Two thirds of the world’s population live in situations of poverty, powerlessness, and oppression. What does it mean to proclaim Jesus Christ in this “Two Thirds World”? It was this question that was the focus for the First Conference of Evangelical Mission Theologians, held in Bangkok in 1982. This historic meeting marked the first time that theologians of evangelical conviction from the Two Thirds World had met at their own initiative to discuss what Jesus from Galilee means in their own contexts and in their attempt to fulfill his mission.
With twenty-five participants drawn from twenty-two countries, the conference provided more than just a forum to present papers; it was a fellowship of persons, testing
and affirming insights gained from diverse cultural and theological backgrounds to deepen their understanding of Christ.
This book contains the fourteen papers presented at the conference along with a record of some of the discussion that followed each. Twelve of the papers were presented by evangelical theologians from the Two Thirds World; the remaining two represent Western viewpoints.
The papers and discussions reflect a unity of commitment to Christ and his mission rather than a uniformity of outlook. But evident throughout is an earnest attempt to help the church in the Two Thirds World to bear a more biblically faithful, spiritually authentic, and culturally relevant witness to Jesus Christ.