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"As a global narrative and interpretive community," writes Volker Küster, lecturer in the history of religion, mission, and ecumenics at the University of Heidelberg, "Christianity needs an intercultural theology which operates between the different contextual forms of Christian faith." In this scholarly theological work, he presents a substantive overview of Christologies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Among the thinkers discussed here are C. S. Song from Taiwan, Stanley Samartha from India, Leonardo Boff from Latin America, and Alan Boesak from South Africa.
In Africa, the veneration of ancestors
"As a global narrative and interpretive community," writes Volker Küster, lecturer in the history of religion, mission, and ecumenics at the University of Heidelberg, "Christianity needs an intercultural theology which operates between the different contextual forms of Christian faith." In this scholarly theological work, he presents a substantive overview of Christologies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Among the thinkers discussed here are C. S. Song from Taiwan, Stanley Samartha from India, Leonardo Boff from Latin America, and Alan Boesak from South Africa.
In Africa, the veneration of ancestors is the linchpin of a primitive way of life. Küster shows how Christians in this culture have adopted Jesus Christ as an ancestor who mediates life, is present among the living, is at the same time the eldest, and serves as the go-between for God and human beings.
In the context of the pluralism of Asian cultures and religions, Christians are challenged to "deabsolutize" Christianity and emphasize points of comparison. Küster presents accounts of Korean Minjung theology and Indian Dalit theology where Jesus Christ speaks to suffering people.
That same motif can be found in the liberation theologies of Latin America where Good Friday is the greatest day of celebration as millions of poor Christians identify with the crucified One who suffered oppression. Küster concludes this fascinating work with a thoughtful and edifying essay on "Paul and Culture" where he depicts St. Paul, the missionary to the Gentiles, as a pioneer boundary crosser. His spirit lives on in the theologians presented in this book.
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Manufacturer: Orbis Books
Release date: 1 March 2001
ISBN-10 : 1570753547 |
ISBN-13: 9781570753541
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