Journal of Greco-Roman Christianity and Judaism, 2023
This article is a comparative study of the growth of Greco-Roman associations and early Christian... more This article is a comparative study of the growth of Greco-Roman associations and early Christianity as recorded in the book of Acts. The first section presents evidence for associations as the primary model for early Christianity. The second section surveys epigraphic and archaeological evidence for the expansion of ancient associations. This results in five common factors of growth, which are then applied to the book of Acts. The crucial role of social networks, influential converts, patronage, the marginalized, and divine guidance in the growth of Greco-Roman associations is also reflected in Acts’ account of early Christian expansion.
Why the first expositors of Revelation arrived at a positive interpretation of the first horseman... more Why the first expositors of Revelation arrived at a positive interpretation of the first horseman is not difficult to understand. The fact that the only other rider on a white horse in John's Apocalypse is in 19:11-21 led Irenaeus (Haer. 4.21.3) to equate the two.* 1 Indeed, there are four shared phrases between 6:2 and 19:11.2 Victorinus, author of the first commentary on Revelation, interpreted the first seal more symbolically as "the word of preaching with the Holy Spirit sent into the world."3 His interpretation is based on the parallel between Rev 6 and the Olivet Discourse, linking the first horseman to the global proclamation of the gospel (Matt 24:14).4 Virtually every other interpreter of Revelation until the time of the Reformation shared the same positive interpretation, as Considine writes, "The rider on the white horse in 6:2 is either Christ himself or the victorious course of the Gospels."5 Despite the striking similarities between Rev 6:2 and 19:11, several differences have led many modem exegetes to reject the classic interpretation. For example, the rider 1) has a bow, 2) wears a single Stephanos crown, and 3) is anonymous while Christ 1) has a sword, 2) wears many 8ux8f)paTa (v. 12), and 3) receives several epithets (w. 11, 12, 16).6 Although he espouses the classic interpretation, Herzer * My thanks go to Dr. Craig S. Keener, my Revelation teacher, for reading this paper and providing his expertise, most of which I have tried to incorporate. 1 By contrast, Tertullian (Cor. 15.1) refers to the first horseman as an angel. 2 Rev 6:2a Rev 19:11a Kai cidov Kai sïôov tôv oupavov r|VEcaypévov, Kai î(5oi) unroç Xeukôç, Kai idoi) uuroç àsukoç Kai ô Ka0f||4£vo<g £7i' aùxôv Kai ô Ka0f||j£voç £7i' aïrcôv Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in English come from the ESV, in Hebrew from the BHS, in Greek from the NA28 and the LXX. 3 Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John (ANF 7:350). 4 Cf. the table provided in R. H. Charles, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the
We have heard the spellbinding stories of missionaries in China-currently on track to become the ... more We have heard the spellbinding stories of missionaries in China-currently on track to become the world's largest Christian nation-but what about the contribution of Chinese Christians to the development of their own church? This is the focus of Shaping Christianity in Greater China, a collection of 17 essays which provide a diverse portrait of the development of the indigenous Chinese church. The book emerged from a conference marking the 150 th anniversary of the OMF (previously China Inland Mission) on the contributions of indigenous Christians in China. The authors are representative of this book's variety: both Chinese and non-Chinese experts and educators from around the world as well as a variety of faith traditions (Anglican, Baptist, Charismatic, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, etc.). Their task is not easy given the inadequate, historical information on native Chinese Christians, in contrast to the archives of western missionaries to China. Nevertheless, editor Paul Woods succeeds in providing a captivating snapshot of the multi-faceted, lesser-known story of the Christian faith in China. Shaping Christianity in Greater China covers a time period of almost 400 years, from the Fujian literati's Christian poetry in the 16 th century to the role of a Christian NGO in the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Pains are also taken to represent the body of Christ throughout the vast, geographical region of China, from the church in northern Shanxi during the Boxer Rebellion to the development of an indigenous church amongst the Lysu in the south; from portraits of great, native church leaders in Hong Kong and Taiwan to Dr. Kao's medical church-planting ministry in the western Gansu province. Further, an impressive array of subjects is discussed, including Catholic