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page 24

 24

M

• Syncretism,

Alcosmic

christ"

wealthy cases 9 Dan Crawford "thinking black, twenty two years w/o a break in teh long grass of C. Africa... " (19120 (p322).. Rome 1815-1914 RC missions highly successful in India-China.. but is elsewhere vs the rots (354) "the white fathers. Ethiopia. blue Nile.. Congo.. RC mu ost successfll Russian Orthodox Church..some efforts (377) Tns btw missiosn & church factors" 1) spead and communic role of solomn 2) more missionaries ) church was conceived as Ikj 14) no sense of urgency.. Later-- geography, not conviction be the basis f denom allegiance (401)0 Today be of fractions and division, misions are in perio..need unit, rediscover, the docrine of the church" that the spiritual unit of the church is not suf f represnted unless it finds is its expression in an outward an dvisible unity" (506)0 Afghanistan- no preaching allowed to Muslims.. Tibet..--some openings Nepall--missioanry work permitted but change of relion, not... Cargo Cult--the n NEw Guinea myth balanced by the Papuans that from Iksf the white man has endeless upply of good wo/working (437) Two Separate Natiosn..Pakistan & India may have been necessary but it r brought down in ruins the structure of unity. India remained religious neutral..Pakistan be Islam freedom fo religoin calkdjf .s. Iksj Muslims favored..Africa.. 5 forces 1) old tradition 2) materialsm 3) communism 4) Islam 5) Chrisitianity (431)) Black disullsion with white. power structure (456) Intellectual alienation --culture -generation gap.. un educ preists..Today 1/3 still not heard word! 1/3 stillnot heard intelligbl word.. NT Transform Miss Church if faithful, will always be contrvrs Lk 2.34.. ..ff.. then the wasa abrk..

YJF remaind in place continuin theograma efforts.. he finished on one of the longest segemts thus far...Npots stop stop stop..

Cargo cuft

Mission

Mexico bloody Christ Cath vs Prot.. Emph on Cath voodoo.. Vatican II proceeds S. America.. Guyana - highest nonRC..t other mormons 7th Day Av. Syncretic missions Disc Ag evangs.. Brazil highest 3 of churches.. N. America.. AHist Sp fr Cath mssfollowed, Prot pilgrims.. declining matrlsm,secularis... Russia--politic fluct.. CIS--reaawak..all relgiions presnt high urbanization staples.. atheism..6% prayer trust issues..W. Europe..pluralism but high nominalsm breakd down in iron curtan growth in evanglsm..no stamina..student imp factor.... project 2000.. C & S. Asia in China 400,00 fo indigenous India--oppositonto Gsop..Syrian orth church,pluralism, animistic, ..need ecum dialogue. Cuba.. 12 CRC, teachers to Cuba much persecution. Ppe wont speak out.. Sntaria --Africa Voodo. Caribbean D dlfj E. Africa --unstable pol Chr muslm ..high urbanizaiton, high unempl.. social problems Hi Islam..emph youth, ND govt suport syncretistic, dualistic..C. Africa.. cape of Good ope..Livingstone, Sudan, Slavery still...Genoice, nominalism castrate black males..power of spirits, natinal leadrs.. "Christian" plygamy...ancestro wrship c female circ.. z W. Africa.. --large Muslim force, Malaria... Sahara barricade..opppostion to Muslim nominalism... 12-19-96- Buddhist-Islam evang methods..must begin with ot and buil upon that why worldview..polytheism--mot monotheism --emph on one God Gen --says a lot -- opposed to mtrls.. Gdo requires exclusivity, no panthiesm.. no Zoro-astrianism dualistic --light dark.. a contemporary reality in Misison--clas of world view..syncretism.. Q's asked --is ther an unseen world? is there life after death? wh in charge. world? actions -values, belifs, worldview.. Ironically vaiorus worldview make sense once you understand them..no nonetheless, the Chr rel IkDillemma Q's Inda blackbrd sprs t but then also want to baptize baby..what should one do?/ Q-- alll blvrs change with Q-- can. there be a compromise.. Modern issues--naturalsmmHumanbeings stress on "made in Gd image..thus whre does tht leave racism, classicism, infanticide.. Vieo--illustrates the infanticide issue.. the worldview.. males greater than females.. children as commodity... ancestry wrship to kill means nothing.. Other Sri Lanak..--sabbathoutlward (unsuccessful_00--Social order.. stewards of certan respn.

for choice fall and effect..Example --in one century some new refuse to do.. marriage male & female other Redemption.. mother a of al salvation promises.. a after al this one then turns to John 3.16.. Note --OT universality.. Basi universality (Gen 1-11) particularity (Gen 12) Israel is showcae..call to Abr..Isaiah--the rgr great prphet telling of Jesus.. PEntecost00universality... superstition Stories.. demons -- rdr of lights.. lights on open Bible every from oil on oor..Ho Missionary portrainNT focus--e Jesus as divine missionary calls all nations, not just JEwish, Ikfdj Iskdfj urgency.. gives explicit direcitons Pivotall--common sense at end of each Gospell commision at end of each Gospll 4 Gospels each ss mssnry literature..1-28-97 J. manel..returnd to PT P. Rico, Bronx surviving groups.. T. Grnway Sermon on crsss what abt those who have been sinned against.. 1-23-97 baxter.. 7:16 Matt-- writing to Jews syng Gospel is for all < Mark --writen for Gentiles.. also expreses missionary urgency.. Luke--was a Gentile, writing for Gentiles, 4th chapter --Jesus in syn at. the strm hist when he speaks abt all people, not just Jews.. John-- 20.21---used most..... How do Gospels portrya Jesus? an ideal, the one, presence, compassion, sac service, atoning deth.. b_--anncmnt of kingdom, NT a theory--a ppprnncment.. thus opposed Samartha-- dialogue.. Panikkar--Christ in all relgiions... Rahner-- the anonymous Christ, aslp prsent in all rlgns.."cosmic Christ" Can this be true..? see what happens when t you tell them? [its a mythh app drm]]]Islm --religion of works.. IV--teachs abt missions--growth metaphors-- civil growing with good.. soil parables--seeds dont always soill_-Lk 15--- 3 parables.. a) lost sheep b) lost coin co lost son "God wants the lost found" sunshine story.. a church w/o devotion to GC-- is a "serious contradiciton" HO II-- H. Spirit & missions Holy Spir= growht oly pntestl.. they have orh orthopraxis..absence of zeal results

