God in Russia The Challenge of Freedom

by Linzey, Sharon; Kaisch, Ken; Kaisch, K; Linzey, S; Zuyev, Y.P; Filatov, S; Birvish, A; Kourayev, A; Krotov, Y; Holmes, C; Kuzmic, P; Sadova, E; Veronis, L.A; Gontarev, B; Shusharin, D; Ellis, J; Yakunin, G; Bigovic, R; Kochetkov, G; Pavlov, I; Popadic, D;

• ISBN13: 9780761815488
• ISBN10: 0761815481
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-11-23
• Publisher: UPA

Summary

God in Russia is an extraordinary collection of articles written by Protestant and Orthodox writers, academics, and clergy. The book provides an in-depth look at the attitudes, values, and issues that divide Orthodoxy and Protestantism as they both seek to carry out Christian mission in what is generally considered to be "Orthodox lands." While western Protestants often lack the understanding and cultural sensitivity necessary to operate effectively in Eastern Europe, many Orthodox leaders misinterpret the intentions of western Protestants because of their limited exposure to western missions. The articles in this book are aimed at clarifying the perspectives of the two groups so that they can understand each other's position and effectively work toward their common goal.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Contributors
Foreword
Dr. Michael Bourdeaux
Foreword
Ben Armstrong
Part I: Where Is Russia Now?
The Challenge of Freedom in Russia: An Introduction	1	(21)
K. Kaisch
S. Linzey
The Status of Religion in Modern Russia	22	(18)
Y. P. Zuyev
Evangelism and Russian Orthodoxy: The Wall of Alienation	40	(10)
S. Filatov
Obstacles to Dialogue from a Protestant Perspective	50	(6)
A. Birvish
With Whom Are Foreign Missionaries Fighting?	56	(12)
Deacon A. Kourayev
Part II: It Hurts! Voices of Missionaries and Converts
Is It Possible to Witness and Not Proselytize?	68	(24)
Y. Krotov
Salvation on the Steps of an Orthodox Church	92	(6)
C. Holmes
Between Two Worlds: The Challenges of Ministry in Eastern Europe	98	(12)
P. Kuzmic
My Personal Journey	110	(16)
E. Sadova
Part III: Forces Contributing to the Hurt
A Snapshot of the Conflict: Orthodox-Protestant Missions in Albania	126	(20)
Fr. L. A. Veronis
Practical Advice for Western Missionaries	146	(10)
B. Gontarev
Disputes on Missions and the Indisputability of Mission	156	(10)
D. Shusharin
Part IV: Is There Common Ground or a Common Life?
Is There Common Ground for Ministry Between Orthodox and Protestants?	166	(14)
J. Ellis
The Russian Reality: Barrier or Bridge for Mutual Christian Mission	180	(12)
Fr. G. Yakunin
Part V: Attempts at Solutions
Toward Dialogue on Mission	192	(20)
R. Bigovic
Restoring Christianity in Russia!	212	(14)
B. Gontarev
Russian Orthodox and Protestants: Dialogue on Missions	226	(8)
Fr. G. Kochetkov
...Not Adulterating the Word of God	234	(12)
Abbot I. Pavlov
Dialogue on Missions? A Case Study from the Balkans	246	(14)
D. Popadic
Where Is the True Church?	260	(14)
P. Zlateski
Part VI: Millstones and Stumbling Blocks!
Does it Matter What We Believe?	274	(14)
Deacon A. Kourayev
Orthodox Supremacy in Russia: Is There a Place for Evangelicalism?	288	(30)
D. Fairbairn
Part VII: Stumbling Towards Conclusions
Looking to the Future: Conclusions and Directions to Expect	318	(24)
S. Linzey
The Effects of Pride and Arrogance	342	(12)
K. Kaisch
From Conflict to Love:Suggestions for Healing the Christian Family	354	(24)
J. M. Strength
An Appeal for Religious Liberty, Christian Tolerance, and Unity	378	(24)
K. R. Hill
The Larger Issues of Mission in a Multicultural World	402	(23)
S. Linzey
K. Kaisch
Index	425