Tolerant Evangelism
The abstract from an article in the latest issue of Dutch Crossing: A Journal of Low Countries, Volume 28, numbers 1/2 (Summer/Winter 2004), published by the Association for Low Countires Studies in Great Britain and Ireland:
Edward Dutton, “Tolerant Evangelism. A Student Evangelical Group in a ‘Tolerant’ Culture,” p. 67
This paper examines the nature of evangelism amongst an evangelical group at a Dutch university and compares it to a similar group at a British university. In assessing the differences the paper submits that, to a great extent, an explanation can be found in the centrality of ‘Tolerance’ to Dutch cultural life which it suggests leads to an emphasis on Witness Evangelism. The paper examines the history and beliefs of both groups as well as explaining the fieldwork method employed. It explores tolerance in Holland, drawing upon the views of various cultural commentators as well as the views of Dutch evangelical students on this issue. It then examines differences between the two groups with regard to group activity, evangelical activity and the expression of religious and ethical opinions. It is suggested that the desire to be perceived as being tolerant in Holland, and its consequences, are significant in explaining the differences found.
Edward Dutton, “Tolerant Evangelism. A Student Evangelical Group in a ‘Tolerant’ Culture,” p. 67
This paper examines the nature of evangelism amongst an evangelical group at a Dutch university and compares it to a similar group at a British university. In assessing the differences the paper submits that, to a great extent, an explanation can be found in the centrality of ‘Tolerance’ to Dutch cultural life which it suggests leads to an emphasis on Witness Evangelism. The paper examines the history and beliefs of both groups as well as explaining the fieldwork method employed. It explores tolerance in Holland, drawing upon the views of various cultural commentators as well as the views of Dutch evangelical students on this issue. It then examines differences between the two groups with regard to group activity, evangelical activity and the expression of religious and ethical opinions. It is suggested that the desire to be perceived as being tolerant in Holland, and its consequences, are significant in explaining the differences found.
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