Christian Martyrdom: A Brief History with Reflections for Today. Eugene: Cascade, 2020.
Twenty-first-century Christians in the West crave comfort, affluence, freedom from pain, and even power. However, the story of global Christianity—from Christ, the early church, right up to the present day—has been shaped by suffering and even martyrdom. In this short book Edward Smither explores martyrdom both biblically and historically. He defends three claims: in martyrdom we verbally bear witness to Christ, we raise a prophetic voice, and we worship. Christians today, argues Smither, especially those in the West, should welcome suffering and martyrdom as a normal part of the Christian life.
“Many Western Christians do not know that we live in an age of widespread Christian martyrdom. There is also confusion about what martyrdom is. Theologians and sociologists of religion often use notably different definitions. In this situation, Edward Smither has done us a very valuable service by providing a simple and short, but comprehensive, clear, and balanced overview of the nature and history of Christian martyrdom.” --Paul Marshall, Baylor University
Twenty-first-century Christians in the West crave comfort, affluence, freedom from pain, and even power. However, the story of global Christianity—from Christ, the early church, right up to the present day—has been shaped by suffering and even martyrdom. In this short book Edward Smither explores martyrdom both biblically and historically. He defends three claims: in martyrdom we verbally bear witness to Christ, we raise a prophetic voice, and we worship. Christians today, argues Smither, especially those in the West, should welcome suffering and martyrdom as a normal part of the Christian life.
“Many Western Christians do not know that we live in an age of widespread Christian martyrdom. There is also confusion about what martyrdom is. Theologians and sociologists of religion often use notably different definitions. In this situation, Edward Smither has done us a very valuable service by providing a simple and short, but comprehensive, clear, and balanced overview of the nature and history of Christian martyrdom.” --Paul Marshall, Baylor University
Christian Mission: A Concise Global History. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2019.
From the beginning, God’s mission has been carried out by people sent around the world. From Abraham to Jesus, the thread that weaves its way throughout Scripture is a God who sends his people across the world, proclaiming his kingdom. As the world has evolved, Christian mission continues to be a foundational tradition in the church. In this one-volume textbook, Edward Smither weaves together a comprehensive history of Christian mission, from the apostles to the modern church. In each era, he focuses on the people sent by God to the ends of the earth, while also describing the cultural context they encountered. Smither highlights the continuity and development across thousands of years of global mission.
"Ed Smither brings to us—in his own inimitable way—a concise and balanced history of Christian missions. He offers concision with balance—and it reads well. It is far from boring! This reads like the best of Kenneth Scott Latourette’s A History of the Expansion of Christianity and Philip Jenkins’ The Lost History of Christianity. Smither is a messenger of the Good News to remember all that God has done in the past, which gives us confidence for the present and hope for the future."--Allen Yeh, Biola University.
From the beginning, God’s mission has been carried out by people sent around the world. From Abraham to Jesus, the thread that weaves its way throughout Scripture is a God who sends his people across the world, proclaiming his kingdom. As the world has evolved, Christian mission continues to be a foundational tradition in the church. In this one-volume textbook, Edward Smither weaves together a comprehensive history of Christian mission, from the apostles to the modern church. In each era, he focuses on the people sent by God to the ends of the earth, while also describing the cultural context they encountered. Smither highlights the continuity and development across thousands of years of global mission.
"Ed Smither brings to us—in his own inimitable way—a concise and balanced history of Christian missions. He offers concision with balance—and it reads well. It is far from boring! This reads like the best of Kenneth Scott Latourette’s A History of the Expansion of Christianity and Philip Jenkins’ The Lost History of Christianity. Smither is a messenger of the Good News to remember all that God has done in the past, which gives us confidence for the present and hope for the future."--Allen Yeh, Biola University.
Missionary Monks: An Introduction to the History and Theology of Missionary Monasticism. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2016.
Missionaries go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, while monks live cloistered in a monastery and focus their lives on prayer and studying Scripture--correct? Not exactly. When we study the history of Christian mission, especially from around 500 to 1500 CE, the key missionaries that we constantly encounter are monks. In fact, if we don't have monks in this period then we have very little in the way of Christian mission. Our aim in this book is to examine the phenomenon of missionary monks--those who pursued both a monastic and missionary calling. We will meet the monks and monastic orders, narrate their journeys in mission, and evaluate their approaches to and thoughts about mission.
"In Missionary Monks, Edward L. Smither has taken the Protestant Reformation lid off a treasure trove of God's intriguing missional history and theology with scholarly authority and rich prose that enlightens contemporary adventures in the expansion of Christ's kingdom." --Robert L. Gallagher, Chair and Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
Missionaries go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, while monks live cloistered in a monastery and focus their lives on prayer and studying Scripture--correct? Not exactly. When we study the history of Christian mission, especially from around 500 to 1500 CE, the key missionaries that we constantly encounter are monks. In fact, if we don't have monks in this period then we have very little in the way of Christian mission. Our aim in this book is to examine the phenomenon of missionary monks--those who pursued both a monastic and missionary calling. We will meet the monks and monastic orders, narrate their journeys in mission, and evaluate their approaches to and thoughts about mission.
