Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies

The present study explores in what ways the name of Jesus was invoked by Pagans, Jews, and Christians. It is shown that in contrast to famous worthies of the past, such as Solomon and the patriarchs, whose reputations grew over the centuries, the name of Jesus was invoked during his public ministry and continued for centuries following the Easter proclamation. Besides important texts, the artifactual evidence is also examined.

This article addresses the issue of Christian unity in relation to the Pentecostal and charismatic movements. Changing attitudes of Evangelicals and Pentecostals to ecumenism over the past century are noted, with a serious deterioration in the 1960s. Today there is a new situation. These movements have become larger and more influential, especially in the ‘global south’.These movements have contributed to a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit and have challenged the rationalistic reductionism of the Gospel opening the Churches to a more holistic vision.The article closes with a series of challenges to these movements, biblical, pastoral and theological.

In Orthodox Christianity icons play a central role in the Liturgy, which they complete and explain. In front of these images, the faithful enter a process of communication with the holy person depicted. That is possible because icons convey the spiritual energies of the archetype of the holy person or of the sacred event they represent. Icon-painters follow Hermeneias — Grammar books — containing canonical indications to help them in their work. These books also give attention to the material elements from which the icons are made; since they are a part of God’s creation, they also need to be treated with reverence. The history of Eastern Christian iconography will be presented as an alternation of moments when an ‘abstract’ style of painting was employed with moments when a more naturalistic/realistic approach was at work.

This article examines the legacy of misunderstanding and antagonism that has resulted from the history of past encounters between the Evangelical and Orthodox traditions, as a background for evaluation of more recent dialogues within the WCC and at the level of the Christian World Communions. On the basis of this, suggestions are offered regarding the parameters within which future dialogue could best be conducted. It is argued that such dialogue should be marked by integrity of methodology and realistic expectations; it should be relational and spiritual in character, and open to exploring possibilities for joint co-operation. There is much to gain from such dialogue, but it will not take place unless those with a vision for it take steps to make it a reality.

Transformational development is a concept of change that originated in the Christian context but has now become generally used in the work of both secular and faith-based organizations. The growing use of the concept by organizations that are fundamentally different has naturally led to some confusion about what the concept means and what it takes to effectively implement it. In this article, we describe the key features of the concept and how they are important in determining the organizational requirements for its effective implementation. Drawing on a few cases, the paper highlights the centrality of faith in transformational development work.

How is the NT concept of mission to be understood in relation to proclamation and transformation? Or in what ways do transformation, proclamation and mission interact in the New Testament? Although 1 Peter does not speak overtly of mission, the interaction between proclamation and transformation would give an indication of the presence of mission. Looking specifically at the First Letter of Peter, this paper seeks to examine how the interaction of these three subjects might inform another way not only of understanding mission but also of doing it. Within its own context, 1 Peter offers a particularly vital and insightful dimension on this subject.