ignorance-rebellion... revival for H. Spirit Holy Spirt--in acts..Pentecost o birthday of church.. Empowerment--purity..H.S> guided..conforted church, Paul in...... Holy Spiriti in Acts.. pentecost --birthday of church,, Empowerment.. purity, H.S. guided, comforted church Paul.. religiosu prsctn, but neer clear cut.. Conclusiosn His words today John 16: 8-100 convicting role of HS we do amap m then the HS take over..revivla gathering conversion strartegy--action? ore talk? why not talk abbt S?/afrad of Pntestism? HO III--Clvnsm* missns Mistaken notions--Calvin et. al was in westrn EEurope untrue charges.. 1) refomres lck interest.. 2) predestn negates nece of missiosn Truth--- 1)glory of God is prmry goal.. Q-- what glorifies GOd// not nec the imp & eternal wellbeing of humans.. Chris's auth word addressed all issues, ass aspects,, cannot forget this..God's work not mans Acts 14.27.... Romans 15.18.. Pneumatology.. broad reformed vision --integral -wholism..cultural and mission madate church dvlpment a 00 numerical growth, b) sprtual maturaiton c) org dvlpment d) mult in and outside the church e) local & ntl level f) global partcptn 1- 30-97---keys gifts dllns situations not all callings alike toe indoor 1 ptr 2.9... you are a Holy person.. see youselves as proclaimers...i king fr rships security... certainty, success achievement... significance what iss success? ki pt of contact.. sez opportunites.. re for persun use scr Roman 3.23 6.28. 5.1, 8.1, 10.9, 12.1.... be irenic.. press for decision on worldview issues (ultimage Q's worldview..t who is God///are you ready to die? master plan of evnglsm.clmn calls people bac tobasic..true a ledr prders Idrs..mulplctn of Idrs..mtt 9.36... vacum of Idrs of the ldrs wr lacking..Jesus lvd & taught they knew all abt him.8 principles were his investment 2) associaiton being with consecration... it was not easy 4) imporatain self-v gib ving.. 5) demonstration 6) delegation 7) supervision 8) reprduction... ff.7-7-00.then he left the Tl and regd sup-C...and he continued onward... he found direccionof the nearby prayer site...and then he returnd to the Ti..along the way.. he saw prayer person... later, he heard him mention his daughter who has sever dyslexia... now that was something worth praying about.. help his daughtere..he seemed like

Voodoo

Muslim Nominalisw

infanticide

Sihned against

Panikkar Rahner

preumatology

irenic

Here’s section 24 structured into the 4-part format with additional details and context based on the extensive missionary, theological, and worldview content you provided:

1. Narrative

Section 24 focuses on the complexities of modern global missions, cultural syncretism, and the theological underpinnings of missionary work, with an emphasis on practical strategies, challenges, and pneumatology. It begins with observations of missionary efforts in Africa, India, China, and the South Pacific, noting successes and failures. Figures such as Dan Crawford illustrate the dedication required—decades of sustained work under harsh conditions, including exposure to violence, disease, and cultural resistance. The Roman Catholic Church experienced major successes in India and China between 1815–1914, while Russian Orthodox and other denominational missions faced mixed results. Missionary effectiveness depended not only on personal zeal but also on church support structures, geographic accessibility, and understanding local cultures.

Bolt highlights several challenges for modern missions: syncretism, nominalism among local Christians, and political or social restrictions (e.g., Afghanistan and Tibet). Cargo cults in New Guinea illustrate cultural misunderstandings when indigenous populations misinterpret missionary wealth and resources. The political partition of India and Pakistan demonstrates how political realities can undermine the unity and effectiveness of missionary efforts. In Africa, five major forces shape Christian engagement: old traditions, materialism, communism, Islam, and Christianity itself, creating tension and disillusionment among black populations towards white missionary structures.

Worldview analysis is emphasized as crucial: missionaries must understand indigenous beliefs about the unseen world, afterlife, morality, and cosmology to communicate the Gospel effectively. Issues such as infanticide, gender hierarchy, polygamy, ancestor worship, and syncretic practices highlight the need for contextualized missions that do not compromise the exclusivity of God’s truth. Modern missions must navigate pluralism while promoting theological and moral clarity.

The section also connects missions to pneumatology, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion, empowerment, and the spiritual growth of the church. Pentecost is portrayed as the birth of the church, and effective missions require revival, spiritual discernment, and active engagement of the Holy Spirit. Bolt integrates a Reformed theological perspective, noting that the glory of God is the primary goal of missions, not human welfare, while also emphasizing the importance of holistic church development: numerical growth, spiritual maturity, organizational development, local and global participation, and multiplication of leaders.

Practical principles for missions include relational investment, delegation, demonstration, supervision, and reproduction of leaders. The narrative concludes with anecdotes emphasizing personal prayer, intervention, and faith in God’s guidance for both missionaries and the communities they serve.

Notes & Observations

  • Syncretism & Global Mission Context

    • Missions face challenges of syncretism, blending local beliefs with Christianity, e.g., “cosmic Christ” concept (Panikkar, Rahner).

    • Historical mission success varied: RC missions thrived in India and China, Orthodox missions in Russia; geography, communication, and church structure affected outcomes.

    • Cargo cults in New Guinea reflect local interpretations of foreign wealth and power, illustrating the need for culturally sensitive approaches.

  • Religious Pluralism & Challenges

    • Regions such as Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal, and Cuba restrict or complicate missionary activity.

    • Africa: five major forces—traditional religion, materialism, communism, Islam, Christianity; ongoing social, political, and health challenges.

    • Urbanization, youth populations, and high unemployment create unique ministry needs.

    • Modern pluralism: Islam, Buddhism, animism, and nominal Christianity require differentiated engagement strategies.

  • Missionary Methods & Theological Reflections

    • Gospel urgency emphasized: mission to all nations, not only Jews; each Gospel portrays Jesus differently to guide contextual ministry (Matt = Jews, Mark = Gentiles, Luke = Gentiles, John = theological emphasis).

    • Parables as growth metaphors: seeds, lost sheep, lost coin, lost son—illustrate need for persistence, contextual understanding, and urgency.

    • Holy Spirit empowerment central: Pentecost as the birth of the church; H.S. guides, comforts, and equips for purity, empowerment, and mission.

    • Calvinism misperceptions addressed: focus on God’s glory as primary goal; human salvation important but secondary.

  • Church Leadership & Discipleship Principles

    • Jesus’ principles for multiplying leaders:

      1. Investment of time and presence

      2. Association and consecration

      3. Self-giving and example

      4. Demonstration

      5. Delegation

      6. Supervision

      7. Reproduction/multiplication of leaders

    • Missionary leadership requires holistic attention to spiritual growth, organizational development, and global participation.

  • Ethical & Cultural Engagement

    • Address worldview questions: existence of unseen world, life after death, ultimate authority.

    • Confront social evils: infanticide, racism, classicism, male dominance, ancestor worship.

    • Engage with those sinned against (e.g., restorative ministry) and address moral and ethical formation in discipleship.

  • Practical Notes & Reflections

    • Daily practice of prayer, pastoral presence, and attention to individual needs (example: praying for a missionary’s daughter with severe dyslexia).

    • Holistic evangelism combines proclamation, persuasion, and incarnational presence; avoid mere verbal teaching without embodied practice.

    • Emphasis on irenic approach—pressing for decisive worldview decisions while maintaining love and respect.

  • Key Themes & Keywords

    • Voodoo, Muslim nominalism, infanticide, Panikkar, Rahner, pneumatology, irenic approach, mission paradigms, Holy Spirit empowerment, ethical discipleship.

These notes underscore the complexity of missions in pluralistic, urban, and historically diverse contexts, emphasizing the integration of theology, ethics, leadership, and practical engagement with local cultures.


2. Notes

  • Global Missions Highlights:

    • Africa: Dan Crawford, Cape of Good Hope, Sudan (slavery, social instability, polygamy, ancestor worship).

    • South Pacific: Cargo cults in New Guinea, Tahiti, Hawaii.

    • Asia: India, China, Tibet, Nepal; RC missions highly successful in India/China (1815–1914).

    • Political Context: Partition of India/Pakistan, Islamic restrictions, communist or authoritarian states.

  • Challenges:

    • Syncretism, nominalism, cultural misunderstanding.