"In Missionary Monks, Edward L. Smither has taken the Protestant Reformation lid off a treasure trove of God's intriguing missional history and theology with scholarly authority and rich prose that enlightens contemporary adventures in the expansion of Christ's kingdom." --Robert L. Gallagher, Chair and Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
Controversies in Mission: Theology, People, and Practice of Mission in the 21st Century. Pasadena: William Carey Library, 2016.
Crossing social, cultural, and religious barriers and making disciples of all nations has probably never been without some level of controversy. This book is an attempt to hit the pause button on this rapid-paced world and to refllect on how we do mission, especially in light of the new layers of complexity that globalization brings. While the contributors engage in new aspects of mission and cultural encounter unique to the twenty-first century, the underlying issues of each chapter are age-old topics that have reared their heads at various times throughout history: priorities in mission, power struggles, perspectives on cultural others, and contextualization. With that in mind, our aims are twofold: (1) to carefully consider issues causing tension and contention within current mission thought, practice and strategy and then (2) to engage in serious but charitable dialogue for the sake of God’s mission and the salvation of all peoples.
Crossing social, cultural, and religious barriers and making disciples of all nations has probably never been without some level of controversy. This book is an attempt to hit the pause button on this rapid-paced world and to refllect on how we do mission, especially in light of the new layers of complexity that globalization brings. While the contributors engage in new aspects of mission and cultural encounter unique to the twenty-first century, the underlying issues of each chapter are age-old topics that have reared their heads at various times throughout history: priorities in mission, power struggles, perspectives on cultural others, and contextualization. With that in mind, our aims are twofold: (1) to carefully consider issues causing tension and contention within current mission thought, practice and strategy and then (2) to engage in serious but charitable dialogue for the sake of God’s mission and the salvation of all peoples.
Mission in the Early Church: Themes and Reflections. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2014.
How did Christian missions happen in the early church from AD 100 to 750? Beginning with a brief look at the social, political, cultural, and religious contexts, Mission in the Early Church tells the story of early Christian missionaries, their methods, and their missiology. This book explores some of the most prominent themes of mission in early Christianity, including suffering, evangelism, Bible translation, contextualization, ministry in Word and deed, and the church. Based on this survey, modern readers are invited to a conversation that considers how early Christian mission might inform global mission thought and practice today.
“Smither in Mission in the Early Church has filled an important gap in historical mission studies by surveying the vibrant mission practice of the early church. Smither’s insights into the way the whole church was mobilized for mission has profound implications for us today. The sheer variety of how this mighty stream of lay witnesses bore witness to Christ is nothing short of breathtaking! It’s an enjoyable and informative journey—I recommend it.”
—Timothy C. Tennent, Professor of World Christianity, Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky
How did Christian missions happen in the early church from AD 100 to 750? Beginning with a brief look at the social, political, cultural, and religious contexts, Mission in the Early Church tells the story of early Christian missionaries, their methods, and their missiology. This book explores some of the most prominent themes of mission in early Christianity, including suffering, evangelism, Bible translation, contextualization, ministry in Word and deed, and the church. Based on this survey, modern readers are invited to a conversation that considers how early Christian mission might inform global mission thought and practice today.
“Smither in Mission in the Early Church has filled an important gap in historical mission studies by surveying the vibrant mission practice of the early church. Smither’s insights into the way the whole church was mobilized for mission has profound implications for us today. The sheer variety of how this mighty stream of lay witnesses bore witness to Christ is nothing short of breathtaking! It’s an enjoyable and informative journey—I recommend it.”
—Timothy C. Tennent, Professor of World Christianity, Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky
Rethinking Constantine: History, Theology, Legacy. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2014.
What happens to the church when the emperor becomes a Christian? Seventeen hundred years after Constantine's victory at Milvian Bridge, scholars and students of history continue to debate the life and impact of the Roman emperor who converted to faith in the Christian God and gave peace to the church. This book joins that conversation and examines afresh the historical sources that inform our picture of Constantine, the theological developments that occurred in the wake of his rise to power, and aspects of Constantine's legacy that have shaped church history.
"If we are going to assess Constantinianism rightly, we have to get Constantine right. The contributors go a long way toward accomplishing this task. In place of the caricatured Constantine of popular fiction and theology, this collection of essays presents a living, breathing Constantine, flawed and failing, but a genuine believer struggling to use his power in a way that would please the 'Supreme God' who had chosen him." —Peter Leithart, New Saint Andrews College
What happens to the church when the emperor becomes a Christian? Seventeen hundred years after Constantine's victory at Milvian Bridge, scholars and students of history continue to debate the life and impact of the Roman emperor who converted to faith in the Christian God and gave peace to the church. This book joins that conversation and examines afresh the historical sources that inform our picture of Constantine, the theological developments that occurred in the wake of his rise to power, and aspects of Constantine's legacy that have shaped church history.
"If we are going to assess Constantinianism rightly, we have to get Constantine right. The contributors go a long way toward accomplishing this task. In place of the caricatured Constantine of popular fiction and theology, this collection of essays presents a living, breathing Constantine, flawed and failing, but a genuine believer struggling to use his power in a way that would please the 'Supreme God' who had chosen him." —Peter Leithart, New Saint Andrews College
Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World: History, Culture, Practice, and Theology. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2012.
