AMA

[Travelers.Soul]

- Do American churches often send missionaries to Europe?

- Is Europe seen as a mission field (sry, I don't know what's the proper expression for it in English) there like Africa?

- Is there "Guide for American missionary going to Finland"?

- If there is, can I read one online?

American churches do send missionaries to Europe. The number, however, is low compared to those they send to places in the regions of Africa, Asia, or South America.

Europe is seen as a mission field but the emphasis is placed, at least within my denomination, upon the 10/40 window.
http://joshuaproject.net/resources/articles/10_40_window

I am not aware of any such guide for American Missionaries but that does not mean one does not exist. Most missionaries are encouraged to get to know the culture, language, and world view through interaction with the people. They are usually also sent off to language school and do whatever research they can prior to setting foot in the country.

 

[Jack of Spades]

Europe is seen as a mission field but the emphasis is placed, at least within my denomination, upon the 10/40 window.
http://joshuaproject.net/resources/articles/10_40_window

Interesting. I've actually heard the 10/40 term before. Isn't it somehow a bit ironic that Europe is becoming a mission field?

When going to Europe, do the missionaries plan to be in any sort of contact with the state churches, or do they just ignore them?

I am not aware of any such guide for American Missionaries but that does not mean one does not exist. Most missionaries are encouraged to get to know the culture, language, and world view through interaction with the people. They are usually also sent off to language school and do whatever research they can prior to setting foot in the country.

I actually found one with google! It was rather stub tho but all the facts seemed about right.

Have you read the book "Bruchko"? I think it's also published with name "For this cross I'll kill you". Written by Bruce Olsen.

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Interesting. I've actually heard the 10/40 term before. Isn't it somehow a bit ironic that Europe is becoming a mission field?

When going to Europe, do the missionaries plan to be in any sort of contact with the state churches, or do they just ignore them?

I actually found one with google! It was rather stub tho but all the facts seemed about right.

Have you read the book "Bruchko"? I think it's also published with name "For this cross I'll kill you". Written by Bruce Olsen.

It would probably be on a case by case basis. The missionaries I know in Europe work either try to team up with a local church of similar beliefs or work on planting a church..

I have not read it, this is the first I have ever heard of it. The title is a bit intense.

 

[Jack of Spades]

It would probably be on a case by case basis. The missionaries I know in Europe work either try to team up with a local church of similar beliefs or work on planting a church..

Okay, by "local church" they likely won't mean the state churches?

I have not read it, this is the first I have ever heard of it. The title is a bit intense.

I asked because I thought it's something a would-be-missionary would possibly like and I've seen some other people in CF say they've read it. An American guy goes for solo mission somewhere in SA and lives with a tribe of Indians in a jungle in order to "be like Jesus and be one of them" before eventually converting them. The title is a quote of what some criminal said when threatening the Indians, expressing that the Indians are not Christians while he is etc. I think it's a great book, but you have probably heard/read many missionary autographies so the plot would likely be not as new for you as it was for me when I read it


More questions:

- Was the Reformation complete, or was there work left undone?

- Who do you think are the most important people in history of Christianity, after the early church (100-200 and from there on) and why?

- Do you think it's possible to know God in any way outside of the context of Christianity?

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Okay, by "local church" they likely won't mean the state churches?





I asked because I thought it's something a would-be-missionary would possibly like and I've seen some other people in CF say they've read it. An American guy goes for solo mission somewhere in SA and lives with a tribe of Indians in a jungle in order to "be like Jesus and be one of them" before eventually converting them. The title is a quote of what some criminal said when threatening the Indians, expressing that the Indians are not Christians while he is etc. I think it's a great book, but you have probably heard/read many missionary autographies so the plot would likely be not as new for you as it was for me when I read it


More questions:

- Was the Reformation complete, or was there work left undone?

- Who do you think are the most important people in history of Christianity, after the early church (100-200 and from there on) and why?

- Do you think it's possible to know God in any way outside of the context of Christianity?

I'm not sure if they would work with the state church or not. If I were guessing I would say probably not but I'm not sure. It would depend on their theological leanings, the policies of the sending agency, and the theological leanings of the missionary and sending agency/church.

These are all great questions but I don't have the time right now to do them justice. After my company leaves I'll take time to answer them.

I will answer your last question briefly.

Is it possible to know God outside of the context of Christianity? Yes, but only through general revelation. For instance, you could know that God exists, that he is Creator and that he is powerful, simply by observing nature. He is also seen to be a God of order which could also be observed through nature. You could observe that God has set down laws because of your own conscience but due to the fall mankind's conscience is marred. This is where general revelation starts to reach it's limits. It doesn't provide enough information about God and that is why we need special revelation, specifically the Bible. So, whereas you can see the existence of God and generic morality evident in general revelation, in special revelation, you have the Bible, the person of Christ, what sin is, the consequence sin, salvation, Heaven, Hell, the nature of God, the Trinity, the incarnation, death, the Fall, redemption, and so on.

 

[Jack of Spades]

Is it possible to know God outside of the context of Christianity? Yes, but only through general revelation. For instance, you could know that God exists, that he is Creator and that he is powerful, simply by observing nature. He is also seen to be a God of order which could also be observed through nature.

Thank you, you're answer is very generous. Can I draw the conclusion that, from this point of view, people who worship the nature, are not entirely on wrong track, they just go too far?

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Thank you, you're answer is very generous. Can I draw the conclusion that, from this point of view, people who worship the nature, are not entirely on wrong track, they just go too far?

I'm not sure I would say they are on the right track. People who worship nature are worshiping the creation rather than the Creator.

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Who do you think are the most important people in history of Christianity, after the early church (100-200 and from there on) and why?

