Christian mission in Myanmar faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities in relation to Buddhism and Nat worship systems. With syncretistic beliefs diluting the theology of Christian mission, confidently engaging with the culture and embedded nature of spirit worship is more critical now than ever.
Through extensive historical library research and in-depth interviews, tracing previous missionary efforts and their outcomes, Dr. J. Pau D. Lian presents a case for the mission of God that is rooted in a Trinitarian framework, detailing its necessity in responding to syncretistic arguments. He addresses misconceptions and responds to contemporary attempts to reconcile indigenous culture and faith by providing factual information about both Christianity and Buddhist Nat worship. Revealing its incongruent nature to the theology of Christian mission, Lian demonstrates that Trinitarian missio Dei rooted in the word of God is key to responding to syncretistic Christians in Myanmar. Those ministering in countries with spirit worship practices, particularly to Nat believers in Myanmar, will find the clear goals for mission work and proposed methods for outreach and evangelism in this work invaluable.
