Write a full missiological research paper applying appropriate missiological thinking and concepts on the topic of: “Rethinking Evangelism to Foster Mission in the Urban areas”.
NOTE: The assignment for this class, must be done following the DMiss Dissertation Writing Manuel (1st ed. – May 2016, by Linda Bauer). https://www.andrews.edu/sem/dmiss/dissertationmanual.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Rethinking Evangelism to Foster Mission in Urban Areas: A Missiological Perspective
Introduction
In today’s rapidly changing world, urban areas have become vibrant centers of cultural diversity and complexity. As urbanization continues to shape the global landscape, it is essential for missiologists and practitioners to reevaluate traditional approaches to evangelism, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by urban contexts. This research paper aims to apply appropriate missiological thinking and concepts to the topic of rethinking evangelism in order to foster mission in urban areas. By exploring the dynamics of urban settings, engaging with missiological literature, and proposing innovative strategies, this paper seeks to provide insights and recommendations for effective urban evangelism.
Understanding Urban Contexts
Urban areas are characterized by density, diversity, and dynamism. They serve as melting pots of various cultures, religions, and worldviews. When approaching evangelism in urban contexts, missiologists need to understand the complex social, economic, and cultural factors that shape the lives of urban dwellers. This understanding is crucial for contextualizing the gospel message effectively and addressing the unique needs and aspirations of urban communities.
Rethinking Traditional Evangelism Approaches
Traditional evangelism models often prioritize individual conversions and focus on theological propositions. While these approaches have been effective in certain settings, they may not resonate with urban dwellers who value community, social justice, and holistic transformation. Missiologists must reevaluate their strategies to engage urban populations more effectively.
Holistic Approach: Integrating Word and Deed
Urban mission requires a holistic approach that intertwines proclamation of the gospel with practical action. By combining evangelism with social justice initiatives, such as poverty alleviation, healthcare provision, and education programs, missiologists can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in tangible ways. This approach resonates with urban dwellers’ desire for social change and fosters a holistic understanding of mission.
Relational Evangelism: Building Authentic Connections
In urban settings, where individuals often feel disconnected and isolated, building authentic relationships is crucial. Missiologists should prioritize relational evangelism by investing time in building trust, actively listening to people’s stories, and demonstrating genuine care and empathy. This approach allows the gospel message to be communicated through relationships rather than mere transactions.
Contextualization: Adapting to Urban Cultures
Effective evangelism in urban areas requires contextualization. Missiologists must engage with the cultural expressions, languages, and values of urban communities in order to communicate the gospel in relevant ways. This includes utilizing creative arts, media, and technology to engage with diverse urban audiences.
Embracing Urban Diversity
Urban areas are characterized by diversity in terms of ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and worldview. Missiologists must embrace this diversity and recognize it as an opportunity for mission rather than a challenge to overcome. By valuing diversity and promoting intercultural understanding, churches can become inclusive spaces that reflect the kingdom of God.
Multicultural Churches: Embodying Kingdom Values
Creating multicultural churches that celebrate diversity can promote a sense of belonging among urban dwellers. Missiologists should encourage churches to intentionally welcome and integrate people from different cultural backgrounds. This fosters a sense of unity amidst diversity and provides a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Interfaith Dialogue: Building Bridges
Urban areas are often home to multiple religious communities. Engaging in interfaith dialogue allows missiologists to build bridges between different religious groups, foster mutual understanding, and create opportunities for sharing the gospel in respectful and non-confrontational ways.
Conclusion
As missiologists grapple with the challenge of fostering mission in urban areas, it is crucial to reevaluate traditional evangelism approaches and embrace innovative strategies that are relevant to urban contexts. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates word and deed, prioritizing relational evangelism, contextualizing the gospel message, embracing diversity, and promoting intercultural understanding, missiologists can effectively engage with urban populations. This research paper has provided a foundation for rethinking evangelism in urban areas, paving the way for further exploration and implementation of missiological principles that will foster mission in our increasingly urbanized world.
