Van Rheenen has thoroughly researched the missiological writings about animism, but he has also experienced it on the field--both in Africa and in North America. He tactfully avoids the "demons and dragons" drama of Frank Peretti's fiction while providing readers with enough real-life anecdotes to take his discussion out of the classroom. He is especially good at helping us to realize that, if we don't live in a way which assumes the existence of the supernatural (God and angels, Satan and demons), then we are practicing logical positivists, if not atheists. The Bible demands their existence, and we cannot claim to follow the Bible if we ignore the reality of the supernatural in our world.

Van Rheenen helps readers to recognize the common threads in the various animisms around the world: witchcraft, voodoo, Asian ancestor worship, folk Islam, shamanism, etc. Then, by identifying Satan's strategies in these, he helps Christians to develop biblical strate! gies to resist their enemy.

While some of Van Rheenen's discussion may fly over the head of the average reader, most of it is a fine, balanced blend of scholarly study and real-life experience and advice.

Perhaps more Christians would buy this excellent book if it read less like a doctoral dissertation.

Most students will admit that they often do not read an entire textbook. They will read some parts, skim others and even skip some entirely. This is natural. And it definitely applies to me. However, I read every word of Van Rheenen's "Missions." I was captivated from beginning to end with both the clear writing and the powerful stories. And all this from a text I was required to read!

"Missions" served as the main text for an introductory missions course I just completed. Just recently sensing that God was calling me to the mission field, I needed a comprehensive overview of this new terrain I was exploring. This book provided that and more. In 11 chapters, it addresses the mission of God, motives of missionaries, cross-cultural communication, the role of strategy, the church maturation process, site selection, and other important issues. Not only did reading this book stimulate my head, it also pulled at my heart. "Missions" taught me so much, yet also gave me a glimpse of how much more I still need to learn.