The Podcast: Missiologist Paul Borthwick on Western Christians in Global Missions; A Review of Lincoln the movie

Dec 5, 2012 Posted | 0 comments

Today’s Podcast:

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Missiologist Paul Borthwick

The world has changed. A century ago, Christianity was still primarily centered in North America and Europe. By the dawn of the twenty-first century, Christianity had become a truly global faith, with Christians in Asia, Africa and Latin America outpacing those in the rest of the world. There are now more Christians in China than in all of Europe, more Pentecostals in Brazil than in the United States, and more Anglicans in Kenya than in Great Britain, Canada and the United States combined. Countries that were once destinations for western missionaries are now sending their own missionaries to North America.

Given these changes, some think the day of the Western missionary is over. Some are wary that American mission efforts may perpetuate an imperialistic colonialism. Some say that global outreach is best left to indigenous leaders. Others simply feel that resources should be focused on the home front. Is there an ongoing role for the North American church in global mission?In his latest book, Western Christians in Global Mission, Missions specialist Paul Borthwick brings an urgent report on how the Western church can best continue in global mission. He provides a current analysis of the state of the world and how Majority World leaders perceive North American Christians’ place. Borthwick offers concrete advice for how Western Christians can be involved without being paternalistic or creating dependency. Using their human and material resources with wise and strategic stewardship, North Americans can join forces with the Majority World in new, interdependent ways to answer Gods call to global involvement.

In this critical age, the global body of Christ needs one another more than ever. Discover how the Western church can contribute to a new era of mission marked by mutuality, reciprocity and humility.

Film Critic Chris Williams

We also take a look at the movie Lincoln with film critic Chris Williams. Chris has been reviewing films for the Source Newspapers since 2006. In addition to his film reviews for the Source and his website, Chris writes for the military ground vehicle publications Accelerate Magazine and GVSET News. He previously worked as a columnist and reporter, covering news and features in Shelby Township and Utica.

Chris has a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wayne State University in Detroit. His favorite films include Raiders of the Lost Ark, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Shawshank Redemption, and Before Sunset. He has an interest in film, television and theology. Chris lives with his wife and son in Ann Arbor.