About Face: Rethinking Face for 21st Century Mission (American Society of Missiology Monograph)
"Chris Flanders is a missiological theologian! In About Face, he challenges us to think about atonement as Theosis: God participated in our shame that we might be glorified, enabling us to participate in His divine nature. The Western anguish over guilt, legal acquittal for sin, and personal cleansing of sins, Flanders asserts, is foreign to the Thai culture and psyche. About Face provides a contextualized atonement for Asian (particularly Thai) contexts."--Gailyn Van RheenenFacilitator of Church PlantingMission Alive"Missionaries have tended to have a negative view of 'face' as something that hinders other people from accepting the gospel. Flanders argues, correctly I think, that every society is concerned about 'face' but prioritize issues differently. This is a fresh perspective and a necessary read for those who teach and practice missiology."--Michael A. RynkiewichProfessor of Anthropology (Retired)Asbury Seminary"Reader, beware. Flanders exposes a strategic area that literally stares expat missionaries and Thai Christians in the face yet both carefully avoid. If you are seeking to understand how concepts of salvation integrate with social constructs in Thai society there is no more thorough study. About Face will challenge readers and Christian practitioners east and west to think missiologically and be changed."--Paul H. De NeuiAssociate Professor of Intercultural Studies and MissiologyNorth Park Theological Seminary"In this research--integrating history, theology, and social science--Flanders leads his readers to a deeper understanding of 'Thai face' and then examines its relevance for gospel witness and a theology of atonement . . . This book is a critical theological work for both western and non-western mission leaders and scholars, and absolutely essential for any missionary who seeks to work in a Buddhist/Confucian context."--Sherwood LingenfelterProfessor of AnthropologyFuller Theological Seminary --Wipf and Stock Publishers