Negotiating Identity: Exploring Tensions Between Being Hakka and Being Christian in Northwestern Taiwan: 13 (American Society of Missiology Monograph) - Softcover

Christofferson, Ethan J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1610975030 ISBN 13: 9781610975032

Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2012

Synopsis

Negotiating Identity addresses the missiological problem of why the Hakka Chinese Christian community in Taiwan is so small despite evangelistic efforts there for more than 140 years. Christofferson explores the tensions between being Hakka and being Christian in northwestern Taiwan and discusses what both Hakka non-Christians and Christians are doing and saying in the context of these tensions. This ethnographic study uses the lens of social constructionism and consequently offers an example of how social science scholarship can help missionaries and other Christian workers to gain significant insights into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of those living in their ministry locations. Of interest is Christofferson's conclusion that the missiological perspective which puts a primary focus on ministering to a "people group" is inadequate for explaining and engaging the complexities encountered in many ministry settings. He suggests that an awareness of the way people are negotiating their identities can help Christian workers to better understand and strategically engage people in a variety of ministry contexts throughout the world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1610975030
• ISBN 13: 9781610975032
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 332