    • Infanticide, gender discrimination, polygamy, ancestor worship.

    • Social and political instability affecting missionary access.

  • Theological Considerations:

    • Missions must respect exclusivity of God’s truth, avoid panentheism/pantheism.

    • Holy Spirit (pneumatology) central to empowerment, revival, guidance.

    • Calvinist perspective: glory of God is primary; human welfare secondary but integral in holistic mission.

  • Principles for Effective Mission:

    1. Understand worldview and cultural context.

    2. Prioritize personal conversions.

    3. Holistic church development: numerical growth, spiritual maturity, organization, multiplication, global/local involvement.

    4. Investment in leaders: association, consecration, demonstration, delegation, supervision, reproduction.

    5. Relational and prayerful approach: addressing specific needs and seeking Spirit-led guidance.

  • Worldview Analysis:

    • Polytheism vs. monotheism, dualism (Zoroastrianism), materialism, naturalism, panentheism.

    • Key questions for engagement: unseen world, life after death, ultimate authority, values/beliefs.

3. Key Terms

  • Syncretism: blending of indigenous beliefs with Christian teachings, often leading to theological compromise.

  • Cargo Cults: indigenous belief systems misinterpreting material goods from missionaries as divine provision.

  • Nominalism / Muslim Nominalism: professed belief without active faith or practice.

  • Panikkar / Rahner: theologians advocating “cosmic Christ” or “anonymous Christ,” inclusive of all religions—Bolt views critically.

  • Pneumatology: study and role of the Holy Spirit in church, conversion, and missions.

  • Irenic: promoting peace and reconciliation in religious discourse, while upholding theological clarity.

  • Worldview Questions: life after death, unseen world, ultimate authority, moral framework, cultural beliefs.

Here’s a refined, seminary-ready set of definitions for your latest Key Terms / Concepts, aligned with your previous glossary entries:

📘 Key Terms / Concepts

Syncretism
The blending of indigenous or local religious beliefs with Christian teaching, often resulting in theological compromise or dilution of core doctrines. Syncretism challenges missionaries to maintain gospel integrity while engaging culturally.

Cargo Cults
Indigenous movements that misinterpret material goods or technologies introduced by missionaries or colonizers as divine provision. These cults illustrate how spiritual understanding can be shaped—or distorted—by cultural context and external influence.

Nominalism / Muslim Nominalism
The phenomenon of professing religious belief without active practice or genuine faith. Nominalism can occur in any tradition, including Christianity and Islam, where outward affiliation does not reflect inward commitment or transformation.

Panikkar / Rahner
Theologians known for expansive, inclusive Christologies:

  • Panikkar – Advocated the “cosmic Christ,” emphasizing the presence of Christ in all cultures and religions.

  • Rahner – Proposed the concept of the “anonymous Christian,” recognizing God’s saving work beyond explicit Christian confession.
    These approaches are sometimes critiqued for relativizing explicit Christian mission (e.g., Bolt’s critique).

Pneumatology
The theological study of the Holy Spirit, focusing on the Spirit’s role in the life of the church, conversion, sanctification, mission, and ongoing revelation. Pneumatology emphasizes both empowerment and discernment in the Spirit’s work.

Irenic
A conciliatory approach that seeks peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding in religious discourse while maintaining clarity and fidelity to theological truth. Irenic engagement balances dialogue with doctrinal integrity.

Worldview Questions
Fundamental questions shaping human understanding and culture:

  • Life after death

  • The unseen or spiritual world

  • Ultimate authority

  • Moral frameworks

  • Cultural beliefs and practices
    Addressing these questions helps missionaries and theologians engage meaningfully with diverse contexts.

If you like, I can now combine all your glossary entries—from Prophetic Paradox through Worldview Questions—into a single, thematically organized Missional & Theological Glossary, formatted for professional study, teaching, or PDF/DOCX export, ready for seminary or research use.

4. Unclear / Questions

  • Some shorthand and typos (e.g., “IkDillemma,” “Ikfdj,” “Iksf”) obscure meaning.

  • References to specific missionary incidents (e.g., “thinking black, twenty-two years,” “infanticide video”) may need historical verification.

  • Certain numerical references unclear, e.g., population figures or mission statistics.

  • Interactions with Panikkar and Rahner’s “cosmic Christ” concept—extent of acceptance vs. critique by Bolt.

  • Modern mission strategies across multiple continents—how consistently applied across diverse cultural contexts.

If you want, I can now combine sections 21–24 into a single integrated 4-part summary, showing the continuity of Bolt’s theological, historical, and missionary themes across all sections. This will create a master reference for the material.

Do you want me to do that next?


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page 23

 23

oficina gentium Venerable bede

Wynfrith

fedition Boniface

Kanut

Fric the Red

Ricci

19000

Massacre

Puitace

Burukina Faso---in top five of abs poor, percentage wise top --lowest GNP (103) Sierra Leone top 5 --highest infant moratality (103)0 the Triad 1) needs of poor 2) kerygma 3) X churches (106) NT 1st of CHr missions (Neil 86) Only 3 evang religiosa:) buddhism car 3) islam-am is owing Languag ist Aramdom Grech Many Jews 7% pPaul-the greatest... of Church-Palestne, Antioch, Asia Minor, ROme.. where it went--Egypt.. Pre-const. post const... King Abgar..--writes letter to JEsus Year 5000--markes the beginning. f the "thousand years of uncertainty" 952)... Roman Empire--pressumes on border..Huns-- senseless destruciton.. Alaric the Goth--capture & saced Rome in AD 410.. Barbarians --Clovis--the majority who be Chr's were Arians... 500 A.D. 2 conflicts 1) strg with barbarians 2)undending battle with Islam.. a>.. Factory of Nations--from central Euroe to through Russia to Central Asia (53) "oficina gentium" Imperial church becomes feudal re barbarians.. Other side 622-- Muhammad moeved from Mecca to Medina..Arabs--moved past destryong i empires of Persia, Jrslm, Caesarea, Palestine & Syria, Alexandria, Egypt.... Muslis Muslims stopped by C. Martel in France, this thus, b never got north of the Pyrenees (846).. Rome plundered by Muslims..902- Siciliy 1453- Constantinople fell, thus the bulwark of Christiandom was at an end (55) the Arabs.. used Chr's as peasant farmers --Analogy--mnophysites wine & water, Nestonians --oil & water C. of Chalcedon--neither (56) civilization was synonymous with Rome and with Christian 3 factors that contribute to spread of Gospel 1) royal favour 20 martyrdom 3) monasticism 957) Venerable Bede--the one great historian of dark ages in Britian 9673) Gregory the Great--first example of a planeed mission since Paul (58)-- dispatched Augustine on mission to England.. Destroy Idols 3 streams of CHr.. British, Celtic, Roman.. Missioanry zeal.. Ikdf from Irish monasticism..Most notable St. Coumbia..apostle of Scotland (60) Theodore of Tarsus-- fashioned England into the regular was of ecclesiasti life (62) Columba II--a wanderer for Christ.. greates DA missionary --- Wynfrith of Credition.. aka Boniface.. Boniface.. 5 periods 1) Frisia.. 2) 722 consecrated by pope Greg II (great turning point) 3) fell the "sacred oak" a symbolic victory.. 40 4) curbed abuses of Frankish he church 5) penitential discipline Monks rule of St. Benedect. Charlegmagne 771-814 --wole ruler of Franks 8000--crowned as emperor thust "That strange arh chealogical fiction ..the Holy Roman Empire came into being for 1000 e years.. Carolo ingina Renaissance--set in motion by CH.. Constant Military campaigns--saxons were the meance Ch pacified 7 converted themm Ansar Anskar --missionary to Scandavia nations (832 ad (70) At the same time Eastern Roman Empire at Constantinope was Christian.. do not minimize t the Byzantine history.. from 1453 back 111 centuries elapsed, more that the whole couse of Eng Hist..cConstantine commissioned Slavonic trnsltn --Slavonic culture (75)0 Russia--almost be lilslamic but Byzantine diplomacy mangaed to preavaill 3 great areas 1) Bohemia 2)Poland 3) Hungary.. Muslims" cut world in two...western Europe cut off from Asia.. Nestorian Christians--penetrate China.. (a lesser known fact) 81 ad.. Christiaity of China..mostly monastic Power broken by Buddhist emperor..End of 1000 --end of D.A. --Europe Chr vital.., mid-east struggling, "darkest" period over.. 1000-1500 --unreached borders of Europe included Scandavia--Barbarians had remained isolate,d but in 8th century became terror of Europe (86)... Danish church be corporate body in 1104... Ireland..--savagely attacked by Norwegians. Danes --attacke westrn Eurpe.. Denmark 1st entry for Christians from W. Europe (87).. Anskar.. King Canue aka Kanut esstablished Chr in Denmark (88).. Olaf 969 ad Olaf of Norway, a Viking swash buckle who be baptized by hermit, later elected king.... Iceland--Erick the Red,(Greenland)00--son Leif. (i.e. Leif Erkson).. Sweden--the slowest convert..Finland later. 1200 Ad by 1200 almost all of Europe was in to Chr (93)0 Lithuanians only non-Chr 's remaining.. The Crusades neg. effects 1) injured e/w relations 2) muslim relations--still fresh intheir minds 3) lowered moral temp of Chr.. Manff...he could hear the voice coming from the talk-see box in the room next door.. hmmm.. he but he contineud on theogram...a he was seeking to know as much abt Muslm evang as possible and this was significant.. Oh Lord keep me going.. Many Philosophers-THeo denounced the crusades T. Aw said "even the infidel has certain natural rights.." 98) New Order be of the crusades and teh subsequent outcry the

