Overview

The status of the global church is often that of a sociopolitical minority, at odds politically, religiously, and socially with the nations that encompass it. In such contexts, where Christians find themselves facing oppression, isolation, and challenging questions of identity, how is the church to faithfully uphold its missional calling? In this in-depth study of Chinese Christians living in Sabah, Malaysia, Dr. Khee-Vun Lin engages missiology and political theology to address the practical implications of incarnational mission in contexts where national identity exclude Christians from the public discourse. Examining the political and religious history of Malaysia, including the impact of colonialism, nationalism, and Islamization, Dr. Lin provides a powerful explication of the theological and practical foundations for utilizing social engagement as a tool of incarnational mission. Whether living under oppressive hegemonic control or the shadow of secular governments turned hostile to Christian values, it is through embracing incarnational identity that Christians can authentically engage both nation-building and evangelism to the good of their neighbor and the glory of God.

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9781839732171

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Reviews

Historically the encounter between Christianity and Islam has been primarily defined either by confrontation and war or by the subjugation of Christians as dhimmis in Muslim territories. Dr. Lin writes out of his existential struggles as a Chinese Christian living in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority state. Against this background he courageously asks the question: Is there a third way which avoids either extreme of confrontation or subjugation and which allows Christians simultaneously to play a meaningful citizenship role in the nation and to be faithful in Christ's mission? Bishop Emeritus Hwa Yung The Methodist Church in Malaysia Dr. Lin offers a theologically reflective and engaging book providing a guide for followers of Jesus to engage their context in order to be an incarnational presence which continues the mission of the triune God. Through being with a culture in dialogue and action, this new missionally informed politic is present to and serves within a local context demonstrating and sharing the transformative power of the gospel. This book is an important contribution. Kurt N. Fredrickson, PhD Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA This is a work which takes serious consideration of the condition of minority Christians in a challenging multicultural context. This is a work that promotes understanding, peace, and dialogue, yet at the same time provides a theological basis and practical suggestions for minority Christians to remain faithful to God's mission. The Most Revd. Datuk Melter J. Tais Bishop of Sabah Archbishop and Primate, Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia President, Council of Churches of Malaysia This important work shows how deep and critical theological reflections of the incarnation produce not only good practical theology, but a model of mission that integrates evangelism in the realm of social engagement amidst a challenging religious and ethnonationalistic context. It deserves to be read by ministers, missionaries, and scholars as an example of how missional theology, social analysis, and public theology come together in service of the church to not only help believers survive but thrive in hope as courageous vessels of Christ that seek to make the good news truly good for all people. John Cheong Research Associate at-Large, Asian Centre for Mission Dr. Lin observes that the Chinese Christians in Sabah (CCS) have a dualistic theology of mission which lacks being rooted in our Malaysian soil and so fails to take cognizance of the present Malay-Muslim hegemony. He attempts to provide a way forward beyond the present constitutionalism and cultural rights approach of the CCS to one of social engagement that is based on an incarnational mission. I strongly recommend this book for Christians to reflect and to act, based on an incarnational mission of social engagement which is in process. Tan Kong-Beng Executive Secretary, Christian Federation of Malaysia Sensitive to the cultural tensions impacted by religious and ethnic identities of both the majority and minority populations in Malaysia, Lin offers insight into the challenges that Chinese Christians in Sabah encounter. Rather than a confrontational approach as a solution, Lin invites us to a practical theology approach to Christian witness that applies to the grassroot level through social engagement. Lin's offer of dialogue and social engagement as necessary expressions of God's mission and kingdom ethics . . . is not only relevant but is fundamentally faithful to the gospel and to Jesus's call to be peacemakers. Rev. Sivin Kit, PhD Program Executive for Public Theology and Interreligious Relations, The Lutheran World Federation

Author Information

KHEE-VUN LIN has a DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA. He is Principal of the Anglican Training Institute (ATI), Sabah, Malaysia, where he has lectured in theology, practical ministry, and mission studies since the institute's inception in 2011. He is an ordained Anglican priest and has served in both West and East Malaysia.

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