"Contextualization of North American Theology." In Theology in the Americas, ed. by Sergio Torres and John Eagleson, 433-36. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1976.
Annotation: The future of North American theology concerns many people today, especially those who are preoccupied with the concepts of pluralism and the contextualization of theology. We hear about Latin American, African, and Asian theologies. What we call Western theology has been largely, if not exclusively, a European theology. This seems for many Christians the right time to develop more authentic North American theologies. Otherwise Christianity in the United States will lack the prophetic voice required of it by the ecumenical demands of today and the future. The context would include many different aspects and issues, one of which, by itself, is far-reaching. The U. S. dominates a large part of the world in economic and technological power. There must be a critical Christian word addressed to the great human issues that arise just from that fact. The American dream has been increasingly challenged in recent years. For many North Americans, U.S. history expressed in religious symbols is a covenant of freedom and democracy; for some people at home and many in the Third World, it is an enterprise of oppression, domination, and imperialism.
Topics:
Geographic location: North America
Area of Contextualization: 05f. Western Theologies
"Introduction." In Theology by the People: Reflections on Doing Theology in Community, ed. Samuel Amirtham and John S. Pobee, 1-26. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 1986.
Annotation: Introduces the book, a collection of papers from a conference held in 1985 in Mexico under the auspices of the Programme on Theological Education of the World Council of Churches. This article discusses issues related to "people's theology" including definitions, assumptions, types (Minjung, African, Black, Feminist) and implications.
Topics:
Geographic location: General
Area of Contextualization: 01. Introductions/Overviews
"Lines of Consensus for an Andean Theology." International Review of Mission 82:325 (January 1993): 57-62.
Annotation: Presents results from a conference of leaders of indigenous churches and organizations of Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. States concerns and expectations of an Andean theology, thoughts and concepts that under gird the thinking of an Andean theology, and recommendations, practices and projections for the future.
Topics:
Geographic location: Latin America
Area of Contextualization: 05c. Latin American Theologies
"The Seoul Declaration: Toward an Evangelical Theology for the Third World." International Bulletin of Missionary Research 7:2 (April 1983): 64-65.
Annotation: Eighty-two delegates and observers from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands met together in Seoul, Korea, from August 27 to September 5, 1982, in order to consider our theological task. Having as its central theme, "Theology and the Bible in Context," this consultation was organized with a fourfold purpose: (1) to deal with theological issues which are vitally related to evangelism and church growth and which are common to churches in developing countries; (2) to exchange ideas and information among evangelical theologians in the Third World; (3) to encourage fellowship and cooperation among these theologians; and (4) to learn from the church in Korea. The present document is a brief summary of our discussion.
Topics:
Geographic location: General
Area of Contextualization: 05g. Third World Theologies
Abe, G. O. "Theological Concepts of Jewish and African Names of God." Asia Journal of Theology 4:2 (1990): 424-429.
Annotation: Names are significant in both African and Hebrew contexts. This paper looks at names of God in Hebrew and various African contexts and compares them.
Topics:
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 05a. African Theologies
Abe, Gabriel Oyedele. "The Influence of Nigerian Music and Dance on Christianity." Asia Journal of Theology 5:2 (1991): 296-310.
Annotation: Music and dance are prominent and indispensable among the arts in Nigerian culture. This article examines the influence of Christianity on music and dance with respect to Christian beliefs and practices as demonstrated in the act of worship. Starts with OT, then ancient near east, then NT, then early missionary work in Nigeria, and finally contemporary setting.
Topics:
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 10c. Ministry--Music/Art
Abesamis, Carlos H. "Some Paradigms in Re-Reading the Bible in a Third-World Setting." Mission Studies 7:1 (1990): 21-34.
Annotation: This biblical reading is (a) occasioned by the pastoral challenges of the Third World situation, (b) therefore relevant for our Third World situation today and (c) yet faithful to the original meaning of the biblical texts. All this is part of our theological effort in the Philippines today.
Topics:
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 05g. Third World Theologies
Abeyasingha, Shanti "Contextualizing Theology in Sri Lanka: Some Reflections." Zeitschrift für Missionswissenschaft und Religionswissenschaft 66 (1982): 226-228.
Annotation: General thoughts on developing a contextualized theology in Sri Lanka, including issues of colonial history and religious syncretism (with four religions--Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam--present as well as an animistic foundation to which people turn in times of trouble). The author proposes that the reality of four centuries framed by religious syncretism, reflected on in faith, should be the starting point for any effort to contextualize theology.
Topics: Minjung;
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 05. Theology: General & Method
Abijole, Bayo. "St. Paul's Concept of Principalities and Powers in African Context." Africa Theological Journal 17:2 (1988): 118-29.
Annotation: Concept of world powers very much part of Paul's thinking and theology; this is explored and the relevance to the contemporary African context is discussed.
