'GloboChrist' By Carl Raschke

"GloboChrist: The Great Commission Takes a Postmodern Turn" by Carl Raschke explores the intersection of Christianity with postmodernism, challenging traditional notions of evangelism and the Great Commission. Raschke argues that in a postmodern world, Christianity must adapt its approach to evangelism to remain relevant and effective.The Great Commission, central to Christianity, traditionally emphasizes spreading the Gospel to all nations. Raschke, however, critiques this traditional interpretation, suggesting that in the current postmodern context, a mere proclamation of the Gospel might not resonate with the diverse and complex cultures and mindsets prevalent today. He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of evangelism that acknowledges the pluralistic nature of contemporary societies.Raschke delves into the concept of "GloboChrist," a term he coins to encapsulate a globalized, postmodern Christianity. He contends that traditional evangelism often fails to address the cultural, social, and intellectual complexities of the modern world. Instead, he proposes a more adaptive, culturally sensitive approach that recognizes and engages with the diverse narratives and worldviews present in different societies.Central to Raschke's argument is the idea that the message of Christ must be contextualized to resonate with diverse cultures without losing its core essence. He emphasizes the need for a dialogical engagement with different worldviews, avoiding a one-size-fits-all evangelistic strategy. This approach encourages Christians to listen, understand, and respectfully engage with the beliefs and values of others before presenting the Gospel message.Moreover, Raschke highlights the role of power dynamics in evangelism, acknowledging that historical approaches often carried an implicit assumption of superiority. In contrast, he advocates for a more egalitarian and respectful interaction, where Christians participate in conversations as equals, fostering mutual understanding rather than imposing beliefs.Raschke's work challenges Christians to embrace a more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally aware evangelistic approach. He urges believers to move beyond rigid dogmas and doctrinal formulations, recognizing the evolving nature of societies and the need for Christianity to adapt without compromising its core principles.Additionally, Raschke critiques the consumerist mentality prevalent in some evangelical circles, cautioning against reducing faith to a marketable product. He suggests that genuine evangelism transcends marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity in sharing the Gospel.In conclusion, "GloboChrist: The Great Commission Takes a Postmodern Turn" presents a compelling argument for reevaluating traditional approaches to evangelism in light of the complexities of the postmodern world. Raschke advocates for a more culturally sensitive, dialogical, and inclusive form of evangelism that engages with diverse worldviews while maintaining the essence of the Christian message. This work challenges Christians to embrace a more adaptive and empathetic approach in fulfilling the Great Commission in contemporary society.