"From a mission field to a missions sender." These words capture the story of the Brazilian evangelical church, which has gone from receiving missionaries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to becoming a movement that presently sends out more global laborers than the churches of England or Canada do. After narrating Brazil's missional shift, in this volume Smither addresses one fascinating element of the story—Brazilian evangelical efforts in the Arab world. How have Brazilians adapted culturally among Arabs, how have they approached ministry, and how have they cultivated a theology of mission in the process? This work gives the reader insights from one emerging missions movement with an eye toward a more comprehensive view of the global church.
"Once a mission field, Brazil has become a mission force. Once a mission force, the Arab world has become a mission field. In this book, Smither narrates this compelling story of Brazilian missions in the Arab world based on well-documented facts, extensive research, and first-hand experience." —Luis Bush
"From a mission field to a missions sender." These words capture the story of the Brazilian evangelical church, which has gone from receiving missionaries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to becoming a movement that presently sends out more global laborers than the churches of England or Canada do. After narrating Brazil's missional shift, in this volume Smither addresses one fascinating element of the story—Brazilian evangelical efforts in the Arab world. How have Brazilians adapted culturally among Arabs, how have they approached ministry, and how have they cultivated a theology of mission in the process? This work gives the reader insights from one emerging missions movement with an eye toward a more comprehensive view of the global church.
"Once a mission field, Brazil has become a mission force. Once a mission force, the Arab world has become a mission field. In this book, Smither narrates this compelling story of Brazilian missions in the Arab world based on well-documented facts, extensive research, and first-hand experience." —Luis Bush
(translator) Early Christianity in North Africa. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2009.
Along with the churches located in large Greek cities of the East, the church of Carthage was particularly significant in the early centuries of Christian history. Initially, the Carthaginian church became known for its martyrs. Later, the North African church became further established and unified through the regular councils of its bishops. Finally, the church gained a reputation for its outstanding leaders-Tertullian of Carthage (c. 140-220), Cyprian of Carthage (195-258), and Augustine of Hippo (354-430)-African leaders who continued to be celebrated and remembered today.
"Decret and Smither have recognized our dependence on [North African] theologians and given us a thorough and well-presented introduction to that theology. They not only take the reader into that oft-ignored area, but they show why it is so important to appreciate that period." --Thomas O'Loughlin, University of Wales Lampeter.
Along with the churches located in large Greek cities of the East, the church of Carthage was particularly significant in the early centuries of Christian history. Initially, the Carthaginian church became known for its martyrs. Later, the North African church became further established and unified through the regular councils of its bishops. Finally, the church gained a reputation for its outstanding leaders-Tertullian of Carthage (c. 140-220), Cyprian of Carthage (195-258), and Augustine of Hippo (354-430)-African leaders who continued to be celebrated and remembered today.
"Decret and Smither have recognized our dependence on [North African] theologians and given us a thorough and well-presented introduction to that theology. They not only take the reader into that oft-ignored area, but they show why it is so important to appreciate that period." --Thomas O'Loughlin, University of Wales Lampeter.
Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2008.
Lauded for his thoughts, Augustine of Hippo (354-430) has influenced virtually every philosopher of the last fifteen hundred years. But his personal character and ministry are even more remarkable, for in a time when most monastery dwellers sought solitude, Augustine was always in the company of friends, visiting disciples and writing mentoring letters to those he knew. Augustine as Mentor is written for modern day pastors and spiritual leaders who want to mentor and equip other evangelical Christians based on proven principles in matters of the heart like integrity, humility, faithfulness, personal holiness, spiritual hunger, and service to others. Author Ed Smither explains, “Augustine has something to offer modern ministers pursuing authenticity and longing to ‘preach what they practice.’ Through his thought, practice, success, and even failures, my hope is that today’s mentors will find hope, inspiration, and practical suggestions for how to mentor an emerging generation of spiritual leaders."
Also available in Portuguese: Agostino como mentor. Sao Paulo (Brazil): Editora Hagnos, 2012.
Lauded for his thoughts, Augustine of Hippo (354-430) has influenced virtually every philosopher of the last fifteen hundred years. But his personal character and ministry are even more remarkable, for in a time when most monastery dwellers sought solitude, Augustine was always in the company of friends, visiting disciples and writing mentoring letters to those he knew. Augustine as Mentor is written for modern day pastors and spiritual leaders who want to mentor and equip other evangelical Christians based on proven principles in matters of the heart like integrity, humility, faithfulness, personal holiness, spiritual hunger, and service to others. Author Ed Smither explains, “Augustine has something to offer modern ministers pursuing authenticity and longing to ‘preach what they practice.’ Through his thought, practice, success, and even failures, my hope is that today’s mentors will find hope, inspiration, and practical suggestions for how to mentor an emerging generation of spiritual leaders."
Also available in Portuguese: Agostino como mentor. Sao Paulo (Brazil): Editora Hagnos, 2012.
