Frieder Ludwig
Associate Professor of Mission & World Christianity
Director Global Mission Institute
Frieder Ludwig stresses that the most significant growth in Christianity today is occurring in the Southern Hemisphere. "In Africa, Asia and Latin America, Christianity is developing in different cultures in different ways," he says.
Ludwig points out that this is nothing new. "In the Bible mission takes place in different contexts and with different emphases," he says. "Paul emphasizes strategic centers, Matthew emphasizes teaching, Luke emphasizes the poor and the Book of Acts emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit. There has been a variety of experiences right from the beginning."
A native of Germany, Ludwig has doctorates in history and theology from Heidelberg University. He has done extensive research on the church and mission in Tanzania, Nigeria and India. While in Nigeria, he began research on Christian-Muslim relations.
"We can learn a lot from Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists. But at the same time, as Christians, we have something to share: the message of reconciliation in Jesus Christ," Ludwig says. In this way, mission and dialogue go hand in hand.
"Mission has historically been burdened with the legacy of colonialism. Today we realize that it has to be free from all hegemonic tendencies," he says. In this regard, Ludwig likes to refer to Martin Luther's sermon on Acts 17-16-32 from 1522, in which Luther stressed that faith must come freely without compulsion. Luther simply taught, preached and wrote God's Word, and then he trusted in the work of the Spirit. He could wait and sleep or drink Wittenberg beer with his friends.
Mission is God's mission, and we are invited to participate in it. This recognition means, according to Ludwig, that we also can relax and do not have to anticipate the judgment of God. Our role is instead to accept others, while proclaiming what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. "Mission is not to intrude, but to invite," Ludwig says.
Frieder Ludwig Biography
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"We can learn a lot from Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists. But at the same time, as Christians, we have something to share: the message of reconciliation in Jesus Christ."
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