Alaric the Goth

Bede the greg great

Carolingian

"NestoriaNs. Olaf of Norway

first to take action was "St. Francis of Assisi..wo who went to Egyot and the shift from monastery to friars (99) was to occur, the Franciscans & Dominicans who slkdf Central Asia--the mongols invade. led by Genghis Khan, who, however, did respect religion.. Turks--become Muslim Ik rather than Chr... Spain Chr pressure began driving the Muslims back (1114) Ramon' Lull makes as one of the greatest missioanris in the histo fo the church, born in Mallorca(115) re. the Saraceus... he notd three nece things a) comp & acc knowledge of their language b0 compos book in which truth of Chr religion should be revealed c co courage even at cost of life 1500-1600 ad as of age of discovery.. Basque Francis Aavier..--the most famous of 11 all RC missionaries.. 1st part of f call was God becomes important tmissionary to the Japense.. be enlightened to a new understanding not always i nece to build from bottom up in missions (ie. tabula rasa) in some civilization such as Jap, which ahas much nobility, it need nt reject al a worthless (133) "Mace. In Macao, after Xavier, the most famous ofall RC missionariesi n the cast was Ricci (139)) 1565- 1st miskf of Augustines to the Philipines.. to this t day the Philipines remains unique in the world as the one Chr. nation in the east (143).. RC missions 1600- -1787.. India--Jesuit--NObali-- permanent missionary.. A Rhodes--used catechists as new mission method.. New Beginnings 1600- 1800 as Stefan Charp 1383 consecrated as missionary of Russia's attitude towards missionary work changed 1) greater sense of opposition to Islam --Moscow calls itself the 3rd Rome.. 1) greater sens of oppositon to Islam.. Petr the Great--is known for his attempts to Christiaize Siberia.. 7 Phases.. 1) mission i with Siberia..2) to China, 3) Kalmuck -- a nomaic people in Urals 4) mid- volga..5) E. Siberia 6) Kanschatka 7) American Mission.. Movements of Spirit.. Pietism 5 Principless of mission be clear.. 1) church-school together 2) scr in local language 3) must know world view of people 4) definite -personal conversation 5) ned local church (Indian) India --Christian Schwarz the most famous of the missionares (19) 1751 an Africa mission the gold coast (Ghana0 19th century.. variety of missmethods preacher, colonia.. William Carey "father of modern missions' Eng speaking world which has provided 4/5 of the non-Roman missionaries to te present His methiod 1) preach Gospel by every possible mthod.. 2) distribute Bible in all languages 3) estab church asap 4) anthrop-sociol study 5) train indigenous (224) India --much happning (233)0 Duff --highly successful.. (234) educ & evang.. 1847.. Wm Burns.. - a Presbyterian, learned Chinese. translate Pilgrims Progress, restless, constant engaged in journe to interior.. Karl Gutzlaff--aka --saint, visionary, was defruaded by conartists. (242. Judson Burma (249)0 South Paific 1796 --phys beautiful, but deep shadows.. ingrained fear, natural cruelty.. S. p Pacific..-- cannibalism common " one of the first missionaries to set foot on it, began his mission areer by gathering and burying the heads,, an hands and feet of eighty victims who had been cooked and eaten" 92510000 First Island --Tahiti--f difficult be of king a cannibal.. 1843 French displaced English.. Strategy j. wms planted teachers.. Hawaii 81820000 Africa S. Africa 1) bushment, 2) kaffirs "unblvrs", Bantu,, Great Figures 1) J. Vanderkamp. 2) John Philip 3) robert moffat 4) Liningstone (266t) abhored the salve trade.. 1846-1874 -- Mombasa, Kenta and K KJ are found...Japanese Chr-mostly intellectual and individuall. Ch China Mssn Strats 1) inter-denom any miss accepted 2) no formal educ necc--just zeal 30 head office to be in China not England., 4) must wear Chinese dress 5) aim widespread evang.. 19000 Massacre..--am imperioal decree ordering the killling of all foreginers was issue from Peking (287) New Guinea 2nd largest island in the world.. Stevens what commended Chalmers to Stevenson was that you would never have taken him for amissionary.. India --paradox -myth.. although many poor in their late 1800's the missionaries were aiming at the wealthy cases 9 Dan Crawford "thinking black, twenty two years w/o a break in teh long grass of C. Africa..." (19120 (p322).. Rome

Ramon

Lull

Nobali

WM. Carey

Gutzlaff.

John

hers


Here’s section 23 rendered into the 4-part format with added detail to reflect the extensive historical and missionary content:

1. Narrative

Section 23 chronicles the history and global expansion of Christianity, emphasizing missionary efforts from the early medieval period through the 19th century. It begins with early European figures such as the Venerable Bede, Wynfrith (St. Boniface), and the Celtic missionary movement, highlighting the conversion of northern Europe. Key figures like Gregory the Great, who dispatched Augustine to England, and Columba, apostle to Scotland, illustrate the monastic and ecclesiastical strategies for spreading Christianity. Missions were often motivated by a triad of factors: the needs of the poor, the proclamation of the Gospel (kerygma), and the establishment of local churches.

