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The relationship between arts and mission has been a particularly troubled one. Today, many believe that Christian mission has too often dismissed, demeaned, or even destroyed local arts expressions around the world in an effort to impose the West's imperial project of "The 3 Cs"—Commerce, Christianity, and Civilization. But a new conversation is emerging that examines more closely the intersectional relationship between arts and mission when they are understood and carried out in more fruitful and healthy ways. In this introductory article to the April 2024 issue of "Transformation," five conversation areas between the arts and mission are explored: Biblical roots, creative expressions, mission history, cultural influences, and worship practices. Subsequent articles throughout this issue of the journal then illustrate the five conversations in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lutheran World Federation invested considerable time and resources in the 1990s exploring the relationship between Christian worship and culture. As a result of their research, they have put forth the assertion in "The Nairobi Statement" that worship relates dynamically to culture in at least four ways: transcultural, contextual, counter-cultural and cross-cultural. Numerous position papers and several important publications have been generated by theologians, anthropologists, and liturgists exploring these matters, but missiologists have been largely missing from the conversation. This article attempts to engage in a much needed discussion with four missiologists who analyze the four areas identified and apply a missiological lens to the conversation. More papers and publications merit additional reflections by other missiologists on this important issue in the years ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By Roberta R. King. Eugene, Ore.: Pickwick Publications, 2009. Pp. xxii, 288. Paperback $34. Roberta R. King, associate professor of communication and ethnomusicology at Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, California, has for [...]