P.A.T.H. Book Report (vol. 4)

Well, I have to say, I was a bit disappointed in this one. But I've tried to give as honest a response as possible, there were certainly truths in this book that are vital to ministry, I just found myself so distracted by the negative political, socio-religious, and racial overtones that the message was certainly muddied at best.

White Man's Gospel
by Craig Stephen Smith

This book was not what I expected. I was under the impression it would examine the relationship of the Gospel to Native American Spirituality and Animism. It broached this topic only briefly.

A brief synopsis of the subject matter would clearly reveal a healthy understanding of a need for good Worldview Training and a clear and biblically grounded presentation of the Gospel. A presentation of the gospel, untainted by the prejudices and legalisms (and liberalisms) of the modern church. With this there is no argument that can be made, it is a widely acknowledged fact that there is dysfunction in the church and the way it seeks to fulfill it's mandate to GO and preach the gospel. Further to that, there is a growing understanding among mission organizations of just how to go about this (or at least the necessity of examining it). A studied, practical and culturally appropriate method is certainly what is called for biblically. However, to come to this conclusion from reading this book requires a fine tooth comb and a grain (or kilo) of salt.

Throughout the book Smith attempts a level of humor and what would seem to be tried cuteness that comes across rather poorly. At one point he shares a rather racist poem, although intended cutely, it took away dramatically from his credibility as an author. The purpose of sharing this poem was to correlate the sense of funny among Australian Aborigines and Native Americans. I failed to see the value. From page one to the end scene the author uses broad generalizations and sweeping indictments, these serve only to steal from his credibility and lend to an overall tone of bitterness and resentment. Although his point is good and sound, and his conclusions accurate, his presentation is poor and highly self-contradictory.

It is vital to be sensitive to the needs, history, culture and traditional values of Native Peoples. I feel strongly that discipleship, mentoring and a clear presentation of the gospel with an ultimate goal of building self sustaining Native churches is what the great commission is calling us to (and indeed what is presented in this book) without question. However, there are books available that present this method more clearly and under a much less questionable tone. I would recommend one of those be read long before this.