Christians have been caught between "a rock and a hard place" for too long. On the one hand, the faith of our mothers and fathers calls for evangelism-we are to go out into the world to preach and teach that the Light has come. On the other hand, much of the cultural annihilism of the 19th and 20th centuries has masqueraded as evangelism. Is it any wonder that we are squeamish about the word? Paul Dekar's new book Holy Boldness, is a welcome antidote to our learned aversions to evangelism. The book is a scholarly but accessible and meditative study of evangelistic practices. Dekar leads us from an era of evangelism as triumphalism and ethnocentrism, toward evangelism as faithful spiritual practices, enacted with the humility and life commitment exemplified by Jesus Christ and the early church. This is a remarkable book that illuminates the path toward our fulfillment of "God's transforming work."
Barbara A. Holmes J.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Ethics and African American Religious Studies
Memphis Theological Seminary
Having known Paul Dekar as professor, peacemaker, social activist, and visionary, I can attest to the way in which this book puts into print what Paul has first put into action. Holy Boldness is a book about true evangelical faith. Drawing on biblical teaching, spiritual guides, and his own considerable experience, Paul shows how humility, loving-kindness, just living, and the rhythm of the liturgical year are integral to evangelism and the mission of the Church. This book will help to transform personal devotion into public witness that cares for the poor, liberates the oppressed, and challenges the powers as it celebrates the good news of Jesus Christ.
Barry D. Morrison
Associate Professor of Homiletics and Worship
Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada
Paul R. Dekar is Professor of Evangelism and Missions at Memphis Theological Seminary. A graduate of the University of California (Berkeley), Colgate Rochester Divinity School and the University of Chicago, he has also taught at Central Michigan University, McMaster University, Acadia University, and Whitley College of the University of Melbourne.
