RETHINKING THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN MODERN MISSIOLOGY

Key ideas are presented in this paper in a suddenly, it's a different story style, intended to reflect the contemporary role of fiction in relating to missionary work. Literature and missiology for our century carries on its purpose. Using three key texts: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, the implications of whether literary narratives can engage with theological, ethical, and post-colonial challenges that today moot Christian missions are analysed. Based on literary theory, this study considers how fiction can help us to understand mission practice, offers alternative views of cultural encounters, faith and identity in the globalizing world. The contradiction and possibilities inherent in missionary work are aired as the paper contends that literature can also provide further insights into this area of human endeavour.