This section collects links to resources about sharing the good news. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. We hope these articles, books, and links will spur deeper thought about effective and respectful sharing.
Dispositions for Christian Witness Among Theravada Buddhists
This article reflects on communicating the Christian gospel appropriately and effectively among Southeast Asian Theravada Buddhists (SEATB). It is concerned with contextualizing the means of communication rather than theological concepts. Contextualization is often discussed with little reference to the level of contextualization, including: the content of the gospel, liturgical forms, social rules for relating, and dispositions shaped by Buddhist virtues used in communication. Examples are given of contextualization among SEATB, and then descriptions of how communicators of the gospel can use dispositions shaped by key Buddhist virtues. An argument is made that among SEATB, the means of communicating the gospel is often far more important than the content of the gospel. This suggests that communicators of the gospel would do well to become competent in communicating in ways that reflect the local rules for relationships and by appropriating non-verbals that communicate dispositions of Buddhist virtue. Bailey, Stephen (2023) "Dispositions for Christian Witness Among Theravada Buddhists," The Asbury Journal: Vol. 78: No. 2, p. 259–278.
Sharing Christ in the Tibetan Buddhist World (Same book as Jesus in a New Age Dalai Lama World)
Reveals how a clear understanding of Tibetan Buddhist beliefs can help Christians live out the life of Christ in ways that Buddhists will appreciate. Using the approach of the Apostle Paul to the Athenians, this book is especially valuable for Christians who interact with Tibetan Buddhist beliefs in the West, or who work abroad.
Kindle version $9.99
Dispositions for Christian Witness Among Theravada Buddhists
This article reflects on communicating the Christian gospel appropriately and effectively among Southeast Asian Theravada Buddhists (SEATB). It is concerned with contextualizing the means of communication rather than theological concepts. Contextualization is often discussed with little reference to the level of contextualization, including: the content of the gospel, liturgical forms, social rules for relating, and dispositions shaped by Buddhist virtues used in communication. Examples are given of contextualization among SEATB, and then descriptions of how communicators of the gospel can use dispositions shaped by key Buddhist virtues. An argument is made that among SEATB, the means of communicating the gospel is often far more important than the content of the gospel. This suggests that communicators of the gospel would do well to become competent in communicating in ways that reflect the local rules for relationships and by appropriating non-verbals that communicate dispositions of Buddhist virtue. Bailey, Stephen (2023) "Dispositions for Christian Witness Among Theravada Buddhists," The Asbury Journal: Vol. 78: No. 2, p. 259–278.
Sharing Christ in the Tibetan Buddhist World (Same book as Jesus in a New Age Dalai Lama World)
Reveals how a clear understanding of Tibetan Buddhist beliefs can help Christians live out the life of Christ in ways that Buddhists will appreciate. Using the approach of the Apostle Paul to the Athenians, this book is especially valuable for Christians who interact with Tibetan Buddhist beliefs in the West, or who work abroad.
Kindle version $9.99