is His body. As an American, my picture of the Body of Christ is often, and unfortunately, very American. Ethnocentrism is a fault that all Christians must address and overcome, and this book richly illustrates one man's struggle to find and share the essence of our Faith, beneath and beyond all colours and cultures. His journey is remarkable in its depth, outstanding in its experience of the One, True God. This is inspiring and informative reading, poetically analytical, and spiritually enlightening. I strongly recommend it to a! ny Christian appreciative of the diversity of the Body, interested in the proclamation of the Good News to pagan peoples, or desiring a new understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of God.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is truly the essence of Christianity, May 22, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Maineville, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christianity Rediscovered (Paperback)

Donovan's Christianity Rediscovered is a hallmark book all Christians should have. The real experience the missionary Donovan had while working with the Masai tribe in East Africa tells of how God acts in the world and why there is still an importance to spread the Gospel, and continue Christ's Great Commission. The book is not for the person wanting to remain prejudiced or enclosed in their own Christianity; for Christianity is universal, and God is the God of all Nations. The book is an answer to postmodern pluralism if there ever was one, and an easy, beautiful read. I recommend it to all persons, and I think it is mandatory for all Christians of all walks.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading!, March 1, 2006

By	E. Haroutunian "Selah" (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In a pluralistic age where Christians are seeking to re-discover a solid sense of the gospel, Donovan's book challenges our assumptions, our modern ideologies and our pride and takes us back to a very simple yet profound understanding of the living Way, Jesus. As a missionary who has helped to redefine missions, Donovan invites the African church to tutor himself and all of us as well on this journey of discovery. This is helpful reading for anyone, Catholic or Protestant, or a curious seeker who'd like to discover more about God moving within world culture than as a set of rigid doctrines.