February 5, 2023
Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã
This article works with the notion of 'tribal anxiety' as being a concern over the maintenance of an overarching story and a pressure that causes new identity to emerge. It considers the loss of metanarrative in both the message of the Christian gospel and in its vehicle of universal grammar. The impact of this loss is considered by considering Daniel Everett’s encounter with the Pirahã. Anxious tribalism seen in the challenged Christian constructs of Everett is discussed in relation to the larger tribe (the missional perspectives of Everett). The apparent lack of anxious tribalism is discussed in terms of the unchallenged constructs of the smaller tribe (the Pirahã). The linguistic and theological issues arising for missiology are discussed.
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Introductory paper: Foundations for mission theology
Theological foundations of mission.
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Truth with a mission
We may be accustomed to citing Bible texts which show how important mission is. But do we realise that mission is what the Bible is all about—indeed, that the Bible itself a phenomenon of mission?
Chris Wright’s fascinating study puts much traditional thinking about the Bible and mission on its head, through careful reading and masterly overview of the biblical text. Reading the Bible 'missionally' shows clearly how all of Scripture points to the Sent One, Jesus, as the fulfilment of God’s mission.
Revd Dr Christopher J H Wright is the International Ministries Director of the Langham Partners: International. Previously he taught Old Testament in India for five years, and at All Nations Christian College, where he was Principal from 1993-2001. An ordained Anglican, Chris is married to Liz and they have four adult children and two grandchildren.
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A reader's guide to transforming mission
Matthew’s model of mission and discipleship.
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