The section traces the spread of Christianity geographically, from Britain and continental Europe to Scandinavia, including Olaf of Norway, Kanut in Denmark, and Erik the Red in Greenland, culminating in the widespread conversion of Europe by 1200 AD. Bolt emphasizes the interplay of political and religious power, noting the role of Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance, the enforcement of church discipline, and military campaigns such as the Saxon pacifications.

The narrative also considers the expansion of Christianity beyond Europe, including early Nestorian missions to China and the Middle East, and the Jesuit and Roman Catholic missions to Asia during the Age of Discovery. Figures like Francis Xavier in Japan, Matteo Ricci in China, Ramon Llull in Mallorca, and Nobili in India exemplify missionary strategies such as learning local languages, understanding cultural worldviews, composing instructional texts, and fostering personal conversion. Widespread missionary efforts in Africa are noted, including William Carey’s work in India, John Philip and Robert Moffat in southern Africa, and Dan Crawford in Central Africa. The section highlights the challenges missionaries faced, including cultural resistance, cannibalism in the South Pacific, political upheaval, and persecution such as the 19,000-person massacre in Peking.

Bolt also underscores key principles for effective missions: integration of church and school, translation of Scripture into local languages, understanding local culture and worldview, cultivating personal conversions, and establishing sustainable local churches. The narrative illustrates the complex interaction between missionary zeal, cross-cultural engagement, and historical circumstances, showing that the growth of Christianity was neither simple nor uniform but involved political, social, and spiritual dimensions.

Notes & Observations

  • Early Church & Mission Foundations

    • Key figures: Venerable Bede, Wynfrith (Boniface), Kanut, Fric the Red, Ricci.

    • Spread of Christianity influenced by royal favor, martyrdom, and monasticism.

    • Early missions faced geopolitical challenges: Huns, Alaric, Muslim expansions; Byzantine diplomacy preserved Christianity in Eastern Europe.

    • Christianity’s spread in Europe: England (Augustine), Scotland (Columba), Scandinavia (Anskar, Olaf, Erick the Red, Leif Erikson), Denmark (Kanut), Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland (conversion by 1200 AD).

  • Crusades & Philosophical Responses

    • Crusades had negative consequences: strained East-West relations, weakened moral authority, lingering Muslim-Christian tensions.

    • Theological and philosophical critiques emphasized natural rights for non-Christians (e.g., T. Aquinas).

    • Shift from monastic to friar missions: Franciscan and Dominican orders emphasized mobility, contextual engagement, and service.

  • Global Mission Expansion (1500–1800s)

    • Key missionaries: Ramon Lull (Mallorca), Francis Xavier (Japan), Matteo Ricci (China), Nobili (India), William Carey (India), Judson (Burma), Chalmers/Stevens (South Pacific).

    • Mission strategies:

      1. Language and cultural knowledge essential.

      2. Scripture in local languages.

      3. Early establishment of local churches.

      4. Anthropological and sociological understanding of target cultures.

      5. Training and empowering indigenous leaders.

      6. Contextual dress and social integration (e.g., Chinese dress for China).

  • Regional Mission Notes

    • Africa: South Africa, Gold Coast (Ghana), Mombasa, Kenya; engagement with bushmen, Bantu, and “unbelievers”; abhorrence of slave trade (Livingstone).

    • South Pacific: Tahiti, Hawaii; early exposure to cannibalism and cultural hazards.

    • China: Inter-denominational cooperation, reliance on zeal over formal education, indigenous adaptation.

    • India: Focused both on wealthy and poor populations; notable missionaries included Carey and Nobili.

  • Socioeconomic & Ethical Observations

    • Modern contexts: Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone among poorest nations; top infant mortality rates; critical to integrate care for the poor with evangelism.

    • Missions must consider urbanization, poverty, literacy, and political instability.

    • Triad for effective missions: 1) needs of the poor, 2) proclamation of kerygma, 3) establishment and growth of local churches.

  • Missiological Principles & Lessons

    • Holistic approach: combine evangelism with education, social development, and cultural understanding.

    • Contextualization is key: adapt methods without abandoning doctrinal fidelity.

    • Persistence and personal sacrifice vital: long-term engagement (e.g., Dan Crawford in Central Africa).

    • Inter-denominational cooperation enhances effectiveness and avoids unnecessary conflict.

  • Key Figures & Keywords

    • Ramon Lull, Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, Nobili, William Carey, Judson, Chalmers, Stevenson, Dan Crawford.

    • Themes: early European missions, global expansion, contextualization, holistic mission, indigenous leadership, socioeconomic awareness.

These notes trace the historical and global trajectory of Christian missions, highlighting principles of adaptation, cultural engagement, and holistic ministry across centuries and continents.


2. Notes

  • Early European Missionaries: Venerable Bede, Gregory the Great, Augustine of England, Columba, St. Boniface.

  • Conversion of Northern Europe: Scandinavia (Olaf of Norway, Kanut/Denmark, Erik the Red/Greenland, Leif Erikson/Iceland), late Christianization of Sweden and Finland.

  • Political-Ecclesiastical Context: Charlemagne, Carolingian Renaissance, Saxon pacifications, Holy Roman Empire.

  • Church & State Interaction: Royal favor, martyrdom, monasticism facilitated spread of Christianity.

  • Early Middle East Missions: Nestorians in China; Byzantine diplomacy preserved Christian influence.

  • Age of Discovery / Global Missions:

    • Asia: Francis Xavier (Japan), Matteo Ricci (China), Nobili (India), Stefan Charp (Russia/Siberia).

    • Africa: William Carey (India, missions methodology), John Philip, Robert Moffat, David Livingstone, Dan Crawford.

    • South Pacific: Tahiti, Hawaii; initial resistance including cannibalism; missionary adaptation through teaching and local integration.

  • Missionary Strategies:

    1. Integration of church and school.

    2. Scripture in local languages.

    3. Cultural understanding/worldview analysis.

    4. Personal, direct conversions.

    5. Development of sustainable local churches.

  • Challenges: Massacres (e.g., Peking), Islamic resistance, political upheaval, local customs.

  • Historical Highlights:

    • Roman Empire collapse, Huns, Alaric the Goth, Clovis, early Islam (622 AD), Muhammad’s migration to Medina, Charlemagne’s crowning, Crusades and consequences.

    • Crusades: negative impacts—injured Christian-Muslim relations, moral erosion, geopolitical shifts.

  • Principles of Missions Emphasized by Bolt: knowledge of local culture, courage, personal sacrifice, methodical approach.

3. Key Terms

  • Oficina Gentium: Imperial church offices interacting with feudal barbarian structures.

  • Triad of Missionary Priorities: 1) needs of the poor, 2) proclamation of Gospel (kerygma), 3) establishment of churches.

  • Celtic & Roman Missionary Streams: Irish monasticism, British missionary tradition, Roman ecclesiastical structure.

  • Double Grace (Calvin context, referenced in prior sections): reconciliation and sanctification.

  • Nestorians / Monastic Missions: early Christian expansion to Asia.

  • Jesuit Strategies: language mastery, cultural understanding, personal example, local integration.

  • Age of Discovery Missions: Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, Nobili, William Carey.

  • Co-suffering / Co-witnessing: missionary principles emphasized for sustainability.

  • Crusades: military-religious campaigns with long-term negative moral and relational consequences.

