Abstract

The promotion of religious freedom and the general pervasion of pluralism across the globe necessitate the need for Christians to review how they evangelize among people of other faiths and those of no faith. One of the mechanisms that has gained prominence in this regard is the promotion of the concept of interfaith dialogue. This article examines areas of convergence between this concept and evangelism through literature study. Following an interpretive approach, the study determined that both concepts have a distinctive but complementary relationship, both promote mutual respect and consider intercultural communication and contextualization. Written from the Christian faith perspective, the article argues that both evangelism and interfaith dialogue could be used by Christians to further God’s mission in contemporary society. As interfaith dialogue promotes neighborliness, the article recommends that it should be embraced by adherents of all faiths. As it has been written from the perspective of the Christian faith, it further recommends that while evangelical witness should be done with respect for other faiths, evangelizers should not neglect the worth of the commission received from Jesus Christ. These recommendations and those from empirical studies conducted on this topic should be tested through further studies in various contexts. This paper seeks to contribute to existing knowledge in interfaith dialogue and evangelism in the sub-discipline of missiology. Keywords: Evangelism, Interfaith Dialogue, Ecumenical Movement, Mission

Highlights

  • Christianity has co-existed with other faiths since its genesis and the growth in the number of its adherents can be attributed to missional work dating back to the day of Pentecost in Acts 2

  • Written from the Christian faith perspective, the article argues that both evangelism and interfaith dialogue could be used by Christians to further God’s mission in contemporary society

  • As it has been written from the perspective of the Christian faith, it further recommends that while evangelical witness should be done with respect for other faiths, evangelizers should not neglect the worth of the commission received from Jesus Christ

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Christianity has co-existed with other faiths since its genesis and the growth in the number of its adherents can be attributed to missional work dating back to the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. The day of the Pentecost was a significant milestone for evangelism as the apostles received power to be Christ’s witness on this day as promised by Jesus Christ in Acts 1:8. From this day the apostle’s confidence in evangelism grew as they became deliberate in their evangelical witness such as proclamation, caring for the needy and healing the sick in the name of Jesus Christ. Just on the Day of the Pentecost three thousand people believed and were baptized (Acts 2:41). This outcome illustrates the relationship between mission and conversion. Literature alludes that these two concepts are regarded as legitimate terms and are acknowledged in all religions.

Methods
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call