Topics: AICs;
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 05a. African Theologies
Aboagye-Mensah, Robert K. "Mission and Democracy in Africa: The Problem of Ethnocentrism." International Bulletin of Missionary Research 17:3 (July 1993): 130-33.
Annotation: Africa faces several massive obstacles as it embarks on its democratic experiment. One such problem--and the focus of this article--is ethnocentrism. My thesis is that the African church in its missionary witness has some positive contributions to make in addressing the problem of ethnocentrism. First, I define what I mean by the term "ethnocentrism." Second, I show briefly that the single-party system has failed to address the problem of ethnocentrism in Africa. Third, I point out some of the contributions that the African church has made in dealing with the issue of ethnocentrism, and what further contributions it can make in the democratization of the continent. My conclusion is that a faithful missionary witness of the church will have massive impact on the success of democracy in Africa.
Topics:
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 08. Social Dimension
Abogunrin, S. O. "The Total Adequacy of Christ in the African Context." Ogbomoso Journal of Theology 1 (January 1986): 9-16.
Annotation: The church in Africa today is concerned about indigenization and contextualization It needs to be equally concerned about the dangerous heresies of syncretism, of the direct and indirect denial of the uniqueness, power and adequacy of Christ, and of the denial of the completeness of our salvation in him and through him. The question of the uniqueness and total adequacy of Jesus Christ is given emphasis in every New Testament book. For reasons of space and relevance, however, we shall limit this discussion to two passages in Colossians (1:13-23; 2:8-3:5). The aim of this article is to examine the Colossian heresy and see how it relates to Christianity in Africa, with particular reference to the uniqueness of Christ, his conquest of principalities and powers and the fulness of the salvation provided for man once and for all by God through Christ's atoning death and resurrection.
Topics: Ancestors;
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 05a. African Theologies
Abraham, Dulcie, ed. Asian Women Doing Theology: Report from Singapore Conference, November 20-29, 1987. Kowloon, Hong Kong: Asian Women's Resource Centre for Culture and Theology, 1989.
Annotation:
Topics:
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 12. Books
Abraham, Dulcie. "Jesus the New Creation: Christology in the Malaysian Context." In Asian Women Doing Theology: Report from Singapore Conference, November 20-29, 1987, ed. Dulcie Abraham, 189-94. Kowloon, Hong Kong: Asian Women's Resource Centre for Culture and Theology, 1989.
Annotation: This theme paper on Jesus, the New Creator, aims at demonstrating the significance of this new creation for us women in Asia, and indeed for all of humanity and creation. 1) The paper begins with a brief look at the Old Testament account of both the creative and destructive forces at work in the world, with particular reference to both the oppression and empowerment of women; 2) The gospel writers, both the synoptic and the fourth evangelist proclaim the healing and empowering work of Jesus, the new creation; 3: Paul experienced and proclaimed the new life in Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles; 4) The paper then goes on to suggest that the Church fathers as well as Church leaders today have only understood very partially the meaning of the New Creation inaugurated by Jesus; 5) In conclusion there is the challenge to Asian women today to recognize and appropriate for themselves the freedom and joy of this New Creation in Jesus.
Topics: Ancestors;
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 05b. Asian Theologies
Abraham, K. C. "Asian Theology Looking to 21st Century." Voices (1997): 81-98.
Annotation: Asian theologies are contextual theologies; they are also people's theologies. Being truly rooted in the Asian realties they are given different names such as: Theology of Struggle, Minjung Theology, Dalit Theology, and there are women's (Feminist) theologies, They reflect on the deeper yearnings of their religions and cultures, critically rejecting some and reaffirming others. In the past, the Asian churches, by an large, a product of western missions, were content with repeating, without reflection, the confessions of faith evolved by the Western churches. Creative theologies in Asia began to emerge in the 19th century when the churches started relating their faith to the questions and concerns peculiar to Asia. This theological encounter continues as the Church faces new problems and challenges. We have embarked on a new journey, breaking the tutelage of our erstwhile Western masters. A new stage in this journey has begun as we are on the threshold of 21st century. How do we articulate our agenda for the future?
Topics: Christology;Inculturation;Liberation;Urban;
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 05b. Asian Theologies
Abraham, K. C. "Dalit Theology--Some Tasks Ahead." Bangalore Theological Forum 29:1/2 (March & June 1997): 36-47.
Annotation: By far the most significant contribution from India to the present-day contextualized theological thinking comes from Dalit theology and the late Prof. A. P. Nirmal was its most articulate spokesperson. This paper is a tribute to him in which the author reiterates some of the cardinal elements of Dalit theology, especially as they are reflected in the writings of Nirmal and then suggests some tasks ahead.
Topics: Christology;
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 05b. Asian Theologies
Abraham, K. C. "Emerging Concerns of Third World Theology." Bangalore Theological Forum 26:3/4 (September & December 1994): 3-14.