and Protestant Bible translation, the contribution of Chinese, Christian women, Chinese theology in contrast with western theology, Christianity's role in Chinese education, the Taiwanese self-determination movement, and more. The paradoxical relationship between the indigenous church and the West is often discussed, as Chinese Christians were both thankful for the western missionaries as well as critical of their methods and their government's policies. Several authors demonstrate how the anti-foreign sentiment ironically furthered the indigenization of Christianity in China. Shaping Christianity in Greater China is not, nor does it claim to be, a definitive history of the indigenous, Chinese church. It should be viewed rather as a conversation-starter, an invitation to further research the remarkable contribution of native Chinese to the development of their own church. The attempt to cover such a vast array of content keeps this book from treating any one subject in depth. Naturally, some articles are more well-written and valuable than others, the first chapter being irrelevant and the final chapters on contemporary history having the advantage of a larger research body. In conclusion, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of Christianity in China and the people of China's role in that fascinating story which continues today.
The article deals with the history of evangelicalism in Austria, a subject on which there is hard... more The article deals with the history of evangelicalism in Austria, a subject on which there is hardly any scholarly research. In focus is the development of the newly recognized baptist, charismatic, mainline evangelical, mennonite and pentecostal denominations since 1945. The role of immigration in the growth of evangelicalism is examined, especially during two periods: the decade after WWII (1945-55) as well as the massive immigration from Eastern Europe (particularly from Romania) after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. The article also presents examples of indigenous church movements among the Austrian people themselves, especially during the 1970's and 1980's. Although the story of its growth is remarkable, less than 0.3% of the population are members of evangelical churches. Conclusions are made as to how Austria's evangelicals can learn from their past in order to more effectively shape their future.
Journal of Greco-Roman Christianity and Judaism, 2023
This article is a comparative study of the growth of Greco-Roman associations and early Christian... more This article is a comparative study of the growth of Greco-Roman associations and early Christianity as recorded in the book of Acts. The first section presents evidence for associations as the primary model for early Christianity. The second section surveys epigraphic and archaeological evidence for the expansion of ancient associations. This results in five common factors of growth, which are then applied to the book of Acts. The crucial role of social networks, influential converts, patronage, the marginalized, and divine guidance in the growth of Greco-Roman associations is also reflected in Acts’ account of early Christian expansion.
Why the first expositors of Revelation arrived at a positive interpretation of the first horseman... more Why the first expositors of Revelation arrived at a positive interpretation of the first horseman is not difficult to understand. The fact that the only other rider on a white horse in John's Apocalypse is in 19:11-21 led Irenaeus (Haer. 4.21.3) to equate the two.* 1 Indeed, there are four shared phrases between 6:2 and 19:11.2 Victorinus, author of the first commentary on Revelation, interpreted the first seal more symbolically as "the word of preaching with the Holy Spirit sent into the world."3 His interpretation is based on the parallel between Rev 6 and the Olivet Discourse, linking the first horseman to the global proclamation of the gospel (Matt 24:14).4 Virtually every other interpreter of Revelation until the time of the Reformation shared the same positive interpretation, as Considine writes, "The rider on the white horse in 6:2 is either Christ himself or the victorious course of the Gospels."5 Despite the striking similarities between Rev 6:2 and 19:11, several differences have led many modem exegetes to reject the classic interpretation. For example, the rider 1) has a bow, 2) wears a single Stephanos crown, and 3) is anonymous while Christ 1) has a sword, 2) wears many 8ux8f)paTa (v. 12), and 3) receives several epithets (w. 11, 12, 16).6 Although he espouses the classic interpretation, Herzer * My thanks go to Dr. Craig S. Keener, my Revelation teacher, for reading this paper and providing his expertise, most of which I have tried to incorporate. 1 By contrast, Tertullian (Cor. 15.1) refers to the first horseman as an angel. 2 Rev 6:2a Rev 19:11a Kai cidov Kai sïôov tôv oupavov r|VEcaypévov, Kai î(5oi) unroç Xeukôç, Kai idoi) uuroç àsukoç Kai ô Ka0f||4£vo<g £7i' aùxôv Kai ô Ka0f||j£voç £7i' aïrcôv Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in English come from the ESV, in Hebrew from the BHS, in Greek from the NA28 and the LXX. 3 Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John (ANF 7:350). 4 Cf. the table provided in R. H. Charles, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the
