Newbigin
NetworkNewbigin
NetworkThe agenda: Re-discovering the gospel as public truth
Lesslie Newbigin is probably best known as a British missionary who spent many years working in India. When he returned to Britain in the 1980s he realised that his own British culture and society represented a major missionary challenge. Newbigin believed that western Christians were much too complacent and uncritical about the culture of modernity in which they lived. What they failed to see was that even though the 'Judeo-Christian tradition' and 'Christian values' were still influential and respected in western societies, at a deeper level, the gospel claim to tell the 'public truth' about reality and human existence had been reduced to a matter of subjective experience or private belief. Newbigin believed that to accept this situation, and to be content for the gospel to be only a matter of private spirituality was both unfaithful and unsustainable.
Newbigin's challenge has inspired the formation of networks of Christians in various countries who are exploring the interaction between the gospel and modern/postmodern culture. In Perth, a 'Gospel and Culture Network' has been formed, and in response to Newbigin's challenge, is focussing on 4 key themes or tasks:
A loose affiliation of Christians in Western Australia with an interest in exploring the issues raised by Newbigin. We have no affiliation to any organisation or church.
| Reading Group Programme | We currently have a reading group that meets approximately once every six weeks and is concerned with issues of Culture and the Gospel. Please view the programme and feel free to attend. |
| Projects | In 2007 we commenced activities associated with particular areas of concern.
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| Current Papers | Members of the group may seek feedback and assistance from the group for papers being developed. |
| News & Events | Information on news and events relevant to the group. |
The Place of Trinitarian Theology in Christian Ministry, May 16 (News & Events)
Leadership in Mission and Evangelism, June 15-19 (News & Events)
Zadok Institute for Christianity and Society
ChurchinPerth local Western Australian Christian web-site supported by the Tay family. Includes articles, discussion and news on local and international events.
Christians in Cyberspace - some meetings with Prof. David Lyon in 2003
Ian Barns: barns@murdoch.edu.au
Paul Newhouse: p.newhouse@ecu.edu.au
Note: This group, web-site, and associated activities are not associated with any organisation, church or other group.
Last Updated: May 15, 2009