
Transforming Conversion - Rethinking the Language and Contours of Christian Initiation
Rethinking the Language and Contours of Christian Initiation
Gordon T. Smith(Author)
Baker Academic, Div of Baker Publishing Group
Published on 1. September 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
218 pages
978-0-8010-3247-9 (ISBN)
Description
This volume offers much-needed theological reflection on the phenomenon of conversion and transformation. Gordon Smith provides a robust evaluation that covers the broad range of thinking about conversion across Christian traditions and addresses global contexts. Smith contends that both in the church and in discussions about contemporary mission, the language of conversion inherited from revivalism is inadequate in helping to navigate the questions that shape how we do church, how we approach faith formation, how evangelism is integrated into congregational life, and how we witness to the faith in non-Christian environments. We must rethink the nature of the church in light of how people actually come to faith in Christ. After drawing on ancient and pre-revivalist wisdom on conversion, Smith delineates the contours of conversion and Christian initiation for today's church. He concludes by discussing the art of spiritual autobiography and what it means to be a congregation.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 211 mm
Width: 132 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
313 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8010-3247-9 (9780801032479)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
08/2010
1st Edition
Baker Publishing Group
€16.99
Available for download
Person
Gordon T. Smith (PhD, Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University) is president of Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, and professor of systematic and spiritual theology. He has also taught at Regent College, Vancouver, and is the author of many books, including Beginning Well and A Holy Meal.
Content
Introduction
1. The Language of Conversion: Revivalism and the Evangelical Experience
2. Conversion and the Redemptive Purposes of God
3. Chapters in the History of an Idea: Part 1
4. Chapters in the History of an Idea: Part 2
5. Conversion and Spiritual Maturity: Avoiding the Worst Tragedy in Life
6. The Contours of a Christian Conversion
7. The Penitential Dimension of Conversion
8. The Sacramental Dimension of Conversion
9. Spiritual Autobiography and Conversion Narrative
10. What Then Does It Mean to Be a Congregation?
Index
1. The Language of Conversion: Revivalism and the Evangelical Experience
2. Conversion and the Redemptive Purposes of God
3. Chapters in the History of an Idea: Part 1
4. Chapters in the History of an Idea: Part 2
5. Conversion and Spiritual Maturity: Avoiding the Worst Tragedy in Life
6. The Contours of a Christian Conversion
7. The Penitential Dimension of Conversion
8. The Sacramental Dimension of Conversion
9. Spiritual Autobiography and Conversion Narrative
10. What Then Does It Mean to Be a Congregation?
Index