000			02410nam a2200217 a 4500
003			PH-SATS
005			20250227105720.0
008			140224s19uu xx 00 eng d
040			_cSt. Andrew's Theological Seminary
050			_aTh _b.H231 2011
100	1	0	_aHarper, Anne Catherine
245	1	4	_aThe Iglesia ni Christo : _ba study of a new religious movement and exploration of culturally appropriate outreach methodologies / _cby Anne Catherine Harper.
260	0		_aPhilippines : _bAsia Graduate School of Theology, _c2011.
300			_axvi, 414 leaves; 29 cm.
502			_aDissertation (D.Miss.)-Asia Graduate School of Theology
504			_aIncludes bibliographical references (p.391-400) and index
520			_aThis dissertation examines the Iglesia ni Cristo as a largely unreached New Religious Movement numbering approximately three million members. Originating in the Philippines, the religion has spread abroad with the Filipino diaspora. the study begins with a review of the literature on New Religious Movements, and then examines the historical context from which the Iglesia ni Cristo arose and the group's remarkable growth. the Filipino cultural context is examined through its values, and the impact of those values on the worldview of the Iglesia ni Cristo is discussed. The distinctive culture of the group is examined, and missiological literature discussing outreach methodologies to closely-knit cultures is discussed. Twelve case studies of those leaving the group to embrace evangelical Christianity are presented and analyzed. These show that conversion was a process lasting several years and that non-confrontational, relational methods were effective. Analysis of the case studies also shows that particular aspects of the gospel message are more appealing than others. This insight leads to the idea that gospel presentations to members of the Iglesia ni Cristo should not necessarily begin with the divinity of Christ, but with more attractive messages such as the divinity and empowering of the Holy Spirit, salvation and freedom from sin. The final chapter of the dissertation offers suggestions for contextual relational strategies for reaching out to members of this group with focus on conversion of entire family units and social networks.
650		4	_aIglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)
942			_2ddc _cTH
999			_c13581 _d13581