I would have to say Augustine (of Hippo). He was a brilliant thinker and theologian. He has had a profound impact upon many men and women through out church history, the most notable are Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. He was also unafraid to stand against heresy, such as pelagianism, or to address hard issues. All of this, accompanied by his writings, made (and still make) him and his legacy upon the western church something not to be taken lightly.

 

[SarahsKnight]

Miss Ireland, I'm not sure why, but as I skimmed through this thread for the first time, this question came up in my mind for you:

If you could marry any male figure from the Bible - any age, of any descent - who would you choose?

 

[William67]

I'm not sure I would say they are on the right track. People who worship nature are worshiping the creation rather than the Creator.

God is the ultimate potter. Humanity, and the world around us, are merely clay vessels.

 

[Jack of Spades]

I would have to say Augustine (of Hippo). He was a brilliant thinker and theologian. He has had a profound impact upon many men and women through out church history, the most notable are Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. He was also unafraid to stand against heresy, such as pelagianism, or to address hard issues. All of this, accompanied by his writings, made (and still make) him and his legacy upon the western church something not to be taken lightly.

I've read only one book by Augustinus, "On the Spirit and the letter". For a moment, I thought the author is misnamed and I'm reading Luther It was a good book.

Have you read Augustines "Confessions"?

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Miss Ireland, I'm not sure why, but as I skimmed through this thread for the first time, this question came up in my mind for you:

If you could marry any male figure from the Bible - any age, of any descent - who would you choose?

O.T.- Daniel
N.T.- Paul

I've read only one book by Augustinus, "On the Spirit and the letter". For a moment, I thought the author is misnamed and I'm reading Luther It was a good book.
Have you read Augustines "Confessions"?

I have read some of "Confessions" but it was years ago. I have read his writings against Pelagianism and some of "City of God."

 

[TheGirlOnFire]

Why are you dreaming of Ireland ?

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Why are you dreaming of Ireland ?

I love Ireland and I love the Irish. Since I was young I dreamed of going there and then about 7 years ago the Lord allowed me to go and I loved them even more. I was also very heart broken because the Irish I met had the outer trappings of religion but had no relationship with Jesus and knew little of the Gospel. Plus what I heard from the locals about the animosity in places like Derry just broke my heart a little bit more. After I returned stateside I had such a burden for the Irish it was like a fire trapped in my bones. I finished seminary and was set to go to go work in Ireland with a ministry there but some things fell through due to lack of funding. Now, I pray for the nation and the people. I dream of going back one day, even if only for a short time.

 

[TheGirlOnFire]

I love Ireland and I love the Irish. Since I was young I dreamed of going there and then about 7 years ago the Lord allowed me to go and I loved them even more. I was also very heart broken because the Irish I met had the outer trappings of religion but had no relationship with Jesus and knew little of the Gospel. Plus what I heard from the locals about the animosity in places like Derry just broke my heart a little bit more. After I returned stateside I had such a burden for the Irish it was like a fire trapped in my bones. I finished seminary and was set to go to go work in Ireland with a ministry there but some things fell through due to lack of funding. Now, I pray for the nation and the people. I dream of going back one day, even if only for a short time.

Animosity in Derry ?

What part of Ireland ? It's a Catholic thing you don't portray your relationship with jesus they just do it differently

I was named after a county in Ireland.

I might get my citizenship for Ireland.

I am off too Belfast in 3 weeks :-D

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Animosity in Derry ?

What part of Ireland ? It's a Catholic thing you don't portray your relationship with jesus they just do it differently

I was named after a county in Ireland.

I might get my citizenship for Ireland.

I am off too Belfast in 3 weeks :-D

I'm sorry, I kept meaning to reply and then I would get sidetracked. Sometimes, I am easily distracted.

Yeah, when I was there there was a bit of ugliness between the protestants and the catholics. Something about a parade and people getting beat up by a mob or some such. I didn't understand it all but apparently it went back a long time. They told us under no circumstance to wear orange, if we could help it. I was just going by what the locals told us. Derry otherwise known as Londonderry is in Northern Ireland. I traveled all over their country.The only section I didn't get to explore at all was the interior of the country. Have fun in Belfast!!! Oh, that is exciting!! Are you thinking of moving to Ireland?

 

[TheGirlOnFire]

I'm sorry, I kept meaning to reply and then I would get sidetracked. Sometimes, I am easily distracted.

Yeah, when I was there there was a bit of ugliness between the protestants and the catholics. Something about a parade and people getting beat up by a mob or some such. I didn't understand it all but apparently it went back a long time. They told us under no circumstance to wear orange, if we could help it. I was just going by what the locals told us. Derry otherwise known as Londonderry is in Northern Ireland. I traveled all over their country.The only section I didn't get to explore at all was the interior of the country. Have fun in Belfast!!! Oh, that is exciting!! Are you thinking of moving to Ireland?

It is No longer called Londonderry they official changed it to Derry now anyway Catholics always called it Derry lol my mammy lived in Derry and I have family over there..... I think it was more than ugliness people were murdered etc I still remember the tanks and soldiers etc .....Actually they are all done in really.... No I wouldn't move to Ireland, it's grand like but I wouldn't move there.

 

[Travelers.Soul]

It is No longer called Londonderry they official changed it to Derry now anyway Catholics always called it Derry lol my mammy lived in Derry and I have family over there..... I think it was more than ugliness people were murdered etc I still remember the tanks and soldiers etc .....Actually they are all done in really.... No I wouldn't move to Ireland, it's grand like but I wouldn't move there.

Well, I'm glad that's finally settled. Yeah, I know only the protestants called it Londonderry, the people we were around called it both. They were all catholic but told us they no longer attended services or anything. That's horrible.

 

[Ubuntu]

What is your biggest fear?

 

[Travelers.Soul]

What is your biggest fear?

My greatest fear is probably being a burden to my family and friends.