I posted my thoughts about hell at www.emergentafrica.com and it has spawned some conversation.

 See here : http://www.emergentafrica.com/node/144

Because my reply is linked to evangelism, I thought it would be good to post it here too. See the link at Emergent Africa above so you can get the whole jist of the conversation.

 For Anthony and everyone who is reading

Submitted by Stray on Thu, 2007-03-22 15:33.

Timothy Keller has written a great article at Mark Driscoll’s blog about this subject.
See here : http://theresurgence.com/tim_keller_1997_preaching_hell_in_a_tolerant_age

What I found interesting was his use of evangelising differently when he is talking to Traditionalists, and when he is talking to Post-Moderns. The same message, just taken from a different view depending on the audience.

So, how do we approach this subject when it comes to Africa? It may be a little more complex than just a blanket theology or argument. Because in South Africa we definately have a post-modern problem whereas in the deeper parts of Africa we may or may not. Last year when I went to Mozambique, I think I preached a bit of a lemon at the church because I was making things a little too complex. I wanted to talk about faith, and how faith isn’t a magic force (luckily, my translator substituted the word ‘magic’ for something else because of witchcraft association) when actually those people understand faith a lot better than me. They needed a much more simpler, encouraging message. I was trying to give them an analytical message about faith.

So, how do we simplify this message of hell without using fear tactics and therefore nullifying God’s Word when it comes to love?

Is the African’s problem good works? (Such as traditionalists?) Or intellectualising? (Such as post-moderns?) What is the main issue within Africa, the main stumbling block in our evangelism?

I think this is a worthy question, one that I know you are asking too Anthony… hmmm… must give it some thought.

I hope to see this blog discuss the great commission, talking about it : doing it : engaging it : learning from it : sharing opportunities to do it.