  • Here’s a refined, seminary-ready set of definitions for your latest Key Terms / Concepts, consistent with your existing glossary style:

    📘 Key Terms / Concepts

    Oficina Gentium
    The institutional offices of the imperial church interacting with feudal and barbarian political structures. These offices facilitated governance, evangelization, and cultural negotiation in the expansion of Christianity across early medieval Europe.

    Triad of Missionary Priorities
    A framework guiding missionary activity:

    1. Needs of the Poor – addressing physical, social, and spiritual needs.

    2. Proclamation of the Gospel (Kerygma) – announcing the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

    3. Establishment of Churches – forming sustainable communities of faith that endure culturally and generationally.

    Celtic & Roman Missionary Streams
    Two major early Christian missionary traditions:

    • Celtic – Irish monasticism and British missionary networks emphasizing asceticism, learning, and adaptive local engagement.

    • Roman – Structured ecclesiastical hierarchy, sacramental order, and institutional oversight facilitating widespread evangelization.

    Double Grace (Calvin Context)
    Previously defined: the Calvinist concept of salvation encompassing both reconciliation (justification) and sanctification—God’s work restores right relationship and transforms the believer’s life.

    Nestorians / Monastic Missions
    Early Christian expansion into Asia, emphasizing ascetic practice, theological distinctives, and cross-cultural engagement. Nestorian missions established churches and monastic communities far beyond the Roman Empire.

    Jesuit Strategies
    Missionary methods developed by the Society of Jesus emphasizing:

    • Mastery of local language and culture.

    • Personal example of holiness and discipline.

    • Integration into local social and political structures for effective ministry.

    Age of Discovery Missions
    Global missionary efforts during the 16th–18th centuries, including:

    • Francis Xavier – Asia-Pacific evangelism.

    • Matteo Ricci – China, cultural accommodation.

    • Nobili – India, adaptive contextualization.

    • William Carey – India, Bible translation, and social reform.

    Co-suffering / Co-witnessing
    Missionary principles emphasizing sustainability and relational integrity:

    • Co-suffering – sharing hardships with communities being served.

    • Co-witnessing – partnership in gospel proclamation across cultural and denominational boundaries.

    Crusades
    Military-religious campaigns during the medieval period. While intended for defense and holy purpose, they often had negative moral, cultural, and relational consequences, including violence, exploitation, and strained intercultural relations.


4. Unclear / Questions

  • Precise dates for early figures (e.g., Boniface, Wynfrith) are sometimes ambiguous in shorthand.

  • Some abbreviations (“X churches,” “Ikdf,” “WGBM”) require clarification.

  • Figures like “19000 Massacre” in Peking—specific historical source or context not fully clear.

  • Notes mix geographic, historical, and missionary content densely, making sequence of events occasionally difficult to follow.

  • Some references to cultural analogies (e.g., “mnophysites wine & water, Nestonians oil & water”) are shorthand and could use expansion for clarity.

If you want, I can start synthesizing sections 21–23 into a master 4-part summary, linking Bolt’s theological, historical, and missionary insights across these sections, which will make it much easier to see recurring themes and arguments.

Do you want me to do that next?

at No comments:

page 22

 22

Spiration

Biration,

knowledge that is absolutely essential for salvation" Labatism-pietism --reppudiates all existing churches as "babylon" Sesecter Sectarainsim, leads to erosion & disappearance of church consc the sene that separation from the church is a sin has all but disappeared, one have or joins casually, exercise of disciple thus becomes virtually impossible, it loes its very character.. Intro.. 1) distinctin btw orig and transc.. 2) distinctn btw .s.s. NT Infall/Insp.. doct of inspirat ass une " an insation of an organic nature which extends not only to the ideas but plode words of pre so the Holy Scritpure in its entierty iis the wWord of God written" Doct of Intf Infallibility 1 & NT are tw canonical books "against which nothing can be alleged" that we are to belive w/o a doubt all tings contained in them... that Scr in its whle exten is the infallible & indld Word of Gdo (239) Divine Auth--on what matters does Scr speak with divine auth and trustowrthiness.? On all matters which have direct or indirect bearing on the self-disclosure of God.." Spiration ---God be the supreme auth ofall Scr (267) Infallible (283) a) non-failingnness?? b) non deceptivness.. Al Words of Scripture, speaking inthe ordered sequence are to be received as wholly trustworthy (286) Canonical vs Apocryphal.. canonical is sacred, apocrypha is non-sacred Plenary & Verbal.. Historical chracter..--we have acknowedge that the hist charcter of the divinely inspired Bible and have been willing to use the Idlld of sci resrchto illumin it meaning (515) talks abt necessit of hist, linguistic, contextual hermeneutics.. NT REport 44 Nature & Exten of Bib Auth (1972)

Inspiration,

ANSELM Wily God B/C MANNT ANSELM

Freedom

Pouble

grave

Evama

Augustine

Berkhower

7

HX Ch

NT Anself why God be man.. aka Cur Deus Homo is life born austria.. intial grim educ exp..later gave in to wordly amusements..saved by Islsl monastery.. bec allowed fr comp con on God be abbot.. bc archbishop of canterbury... refused to pay simony.. kig refuses to grant him Rome visit.. Anselm defies bc exile ..finishes WGBM in.. cone wants to excom king. Anselm pleads no, new king exile (2) later returns (9) after death honored epitomy of a saint "rectitude of will, justie' (13) writings onprayers.. 1) change in prayer style effusiveness.. on faith 1) on the s essence of God and attributes of God (15) monologiaon..rationale of the faith--would describe much of his writings well..uses Augustineas reference, but is original in additon On God 1) Faith seeking understanding all about exit of God, attributes of God, on Grammar, On truth conc: that there is one supreme truth (18) re Freedom of choice Freedm "the power not presrving rectitude of willfor the sake of rectitude itself" [rejects the view that the power of choosing evil is an element of freedom] (18) the fall of on... the dv. shows keen insight into the nature of evil, and the relation fo the free willto be an attraction towards good & happiness (19) the incarnation of the word, actually more about the trinity, lon the procession of the Holy Spirit. on predest & grace & free choice.. On Cur Deus

67

pietism

Apocryphal

rect. of the will, rectitude of The will

behaviour in observed in community.. G) How community uses lang.. (387)0 Note Iskf slk parable to wstoff be of the greater responsibility, also kids femphasizes "my hunch".. Demythologizing the popular misconception of Calvins' focs on mans' depravity, this is only in regars to man w/o CHrist.. Ho Exploring Heritage of J. Cavn... fr D. Holwerda..Exploring the Heritage of J. Calvin 1976 M. Beversluis.. "it is not uncommon to read opinions similar to that exxpressed by M. Beverslis that hte root of calvinism is the doctrine of man's damnableness' 9(79)0 Double grace.--namely that being reconciled to God thorugh CHrists lamelnesssness, we may have in heaven instead a of a judge a graceois Pasher, and secondly, that sanctified by Christ's spirit we may cultivate blamelessness & purity of life (88))0 the big untill until we are made new in Christ" (101) Mental heat Ith..--a religion whichpromotes a mentally healthy perspecitve increases rather that lessens the enjoyment of life.. In spite of all the Iskd of Calvin as an austere and rigid sort of person, it must be said that Clvin promed joyful living BL. Vos).. Berkhouwer..--take away from Calvin his n his basic position in regard to garace, and his great comprehensiveness.. from grace and then trnaslate this..total judgements into merely moralistic terms and the resit can only be called pessimistic and black.. Calvin--he oppoes those who think that it is a matter of modesty and humility not to be sure of hte presence of the Spirit in us saying "it is a token of the most miserable blindpess to charge wit arrogacne Christins who dare to glory in

