Mission as Encounterology – a Kenotic Approach

Abstract

This study investigate the role of kenosis in the Christian missiological encounters with other religions. We shall begin with a brief history of the missiological approach employed in Christian mission in their efforts of reaching out to other religions. This will be followed by a detailed study of kenosis as recorded in Philippians 2:5-11 and how Christians can practice this concept in their encounters. The next section will be about the Old Testament where God is revealed as the One who elected Israel, and such election came with what they had to do in return, such as to serve and care for those who were marginalised, such as the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the poor. In the Old Testament we will observe that God from the very foundation of the world He has been the greatest initiator of mission (Missio Dei). The very acts of God in both the Old and New Testaments attest to this. The following section is the New Testament, where God Himself is revealed through the incarnation of His Son. The kenosis of the Triune God is displayed in its fullness, as the Son emptied Himself to the point of death on the cross, reconciling the Triune God with human beings. Providing us with an excellent example of how we should interpret the kenosis of Christ within the context of loving people who differ from us. Finally, the last chapter will be about how can the church reflect the virtues of Jesus Christ in its encounters, bearing in mind that the deeds of Jesus Christ are inseparable from kenosis. It seeks to propose that, humility and teachings of Jesus Christ during his ministry should be the yardstick to measure what we are doing in God’s name.