Reviews for The Logic of Evangelism

The average rating for The Logic of Evangelism based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-08-02 00:00:00 Elizabeth Dagostino The description of this book is terrible. Abraham is redefining the entire concept of evangelism theologically and practically for our world today. What are the major critiques evangelism? That it is only proclamation, and therefore individualistic and the people who 'convert' aren't actually true Christians; and that it is all about church growth without substance to the growth. Abraham addresses both issues by defining evangelism as initiation into the kingdom of God. First, then, we must tackle the theological concept of the kingdom of God. There is good news to share, as Abraham says, here and now and later, and without this good news then who cares? But in addition to being good news, the kingdom also requires something of the convert that in turn requires proper initiation and instruction. Without that initiation (not in terms of the rites of joining but in terms of teaching, guidance, and transformation), evangelism is hollow and the faith of the convert is hollow. I resonate with this definition and Abraham does an excellent job of propounding the ins and outs of what evangelism as initiation must be, and why. I still have concerns about how concerned Abraham is with the community of faith over and above the individual, but I can understand at least that the community must be highlighted when the individual has taken central place for so long, to the detriment to individuals everywhere who are spiritually wandering and lost because they did not have proper initiation into the kingdom.

Review # 2 was written on 2021-02-15 00:00:00 Kevin Ottwell Abraham offers one of the few serious attempts at crafting a theology of evangelism. It was written in the 80's but it still gives much to consider. He offers a theology of evangelism rooted in realized eschatology with evangelism defined as the initiation into the kingdom of God. His theology offers some good correctives to the current "get a decision" mentality that is often rooted in pragmatism rather than a robust theology. It is a worthwhile read, even if at times a bit slow and in some places dated.