End result.....

in the

(103

not stand It Insts III xiii 1 &2 II, ii. 10., NT Bolt Lect 1 Presene of the Holy Spirt, without whcih glorifying Christianity itself does

t 16 ... skdjf theol as eternal r verity.. refomatin corrupt "try to g forget the past" It...--theol amnesia.. losss of sense of continuity in tradition..Trdiiton ..certain works --Augustine "De Civitate Dei"-- Augustine "summa theologia" Calvin "Institutes" Newmans' Essay on Deveopment" NT--Inro to Syst theol-Bekhoff. Dogma..--dogma is the fruit of the attempt to express a s certain relation of the life of hte chuch in the language of the intellect (23).. Rationalism- pietism --cold rationism and sentimental pietism are inimal to the of formation of dogmas mas (24).. Speculative-c -deducive Bacon" --the rationalists are like the spiders, they spin all out of their own bowels (68) that we we have. some intelligent t experience, ant that it is veridical is taken for granted, ..human reason is teh very soure for thought... N NT Intro to Syst theol N baker 1979.. L. Berkhouwer.. Synnthetic method-doct of God (theol )--Man ( (anthropl) Christ (Christology) Salvation ( (soteriology) church (ecclesiology)- last things (eschatlogy0--- NT manule of refrmd doctrine berkhof.. (75).. True preaching, 2) right admin of sacraments 3) faithfulexercise of discipken (286) NT NEW Dict of theol--"today the whole weght of emphasis is placed on relativistic, comparative studies, an of religous nd beliffs, an outlook which can use systematic theol as a resources too, but which is fund. hostile to i o it as a serious intellectual discipline (672).. Biblical 1 Theol-- n movement after WWII. 1) rediscovery of the theol dimension 2) unity of whole Bible 3) reelation of God in hist..4) distinctiveness of Biblical menttohighly ality(Hebrew thought in contrast to Greek)--5) contrast of Bible to environment.. NT M>N.W. Greenway.. Typical american city of 30000 inhabitants. 62 hurches. only 6000 worshipers.. practicing Chrs Chrs-only 15 to 2 20 pere cent.. while 70 to 85 % are highly secularix Chrls. 3 key elements 10 colaboring 20 co-sufffering 3) o co-witnessing (25) elements of longsufffering.. third world belivers. 3 3 primary challenges 1) the billions, spirituallly lost 2) billions dsprtly poor 3) secularism.. 4 Indications 1)% of active Chr's compared to toher religions 2) potential for proclamation 3) external barriers 4) strength of national church, avail of and avail of miss visas 9102) Burukina Faso---in top five of abs poor, percentage wise- top --lowest GNP (103) Sierra Leone top 5 --highest infant moratality

18


Absolutely! Here’s section 22 expanded into a more detailed 4-part summary to reflect the richness and length of your notes:

1. Narrative

Section 22 focuses on the doctrines of Scripture, inspiration, and infallibility, while also situating these within broader historical, theological, and practical frameworks. It begins by discussing the dangers of sectarian movements such as Labadism and pietism, which rejected all established churches as “Babylon.” Such sectarianism, Bolt notes, erodes church consciousness and makes the exercise of discipline nearly impossible, leading to a casual or fragmented approach to spiritual life. The erosion of communal accountability diminishes the very character of the church.

The section then transitions into detailed theological reflection on Scripture. Bolt distinguishes between original and transcendent Scripture, and emphasizes the difference between Old and New Testament understandings of inspiration. Scripture is presented as an organic process, where the ideas and words of the Holy Spirit are fully infused into the text. This provides the foundation for the doctrines of infallibility and divine authority: Scripture is wholly trustworthy, non-deceptive, and authoritative for all matters relevant to God’s self-revelation. Canonical texts are sacred, whereas apocryphal writings are not. The plenary and verbal nature of Scripture is highlighted, showing that divine inspiration extends to both content and the specific wording, though historical-critical methods (linguistic, contextual, and hermeneutical) can illuminate meaning.

Historical theological figures are used to illustrate these concepts. Anselm, particularly in Cur Deus Homo, is discussed extensively. Bolt recounts Anselm’s life, including his education, monastic formation, exile, and later recognition as a saint. Anselm’s theological contributions include “faith seeking understanding,” a nuanced view of freedom of the will (freedom as the power to preserve rectitude for its own sake), and insights on the nature of evil and moral choice. His writings also explore the incarnation, the Trinity, predestination, and grace.

Bolt also surveys Calvin’s contributions, especially his doctrine of double grace. First, through Christ’s blamelessness, believers are reconciled to God; second, sanctification enables a life of moral and spiritual purity. Calvin’s approach balances the seriousness of human depravity with the joy and practical life of faith. Bolt critiques simplistic moralistic interpretations of Calvin, emphasizing the holistic, grace-centered, and life-affirming dimensions of his theology.

The section further addresses the role of dogma and systematic theology. Dogma is described as the church’s intellectual attempt to articulate its life in rational terms, avoiding both cold rationalism and sentimental pietism. Bolt references the synthetic method of Berkhof and Berkhouwer, which organizes theology around God, humanity, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.

Finally, Bolt notes post-WWII trends in theology: relativistic and comparative approaches to religion have marginalized systematic and rigorous theological study. Practical implications include attention to global Christian challenges, particularly in mission contexts, where believers face spiritual loss, extreme poverty, and secular opposition. Bolt emphasizes the importance of “co-suffering,” “co-witnessing,” and collaboration in mission work. Mental and spiritual health are also emphasized, highlighting that a robust, grace-informed Christian life fosters joy rather than austerity or fear.

Notes & Observations – Systematic Theology & Missiological Contexts

1. Inspiration and Biblical Authority

  • Inspiration (Spiration): God as the supreme author of Scripture; divine origin ensures absolute authority.

  • Infallibility: Scripture is non-failing, non-deceptive; all words and ideas are trustworthy.

  • Plenary & Verbal Inspiration: Includes both the ideas and exact words of Scripture.

  • Canonical vs. Apocryphal: Canonical texts are sacred and authoritative; apocryphal texts are non-sacred.

  • Historical, Linguistic, Contextual Hermeneutics: Essential for proper understanding of Scripture.

2. Anselm of Canterbury (Cur Deus Homo)

  • Faith seeking understanding: Rational exploration of God’s attributes and human salvation.

  • Freedom and Will: True freedom is choosing good and preserving rectitude of will; evil is not necessary for freedom.

  • Incarnation & Trinity: Theological reflection on the Word made flesh, predestination, grace, and free choice.

  • Moral & Spiritual Rectitude: Emphasis on living rightly and cultivating virtue through divine grace.

3. Pietism & Labatism

  • Labatism/Pietism: Radical separation from established churches (“Babylon”), often undermining community and discipline.

  • Sectarianism: Leads to erosion of church identity; casual membership weakens discipleship.

  • Goal: Emphasizes personal holiness but risks isolation from corporate faith life.

4. Calvin & Reformed Thought

  • Misconception of Calvin: Not merely about human depravity; central focus on grace and joy in Christ.

