Christianity Rediscovered

A documentary of one man's experience as a missionary to the Masai of East Africa, but much more. Challenges long-held views on both the purpose and the method of missions while maintaining an unwavering committment to the gospel. Quotation: "Dear Bishop, ...Suddenly I feel the urgent need to cast aside all theories and discussions, all efforts at strategy--and simply go to these people and do the work among them for which I came to Africa. ...just go and talk to them about God and the Christian message. Outside of this, I have no theory, no plan, no strategy, no gimmick, no idea of what will come. I feel rather naked. I will begin as soon as possible...."

In a pluralistic age where Christians are seeking to re-discover a solid sense of the gospel, Donovan's book challenges our assumptions, our modern ideologies and our pride and takes us back to a very simple yet profound understanding of the living Way, Jesus. As a missionary who has helped to redefine missions, Donovan invites the African church to tutor himself and all of us as well on this journey of discovery. This is helpful reading for anyone, Catholic or Protestant, or a curious seeker who'd like to discover more about God moving within world culture than as a set of rigid doctrines.

I heard a sermon by Father Donovan in Brevard NC a few years ago and was so inspired that I spoke to him afterwards and asked him if he had written a book...he told me about this one. This book has and continues to answer questions I have about the Christian faith. Father Donovan is a remarkable person with great insight and compassion. I would recommend this book to ANYONE who has doubts about the Christian faith and where they fit in...there is room for everyone.

This book presents a thoughtful and refreshing response to the question, "What is the nature of mission work?" Donovan made a point to strip the Gospel of its "cultural accretions from the West", and so present the Masai with a Christ free to be the God of all tribes and nations, as He was really meant to be. Donovan's mission to the Masai paints a beautiful and awe-inspiring picture of our Lord, and of the church that is His body. As an American, my picture of the Body of Christ is often, and unfortunately, very American. Ethnocentrism is a fault that all Christians must address and overcome, and this book richly illustrates one man's struggle to find and share the essence of our Faith, beneath and beyond all colours and cultures. His journey is remarkable in its depth, outstanding in its experience of the One, True God. This is inspiring and informative reading, poetically analytical, and spiritually enlightening. I strongly recommend it to a! ny Christian appreciative of the diversity of the Body, interested in the proclamation of the Good News to pagan peoples, or desiring a new understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of God.

Donovan's Christianity Rediscovered is a hallmark book all Christians should have. The real experience the missionary Donovan had while working with the Masai tribe in East Africa tells of how God acts in the world and why there is still an importance to spread the Gospel, and continue Christ's Great Commission. The book is not for the person wanting to remain prejudiced or enclosed in their own Christianity; for Christianity is universal, and God is the God of all Nations. The book is an answer to postmodern pluralism if there ever was one, and an easy, beautiful read. I recommend it to all persons, and I think it is mandatory for all Christians of all walks.