Annotation: The emphasis on praxis as the basis for theological reflection gives the various contextual theologies a common method of approach. This methodology distinguishes Third World Theology from other theologies. Today we face a new Third World situation, and newer challenges are brought to contextual theologies. This presentation is an attempt to highlight some of them and ask whether there is a marked shift in their methodology.
Topics:
Geographic location: General
Area of Contextualization: 05g. Third World Theologies
Abraham, K. C., ed. Third World Theologies: Commonalities and Divergences: Papers and Reflections from the Second General Assembly of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, December 1986, Oaxtepec, Mexico. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1990.
Annotation:
Topics:
Geographic location:
Area of Contextualization: 12. Books
Abraham, M. V. "The Teaching of Biblical Theology in India Today." The Indian Journal of Theology 29:3,4 (July-Dec. 1980): 124-132.
Annotation: In the first part of this essay the author outlines the origin, development and the present state of biblical theology in the West as well as some of the problems that biblical theology poses. In the second section he attempts to state briefly how relevant biblical theology is for India and how it should address itself to the Indian context. He identifies the two major contexts in India which have to be reckoned with when we speak of developing and teaching biblical theology in India: (1) the religio-cultural context; (2) the socio-economic context.
Topics:
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 05b. Asian Theologies
Ackermann, Denise. "Engaging Freedom: A Contextual Feminist Theology of Praxis." Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 94 (March 1996): 32-49.
Annotation: My purpose in this paper is to explore the contribution of a feminist theology of praxis in which the notion of 'liberating praxis' is a central concern to the present South African context. The actual histories of living women and other marginalized and oppressed people struggling against race, gender and class oppressions are an important source for my reflections.
Topics: Inculturation;Urban;
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 05a. African Theologies
Ackermann, Denise. "Faith and Feminism: Women Doing Theology." In Doing Theology in Context: South African Perspectives, ed. John W. de Gruchy and Charles Villa-Vicencio, 197-211. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1994.
Annotation: Years ago, as part of the collect in a eucharistic service, I was asked to pray that I might grow to my full manhood'. This simple request jarred me into a new consciousness. What was happening?. The prayers were led by male priests; God was addressed almost exclusively as 'Father'; in the hymns we sang lustily about 'sons' or 'men' of God; and the sermon was preached by a man who relied for his interpretation of Scripture on men's experience of the world around us. There have been changes. However, nearly two thousand years of a male dominated church, backed by theology that is derived from male scholarship and experience, cannot be dealt with simply by ordaining women or a commitment to inclusive language, important as such steps may be. Profound changes are required. Feminist theology is one of the vehicles through which women express a critique of existing theology and religious practices, and contribute creatively towards the unfinished dimension of theology.
Topics: Urban;
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 05g. Third World Theologies
Ada, Mary Juliana and Isichei, Elizabeth. "Perceptions of God in the Churches in Obudu." Journal of Religion in Africa 7:3 (1975): 165-73.
Annotation: One of the most interesting and least studied dimensions of Christianity in contemporary Africa concerns the way in which the churches are actually perceived at the grassroots level, in the villages. How are the various denominations seen, by those within, and without? How do traditionalists see the Christian presence, and define their own role in relationship to, it? The essay which follows seeks to shed some light on these questions, in a case study drawn from Obudu, one of the most remote areas in Nigeria. It is not presented as "typical"--though some of the responses may well be. Each such study must exist, as it were, in inverted commas. One must begin by delineating at least fragments of the context--in this case, the Obudu cultural inheritance, and the particular forms of mission activity which impinged on it.
Topics:
Geographic location: Africa
Area of Contextualization: 11. Case Studies
Adams, Daniel J. "Ancestors, Folk Religion, and Korean Christianity." In Perspectives on Christianity in Korea and Japan: The Gospel and Culture in East Asia, ed. Mark R. Mullins and Richard Fox Young, 95-114. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 1995.
Annotation: In this brief study we shall examine ancestor rites as practiced in Korea with a view toward showing how Korean Christians have dealt with this issue in their churches. That there is considerable difference of opinion among Korean Christians concerning this issue suggests there is more than one way of approaching the problem of ancestor rites. Indeed, there are actually two levels of participation in the rites--the Confucian, or more precisely Neo-Confucian, and that of shamanism, the prevailing folk religion of Korea. The intertwining of these two levels of participation has given rise to a misunderstanding of ancestor rites among the churches, beginning with the earliest Christian contacts in the late 1700s and continuing into the present. This misunderstanding has been the cause of intense persecution, suffering, and death, and continues to be the source of considerable controversy. One way of correcting this misunderstanding is to think of ancestor rites in terms of theoretical constructs, in this case making a distinction between espoused theories and theories-in-use The Neo-Confucian practice of ancestor rites as veneration is the espoused theory; the shamanistic practice of ancestor rites as worship is the theory-in-use. This distinction is important for understanding the complex relationship between ancestors, folk religion, and Korean Christianity in both its Catholic and Protestant forms.
Topics: AICs;
Geographic location: Asia
Area of Contextualization: 08. Social Dimension
