Peters on M Terminology: “Christianization”

October 25, 2008 – 1:15 pm

Over the next few weeks, we will look at what George Peters, in his book A Biblical Theology of Missions, has to say about the terms Evangelization, Christianization, Socialization and Civilization. He argues that “they do not express the same idea.” (p.11)

Christianization

Christianization [italics his] is organically related to evangelization and logically follows the latter. It is the indoctrination and enculturation of the believer in the gospel and Christian ethics. It is the transformation of the believer of Jesus Christ into a disciple of Christ. His whole life is to be permeated with the mind and principles of Christ in order to make him conformable to the image of Jesus Christ and an effective witness and useful servant of the Lord. He is to be made into a conscious, committed follower of the Master and is to commit his whole life to Christ and accept the lordship of Jesus Christ. In the full sense of the word, this will be a lifelong process.  [12]

Previous article in this series: “Peters on M Terminology: ‘Evangelization’“