Description
“Reading the Old Testament is like eating a large crab: it turns out to be mostly shell, with very little meat on it,” said a Chinese pastor. This is one of the many challenging criticisms of the Old Testament in African and Asian churches.
This book is a study of the way in which the Old Testament is viewed in the developing churches of the Third World, showing how the experience by which Israel was made ready for Jesus is applicable in the mission field.
The author examines the perception and use of the Old Testament by missionaries and indigenous populations in Africa and Asia, and the way in which the pagan background to the Old Testament was perceived. He draws conclusions, particularly relevant to India and China.
About the Author
After working as a missionary in Bangalore, Godfrey Phillips became Professor of Missions at Selly Oak Colleges, Birmingham.
Contents
Introduction
Part One: The Present Use of the Old Testament
I. The Old Testament Among Primitive Populations, Particularly in Africa
II. The Old Testament in India
III. The Old Testament in China
Part Two: The Contents of the Old Testament Viewed in the Light of Missionary Experience
I. The Pagan Religious Background of the Old Testament
II. What Happened to the Jews, and to Them Alone
Part Three: The Old Testament in the History of the Church
I. Jesus and the Old Testament
II. The First Church and the Old Testament
III. The Old Testament in the Later History of the Church
IV. The Old Testament in the Church Today
Part Four: Constructive Conclusions From This Study
I. General Conclusions Affecting All Areas
II. Conclusions Affecting Primitive Peoples
III. Conclusions Affecting India
IV. Conclusions Affecting China
Appendix: The Old Testament and Islam
Postscript
Bibliographical Notes
Scripture Passages Quoted
General Index
