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Use of New Testament Metaphors in Mission

Introduction Use of metaphors is an important aspect of all communication. This is significant too in mission. We live at a time when almost all religious groups are experiencing a sort of revival. The religions which did not proclaim their faith are becoming more and more ‘mission’ conscious. Christians are suspected of desiring to establish a political kingdom through the spread Christianity. The very act of leading people to Christ is labelled as the means to reviving the colonial power. This perception has led to conflicts and violence. Needless to say, therefore, that words such as ‘crusade’, ‘triumph of Christ’, ‘winning people for Christ’, and ‘building up his Kingdom’ cause strong resistance. Thus, choosing the right language in mission is essential. P Rathnaswamy, while speaking of the ‘Rules of Communication’, says that the words used in communicating with people should be clear and simple.2 Since the NT is the source of our mission theology, it is worth posing the question: does the NT contain words and concepts which we can adopt or adapt in our mission? In this paper, I survey the NT to suggest some terms that are relevant for use in mission today.