We have heard the spellbinding stories of missionaries in China-currently on track to become the ... more We have heard the spellbinding stories of missionaries in China-currently on track to become the world's largest Christian nation-but what about the contribution of Chinese Christians to the development of their own church? This is the focus of Shaping Christianity in Greater China, a collection of 17 essays which provide a diverse portrait of the development of the indigenous Chinese church. The book emerged from a conference marking the 150 th anniversary of the OMF (previously China Inland Mission) on the contributions of indigenous Christians in China. The authors are representative of this book's variety: both Chinese and non-Chinese experts and educators from around the world as well as a variety of faith traditions (Anglican, Baptist, Charismatic, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, etc.). Their task is not easy given the inadequate, historical information on native Chinese Christians, in contrast to the archives of western missionaries to China. Nevertheless, editor Paul Woods succeeds in providing a captivating snapshot of the multi-faceted, lesser-known story of the Christian faith in China. Shaping Christianity in Greater China covers a time period of almost 400 years, from the Fujian literati's Christian poetry in the 16 th century to the role of a Christian NGO in the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Pains are also taken to represent the body of Christ throughout the vast, geographical region of China, from the church in northern Shanxi during the Boxer Rebellion to the development of an indigenous church amongst the Lysu in the south; from portraits of great, native church leaders in Hong Kong and Taiwan to Dr. Kao's medical church-planting ministry in the western Gansu province. Further, an impressive array of subjects is discussed, including Catholic and Protestant Bible translation, the contribution of Chinese, Christian women, Chinese theology in contrast with western theology, Christianity's role in Chinese education, the Taiwanese self-determination movement, and more. The paradoxical relationship between the indigenous church and the West is often discussed, as Chinese Christians were both thankful for the western missionaries as well as critical of their methods and their government's policies. Several authors demonstrate how the anti-foreign sentiment ironically furthered the indigenization of Christianity in China. Shaping Christianity in Greater China is not, nor does it claim to be, a definitive history of the indigenous, Chinese church. It should be viewed rather as a conversation-starter, an invitation to further research the remarkable contribution of native Chinese to the development of their own church. The attempt to cover such a vast array of content keeps this book from treating any one subject in depth. Naturally, some articles are more well-written and valuable than others, the first chapter being irrelevant and the final chapters on contemporary history having the advantage of a larger research body. In conclusion, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of Christianity in China and the people of China's role in that fascinating story which continues today.
The article deals with the history of evangelicalism in Austria, a subject on which there is hard... more The article deals with the history of evangelicalism in Austria, a subject on which there is hardly any scholarly research. In focus is the development of the newly recognized baptist, charismatic, mainline evangelical, mennonite and pentecostal denominations since 1945. The role of immigration in the growth of evangelicalism is examined, especially during two periods: the decade after WWII (1945-55) as well as the massive immigration from Eastern Europe (particularly from Romania) after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. The article also presents examples of indigenous church movements among the Austrian people themselves, especially during the 1970's and 1980's. Although the story of its growth is remarkable, less than 0.3% of the population are members of evangelical churches. Conclusions are made as to how Austria's evangelicals can learn from their past in order to more effectively shape their future.
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Papers by John D . Doss