An Analysis of John Stott's Understanding of the Theological Relationship between Evangelism and Social Responsibility
Abstract
ABSTRACT
AN ANALYSIS OF JOHN STOTT'S UNDERSTANDING
OF THE THEOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
EVANGELISM AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Christopher Clayton Hefner, Ph.D.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2013
Chair: Dr. Timothy K. Beougher
This dissertation analyzes John R. W. Stott's understanding of the theological relationship between evangelism and social responsibility.
Chapter 1 defines important terms and states the case for researching John Stott's views on the subject.
Chapter 2 presents a biographical sketch of John Stott's life, giving particular attention to his theological and social contexts which shaped his views on the tension between evangelism and social responsibility.
Chapter 3 explores Stott's views on evangelism and social responsibility from the perspective of his pastoral ministry. Stott's role as rector at All Souls, Langham Place in London provided the ministry framework for Stott's practice and theology of evangelism. Furthermore, while in his role as pastor, Stott's views on social responsibility began to shift.
Chapter 4 examines Stott's international ministry within the Lausanne movement and his books that address the topic of evangelism and social responsibility. This stage of Stott's ministry was the primary arena where he adapted and implemented his understanding of the partnership between evangelism and social responsibility.
Chapter 5 recognizes Stott's broad influence on this topic among evangelical thinkers and surveys consequences related to the topic that developed as a result of Stott's position.
Chapter 6 analyzes Stott's understanding of evangelism and social responsibility theologically, exegetically, and practically. This chapter evaluates Stott's position exegetically, theologically, and practically and encapsulates the strengths and weaknesses of his position.
Chapter 7 concludes the dissertation by offering a discussion of discipleship as the proper place of social responsibility in the Christian life. As a final means of analysis, implications raised by Stott's understanding are presented and explored in light of greater evangelicalism.