Paradigms in Conflict: 10 Key Questions in Christian Missions Today.

By David Hesselgrave. Kregel Publications. 2005. 368 pages. $20.99.

Review by Wayne Hager

David Hesselgrave has been the leading spokesman for evangelical missions for decades. Two of his works, "Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally" and "Planting Churches Cross-Culturally," are standards in seminary and college classes on missions. Now retired, Hesselgrave turns his attention in this book to considering the tough questions that must be answered for effective missions in the 21st century.

Responding to what he sees as increasing tolerance and pluralism, even within evangelical Christianity, Hesselgrave explores different approaches to questions such as: For whom is the gospel good news? How should we approach adherents of other faiths? Is this mission trip really necessary? What on earth is God building - here and now?

In his discussion of possible answers to these and other questions, Hesselgrave walks the reader through a thorough discussion of theology, Scripture, social science and history.

The bottom line for Hesselgrave is that any change in missiological approach needs to be considered long and hard. He promotes a cautious progress in the ways in which we do missions. Repeatedly, Hesselgrave favors not making change verses making a change. His tone is irenic and promotes a thoughtful discussion. Whether you agree or disagree with him, Hesselgrave continues to contribute to the study of missions in a way in which all future discussions must respond to how he answers the 10 key questions in missions.