Overview

Forces of division, conflict, and fear threaten to separate us from the neighbor who does not look, act, or pray like us. However, followers of Christ are charged with embodying a unity that celebrates difference rather than fleeing from it. Ethnic Diversity and Reconciliation explores the implications of the church's radical call to inclusive community in the context of Myanmar's long history of ethnic conflict. Dr. Arend van Dorp outlines the theological foundations for understanding the church's mandate as a diverse and unified missional body, while also engaging the very real challenges posed to this mandate by the cultural, religious, and historical realities faced by Christians in Myanmar. He demonstrates that while the challenges are vast, so is the potential for transformation and reconciliation when the church takes up its mantle and bears faithful witness to God's love in a fractured world.

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9781839736506

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Reviews

I warmly welcome this book, as it displays van Dorp's ardent desire to see the church in Myanmar radiate a sound, biblical ecclesiology that brings reconcilia- tion to the whole of society and makes it possible for the church to grow among all peoples. Toward this end, it overviews Myanmar's historical, religious, and ethnic context to demonstrate their influence on the current national situa- tion and discusses the impact of local and international politics, along with interethnic relations, upon the church's development. Biblical teaching about humility and reconciliation is examined and applied to express the hope that people will unite in their worship of Christ, walls of separation will be broken down, and the majority population will open up to the truths of the gospel. Christian workers in Myanmar and other countries with disparate population groups will benefit from the biblical and practical wisdom found here. Walter McConnell, PhD Head of Mission Research, OMF International, UK Arend van Dorp explores a biblical understanding of the church and develops an inclusive model of missional church. This book will stimulate, energize, and propel missional Christian leaders in Myanmar to rethink, reform, and renew a biblical ecclesiology. It is a must-read for all who want to be empowered to bring real and lasting change. Peter Thein Nyunt, PhD Director, Theological Commission of Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance, Myanmar In the midst of the brokenness and suffering of the world, the church exists as a community of reconciliation. Or at least it should. In Ethnic Diversity and Reconciliation, Arend van Dorp explores the complexities facing the church in Myanmar in becoming a more inclusive, multiethnic fellowship that embodies the gospel of reconciliation within the church and wider society. Van Dorp's work will be an excellent resource, not just for the church in Myanmar, but for all contexts where the church is seeking to live out its missional calling as a peacemaker. Peter Rowan, PhD Co-National Director, OMF International, UK This is a book that all Myanmar Christian mission practitioners need to read. Delving beneath the surface, it explores the biblical perspective of the church and develops an inclusive model of the missional church in Myanmar. Stephen Vum Cung Nung, PhD Head of Intercultural Studies Department, Director of DMin Program, Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology A remarkable work in many ways. Van Dorp first puts together a cogent analysis of the problem of fragmentation and division in the Myanmar church and wider society. Following this, he constructs an elegant formulation of scriptural and theological themes relevant to diversity and reconciliation. He cleverly balances these two, noting that a church existing in the image of a triune God must present unity in diversity to a country in need. While drawing on literature from the West, van Dorp is careful to take account of his particular context. Finally, the book moves into a series of useful and practical proposals for ministry. This book has the potential to bring genuine and meaningful change to the church and help it serve a suffering nation as salt and light. This essential method and message will surely have application around the world. Paul Woods, PhD Research Tutor, East Asian Theology and Contextual Theology, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, UK

Author Information

AREND VAN DORP holds a DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary, California, USA. Originally from the Netherlands, he has served in mission for over thirty years in Southeast Asia, including six years in Myanmar. Arend currently works with OMF New Horizons, equipping young people for mission among East Asians.

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