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Communicating Jesus' Way

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This is a revision of the 1979 edition by the same title and is Kraft's third book on communication. The book presents basic thoughts on communication theory and relates them to the specific context of Christian teaching and preaching. The book is short (seven brief chapters and a one page bibliography) and the content is straightforward and presented in outline form.

While the content can only be considered "basic," it is the type of information that is worth repeating, and being reminded of often. As such the book proves to be a valuable resource of essential communication theory for pastors, students, and teachers. At the heart of Kraft's message of communication in the Christian context is the relational nature of communication. This view is informed by the incarnational nature of God's communication to the world through Jesus Christ. As the title of the book suggests, Kraft them explores connected implications of the ways of communication used by Jesus.

After presenting an incarnational emphasis to understanding the nature of communication, the book addresses communication from a practical information-processing view. But the strength of the book is found in Kraft's treatment of the process of communication and meaning-making. Here he goes beyond most treatments of information-processing models of communication and addresses the relationship between language, culture, and the individual's process of meaning-making. He concludes this section with a list of specific implications for Christian communication. Though the treatment of these implications is brief, it provides a most significant challenge to thinking about communication and the Christian faith. By way of summarizing the book, Kraft concludes with a new chapter on communication "myths."

If you have never read anything by Dr. Charles Kraft, this is a great place to start. Even if you have read his other works, you will find this another fine entry to your library. I am inspired by his life and testimony, and encouraged to live a better witness with every choice I make in my walk with God. He really knows what he's talking about, and has a very readable style. Even though I have had to read his books for classes, I would choose to read these for the benefit of learning from a tried-and-tested man of God.