Ariesa Griffin
GLST 200/D04
19 July 2024
Comparison Essay: History of Mission Assignment
The comparison and contrast of Ralph D. Winter's "The Kingdom Strikes Back: These
two documents, “Ten Epochs of Redemptive History” and “The History of Mission Strategy” by
R. Pierce Beaver show a different yet harmonious view of the Christian mission and history1.
These features define Winter’s work as a large-scale, theological conception of God’s kingdom
in history, with an emphasis on divine actions and redemption phases. On the other hand,
Beaver’s article is much more realistic, discussing how different mission strategies can be
employed and how efficient they are in practice. This paper discusses how these perceptions
interact with modern developments such as the Athelstan Pilgrim Way, highlighting the
continued applicability of historical and strategic concepts in explaining and expanding Christian
missions.
Articles Comparison and Contrast
The Kingdom Strikes Back: “Ten Epochs of Redemptive History” by Ralph D. Winter
Theme
This article provides an identification of redemptive history in ten acts; it portrays
history as an epic with God’s kingdom fighting the forces of evil all through.
1 Winter, Ralph D. "The Kingdom Strikes Back: Ten Epochs of Redemptive History." In Perspectives on
the World Christian Movement: A Reader by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition, Pasadena:
William Carey Library Publishers, 2009.
Focus
Winter speaks about large, historical, sweeping changes and divine themes as well as
how the kingdom of God pushes forward even when it appears to be retreating, and intermingles
biblical history with the history of missions.
Approach
The method is macro-sociological and treats the big picture and divine purpose with
reference to movements and God’s plan of salvation.
R. Pierce Beaver: “The History of Mission Strategy”
Theme
This article gives historical approach of mission strategies employed before the
emergence of protestant missions and after2. It discusses and evaluates various approaches and
how efficient they are.
Focus
Beaver focuses on certain approaches to missions and their application, beginning with
Boniface and the militant approach to the reasonable methods of Francis of Assisi and Ramon
Lull.
Approach
It is historical and more practical inasmuch as it attempts not only to evaluate the
successes and the failures of the mission work. Colonialism and the political situation are also
highlighted by Beaver in his analysis of the work of missionaries.
Current Event Article: Athelstan Pilgrim Way
2 Beaver, R. Pierce. “The History of Mission Strategy." In Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement: A Reader by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition,
Pasadena: William Carey Library Publishers, 2009.
A new 100-mile long walking and cycling trail called the Athelstan Pilgrim Way was
inaugurated on the 30th of June in 2024. The tour covers 36 of the historic churches in North
Wiltshire, such as Bremilham and Malmesbury Abbey3. A project patron, historian, and
podcaster Tom Holland officially opened the path after giving a speech at Malmesbury Abbey,
where he focused on Christian aspects of King Athelstan. The route is dedicated to Athelstan, the
first King of a united England, and is intended to foster an understanding of the country’s
Christian past. The revenue generated from the opening event will go towards expanding and
establishing the route to enhance historical enlightenment and community promotion.
Theme
Winter’s concept of an unending divine story is present in Athelstan Pilgrim Way and the
history of King Athelstan as the Christian king. The route focuses on the historical and religious
importance of the churches connected through it and thus reflects on the concept of an eternal
redemption process in the context of certain historical period4. The Pilgrim Way can be
considered as a part of the general idea of the kingdom advancing in history, which is the focus
of Winter’s article.
Beaver’s emphasis on the changes and success of mission approaches is paralleled in the
modern efforts to reawaken interest in historical Christian landmarks. Thus, the creation of the
Pilgrim Way can be seen as a new mission strategy needed to restore people’s link with their
3 Athelstan Pilgrim Way officially inaugurated in North Wiltshire." BBC News, 30 June 2024,
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrr4pgyg8qo
4 Beaver, R. Pierce. “The History of Mission Strategy." In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement:
A Reader by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition, Pasadena: William Carey Library
Publishers, 2009.
tradition. This initiative also aligns with Beaver’s assertion that mission work is strategic and can
be adapted for the modern world from the past.
Focus
Winter’s stress on the general, the eras, is consistent with the length of the Athelstan
Pilgrim Way, which is linked to significant sites from Athelstan’s time while stressing continuity
of the Christian presence. The route under discussion remains a powerful reminder of the
Christian legacy left by Athelstan; it brings out the idea of divine intent and plan in consecutive
centuries very powerfully.
Closely related, Beaver’s discussion of mission tactics reflects similar direct application
of the walking route implemented to promote community interaction and historical
enlightenment. Related to Beaver’s strategic considerations, the development of the Pilgrim Way
takes into account such issues as the organisation of a large-scale project. The emphasis made on
education and community engagement to support the initiative is an example of the realistic
approaches to mission work highlighted by Beaver.
Approach
Winter’s theological and historical approach aligns well with the religious and historical
perspective encouraged by the Athelstan Pilgrim Way. The route can be said to represent the
theological themes such as divine intervention and history of redemption. Hence, through the
participation in the PilgrimWay, the participants have opportunity to get closer to the historical
process of God’s salvation as presented by Winter.
In relation to the organisation and promotion of the Pilgrim Way, Beaver’s pragmatic
approach is apparent. Accessibility plan, community involvement, and educational objectives are
the parts of the route’s development, which responds to a pragmatic approach in scope of its
mission5. This is because the initiative aims at providing historical knowledge and cultural
values, which are consistent with Beaver’s pragmatic approach to mission work, the
opportunities and the threats that come with it.
Conclusion
Altogether, the analysis of Ralph D. Winter’s and R. Pierce Beaver’s articles, as well as
the Athelstan Pilgrim Way project, show that Christian mission and history are complex
phenomena. Through the lens of theology and history, Winter presents a grand narrative of
divine intervention and epochal change regarding the progress of the kingdom of God. Another
thing that Beaver emphasizes about the mission strategies is the need to be concrete and flexible
in mission work. Thus Athelstan Pilgrim Way incorporates elements of both approach bringing
folks closer to history of Christian faith at the same time utilizing contemporary methodology for
that end. This integration of theological imagination and practical implementation further
establishes the importance of both historical and strategic approaches when it comes to Christian
mission in today’s world.
5 Kling, D.W., 2020.DA history of Christian conversion. Oxford University Press, USA.
Bibliography
Athelstan Pilgrim Way officially inaugurated in North Wiltshire." BBC News, 30 June 2024,
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrr4pgyg8qo
Beaver, R. Pierce. “The History of Mission Strategy." In Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement: A Reader by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition,
Pasadena: William Carey Library Publishers, 2009.
Kling, D.W., 2020.DA history of Christian conversion. Oxford University Press, USA.
Winter, Ralph D. "The Kingdom Strikes Back: Ten Epochs of Redemptive History." In
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader by Ralph D. Winter and
Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition, Pasadena: William Carey Library Publishers,
2009.
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