Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change

by Paul G. Hiebert

Overview

In the past, changes in behavior and in belief have been leading indicators for missionaries that Christian conversion had occurred. But these alone—or even together—are insufficient for a gospel understanding of conversion. For effective biblical mission, Paul G. Hiebert argues, we must add a third element: a change in worldview. Here he offers a comprehensive study of worldview—its philosophy, its history, its characteristics, and the means for understanding it. He then provides a detailed analysis of several worldviews that missionaries must engage today, addressing the impact of each on Christianity and mission. A biblical worldview is outlined for comparison. Finally, Hiebert argues for gospel ministry that seeks to transform people's worldviews and offers suggestions for how to do so.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801027055
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/01/2008
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.77(d)

About the Author

Paul G. Hiebert (1932-2007) was distinguished professor of mission and anthropology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and previously taught at Fuller Theological Seminary. He also served as a pastor and missionary to India. He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota and was the author or coauthor of numerous articles and books in the fields of anthropology and missions.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The Concept of Worldview
2. Characteristics of Worldviews
3. Worldviews in Human Contexts
4. Methods for Analyzing Worldviews
5. Worldviews of Small-Scale Oral Societies
6. Peasant Worldviews
7. The Modern Worldview
8. The Challenge of Late Modernity or Postmodernity
9. The Post-Postmodern or Glocal Worldview
10. Toward a Biblical Worldview
11. Transforming Worldviews
Appendixes
Index