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Sales approach evangelism
March 9, 2018
Based on a website, archive search the MPhil material below has been presented twice previously. But as I have stated, I do not believe in 'reinventing the wheel' and I will share archived material. However, I usually add a new perspective.
My new perspective for today is that at times the 'sales nature' of the North American evangelical church in evangelism, as in selling the gospel message (not necessarily for money), and I am not stating this is always error, tends to emphasize the positive nature of the gospel.
This sales approach is often error in regard to prosperity gospel approaches, and in some charismatic movements, as examples, when Scripture, and Scripture as a whole, is not taken in context.
In regard to theodicy and the problem of evil, my British theses research, the problem of evil is often not taken seriously enough in the evangelical church. Human suffering is not taken seriously enough by evangelical church sales approach evangelism which emphasizes the positive at the expense of the negative.
Of course, I do not favour an overly negative approach to sharing the gospel either.
From my MPhil
Carson noted the tendency within western Christianity to emphasize the positive in Scripture rather than the negative. I, myself, have encountered this in the Evangelical Churches I have attended. As Carson suggests, there is often a tendency to desire to teach the nice stories in Scripture in order to build up the congregation, and be attractive to non-Christians in order to bring in new attendees. I am sympathetic to creating a positive Church environment. For some people it is a safe haven from an outside world of sin and negativity; however, I conclude that Scripture must be preached in balance, and good people do suffer in Scripture.
CARSON, D.A. (1990) How Long, O Lord?, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.
MPhil, Bangor University, 2003: The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives
PhD, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, 2010: Theodicy and Practical Theology
