Evangelism After Pluralism: The Ethics of Christian Witness - Paperback

by Bryan Stone (Author)

What does it mean to evangelize ethically in a multicultural climate? Following his successful Evangelism after Christendom, Bryan Stone addresses reasons evangelism often fails and explains how it can become distorted as a Christian practice. Stone urges us to consider a new approach, arguing for evangelism as a work of imagination and a witness to beauty rather than a crass effort to compete for converts in pluralistic contexts. He shows that the way we lead our lives as Christians is the most meaningful tool of evangelism in today's rapidly changing world.

Back Jacket

"A major contribution to the study of evangelism"

"As one of our most well-informed and helpful theologians of evangelism, Stone has given us a wonderfully invigorating theological rationale for Christian evangelism in a pluralistic age. Here is an unapologetic (in the deepest, Barthian sense) call to evangelism in a world where many of us are intimidated by contemporary worldviews. Stone's discussion of evangelism and beauty is groundbreaking. This book enables the church to talk about the good news of Jesus in a manner that distorts neither Jesus nor the gospel."
--Will Willimon, Duke Divinity School; United Methodist bishop, retired; author of Conversations with Barth on Preaching

"As it turns out, the loss of Christendom makes evangelism possible because now Christians, according to Stone, have an alternative to offer the world. In particular, that witness must be nonviolent, requiring as it does the respect of those who do not choose to be Christian. Accordingly Stone helps us own the vulnerability that comes from following Christ. I hope this book will become the standard in courses on evangelism in our seminaries."
--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School

"Evangelism after Pluralism is a significant book--a major contribution to the study of evangelism. Offering a probing and incisive discourse on an ethics of evangelism in relation to pluralism, Stone develops an understanding of evangelism as faithful, virtuous witness that is ecclesial, nonviolent, imaginative, and subversive. His deep engagement with pluralism in the particular cultural contexts of empire, the nation-state, and consumerism is refreshing. I commend this book to all who are concerned with integral evangelism."
--Joon-Sik Park, Methodist Theological School, Ohio

"Building on his earlier outstanding work Evangelism after Christendom, Stone masterfully navigates the complex and at times treacherous landscape of church and society. Evangelism after Pluralism is a must-read for those teaching, pastoring, leading, and serving in ecclesial settings that engage the world. Stone provides a stunningly sharp, wise, and insightful case for evangelistic practice."
--Laceye Warner, Duke Divinity School

"By what waywardness have we gotten to the point that 'evangelism' means a proselytizing wrestling match between competing faiths? Evangelism after Pluralism offers a corrective."
--Craig Keen, Azusa Pacific University

Author Biography

Bryan Stone (PhD, Southern Methodist University) is associate dean for academic affairs and E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at the Boston University School of Theology in Boston, Massachusetts, where he also codirects the Center for Practical Theology. He has authored numerous books, including Evangelism after Christendom.