Conservative in Theology, Liberal in Spirit: Modernism and the American Presbyterian Mission in Thailand, 1891–1941
Karl Dahlfred
Nov 2024 · American Society of Missiology Monograph Series Book 69 · Wipf and Stock Publishers
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About this ebook
In the early twentieth century, theological modernism was gaining ground in the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Conservatives claimed that there were modernists on the mission field but that the Board of Foreign Missions was doing nothing about it. In Thailand, the executive secretary of the American Presbyterian mission did not want to address the issue, claiming that "almost all of our Mission . . . are conservative in their theology, and liberal in their spirit." But was it true? In this book, Karl Dahlfred explores letters, reports, and other primary sources to reveal instances and indicators of modernism among Presbyterian missionaries in Thailand. Officially committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ, American Presbyterian missionaries were increasingly divided over what that meant, and how to carry out their task. Were schools or evangelism the best mode of Christian influence? Did the gospel need adjustment for the modern world? The mission formally maintained a conservative consensus, yet modernism was present. And fundamentalist-minded missionaries were not happy about it. Scholars, missionaries, Thai Christians, and anyone interested in mission history or the long-term trajectory of Protestant work in Thailand will enjoy this exploration of an overlooked chapter in the history of Christianity in Thailand.
About the author
Karl Dahlfred has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1999, teaching seminary courses, assisting in the translation of Thai Christian books, and engaging in church planting efforts. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America, Karl completed his PhD in World Christianity at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of Theology Drives Methodology: Conversion in the Theology of Charles Finney and John Nevin, and Daniel McGilvary: Missionary Pioneer to Northern Thailand.
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