  • Double Grace:

    1. Reconciliation through Christ’s atonement.

    2. Sanctification through the Spirit for holy living.

  • Mentally Healthy Religion: Promotes joy and full engagement in life, not austere pessimism.

  • Spirit Assurance: Christians may confidently rejoice in the Spirit’s presence; humility should not obscure awareness of God’s work.

5. Systematic Theology & Dogma

  • L. Berkhouwer / NT Baker:

    • Emphasizes synthetic approach: God, man, Christ, salvation, church, last things.

    • Dogma expresses life of the Church in rational terms.

    • Rationalism and cold pietism are insufficient for formation of dogma.

  • Post-WWII Movements:

    • Rediscovery of theological dimension.

    • Unity of Scripture.

    • Historical revelation of God.

    • Distinctiveness of biblical thought vs. Greek/modern environment.

6. Missiological Context

  • Urban Secularization: Example: city of 30,000 with 62 churches, only 6,000 active worshippers.

  • Threefold Mission Elements:

    1. Collaborating.

    2. Co-suffering.

    3. Co-witnessing.

  • Primary Global Challenges:

    1. Spiritually lost billions.

    2. Desperate poverty.

    3. Secularism and apathy.

  • Indicators for Mission:

    • Percentage of active Christians vs. other religions.

    • Potential for proclamation.

    • External barriers.

    • Strength of local church infrastructure and access to missionary resources.

  • Socioeconomic Context: Burkina Faso among top 5 poorest countries; Sierra Leone among top 5 for highest infant mortality.

Keywords / Concepts

  • Inspiration, infallibility, plenary, canonical, Apocryphal

  • Anselm, Cur Deus Homo, rectitude of will, freedom

  • Pietism, Labatism, sectarianism

  • Calvin, double grace, joy in faith

  • Systematic Theology, dogma, rationalism, synthetic method

  • Urban secularization, co-suffering, co-witnessing, global mission, poverty, evangelism

This set of notes links biblical authority, theological reasoning, and global mission realities, emphasizing how systematic theology undergirds practical engagement with the spiritually and materially poor in a secularizing world.


2. Notes

  • Labadism / Pietism: sectarian movements rejecting the institutional church; lead to isolation, weak discipleship, erosion of church identity.

  • Inspiration (Spiration): Scripture as divinely authored; organic infusion of ideas and words; God as supreme authority over all Scripture.

  • Infallibility: non-failing, non-deceptive, plenary (full), verbal (word-level); applies to canonical Scripture only.

  • Canonical vs Apocryphal: canonical = sacred, authoritative; apocryphal = non-sacred, supplementary.

  • Historical & Hermeneutical Methods: necessary for illuminating meaning, including linguistic, historical, and contextual analysis (p. 515).

  • Anselm: Cur Deus Homo, faith seeking understanding; freedom of will; rectitude of will; moral knowledge; incarnation; Trinity; predestination; grace; refusal to compromise ecclesial principles.

  • Calvin: double grace—1) reconciliation through Christ, 2) sanctification enabling moral and spiritual development; joy in Christian life; critique of purely moralistic readings.

  • Dogma: articulation of the church’s life using intellect; synthetic theology: God, man, Christ, salvation, church, last things.

  • Systematic Theology: post-WWII marginalization due to relativism, comparative studies, and secular influences; Bolt stresses its continued necessity.

  • Practical Application: global Christian challenges include billions spiritually lost, extreme poverty (Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone), secularism; mission work requires long-term engagement, co-suffering, co-witnessing, collaboration.

  • Mental & Spiritual Health: theology and faith should promote holistic joy, mental health, and engagement with life.

3. Key Terms

  • Spiration: divine inspiration of Scripture.

  • Infallibility: complete reliability of Scripture in matters of faith and salvation.

  • Plenary & Verbal Inspiration: all words and ideas are divinely inspired.

  • Canonical / Apocryphal: distinction between sacred authoritative texts and non-sacred writings.

  • Double Grace: Calvinist doctrine combining reconciliation and sanctification.

  • Rectitude of Will: freedom exercised for moral integrity.

  • Synthetic Method: Berkhof/Berkhouwer’s systematic approach to theology.

  • Co-suffering / Co-witnessing / Collaboration: practices for global Christian mission.

  • Dogma: intellectual articulation of the church’s life.

  • Faith Seeking Understanding: Anselm’s method linking reason and faith.

  • Here’s a refined, seminary-ready set of definitions for your latest Key Terms / Concepts, consistent with your existing glossary style:

    📘 Key Terms / Concepts

    Spiration
    The divine inspiration or “breathing forth” of Scripture, emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of biblical truth while recognizing human authorship as the medium through which revelation is conveyed.

    Infallibility
    The complete reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture in matters of faith and salvation. Infallibility affirms that God’s Word faithfully communicates divine truth, guiding believers without error in what is necessary for life and godliness.

    Plenary & Verbal Inspiration
    A doctrine affirming that all words (verbal) and all ideas (plenary) of Scripture are inspired by God. This ensures that every part of the biblical text communicates God’s truth, while allowing for literary style and authorial personality.

    Canonical / Apocryphal

    • Canonical – Writings recognized as authoritative Scripture, forming the official corpus of God’s revelation.

    • Apocryphal – Writings not included in the canonical Bible, often historically or theologically interesting but not normatively binding for faith or practice.

    Double Grace
    A Calvinist concept describing the twofold work of God in salvation:

    1. Reconciliation (Justification) – restoring the believer to right relationship with God.

    2. Sanctification – ongoing transformation into Christlikeness through the Spirit’s work.

    Rectitude of Will
    The moral integrity and freedom exercised in alignment with God’s purposes. Rectitude of will involves deliberate choice of virtue, obedience, and ethical consistency, reflecting the believer’s cooperation with divine grace.

    Synthetic Method
    A systematic approach to theology (e.g., Berkhof, Berkouwer) that integrates biblical exegesis, historical understanding, and doctrinal reflection to produce coherent, unified theological formulations.

    Co-suffering / Co-witnessing / Collaboration
    Practices essential to global Christian mission:

    • Co-suffering – sharing in the struggles, persecution, or hardships of others in solidarity.

    • Co-witnessing – jointly proclaiming the gospel across cultural and denominational lines.

    • Collaboration – strategic, relational partnerships that honor local contexts while advancing the mission of the church.

    Dogma
    The formal intellectual articulation of the church’s core beliefs. Dogma provides clarity, consistency, and authoritative teaching that shapes faith and guides practice within the Christian community.

    Faith Seeking Understanding (Fides quaerens intellectum)
    Anselm’s method emphasizing that faith precedes reason, but true understanding deepens through reflection, study, and inquiry. Belief and intellect work together, with reason clarifying and defending the truths of faith.


4. Unclear / Questions

  • Several shorthand references (e.g., NT Anself, HX Ch, p. numbers like 239, 267, 286, 515) need context for precise meaning.

  • Global statistics for Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone are mentioned, but the source or methodology is unclear.

  • Mentions of mental health and “mentally healthy perspective” in relation to Calvin’s joy could use further clarification.

  • Some abbreviations and lecture shorthand remain opaque (e.g., “Ith..,” “Iskd”).

If you like, I can start combining sections 16–22 into a single comprehensive 4-part summary next, which will give a full picture of Bolt’s lectures and notes so far. This would help to see themes and connections across sections.

Do you want me to do that next?

at No comments:
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