Contextual Theology: The Drama of Our Times

Synopsis

It Has Been Almost Fifty Years Since Theological Educators First Began Talking About Contextual Theology. Today, In Every Country Of The Global South, Their Home Schools Require Them To Contextualize Theological Education And Construct Contextual Theologies That Would Be Helpful For Their Local Churches. In Spite Of This Expectation There Are Few Helps Available. The Expectation Is Clear, But An Understanding Of The Process By Which This May Occur Is Lacking. Educators Often Complain That They Are Led To Adapt Western Theology To Their Context Rather Than Developing Theology For Their Churches. Arguments For Contextual Theology Are Proposed Often, But There Has Been Little Debate Explaining And Defending The Methods Involved. This Book Is Intended To Enter That Debate And Invite Others Who Should Help Appreciate The Gravity Of Our Situation And Join The Conversation. The Epicenter Of Christianity Has Shifted To The Global South. Yet, Contextual Theology, Which Seeks To Preserve The Integrity Of The Faith, Has Not Been Met With Generosity Among Scholars In The Us And Europe. This Book Intends To Forge Helpful Bridges That Encourage Mutual Regard To Develop Among Scholars Across The Globe. The Bubble Of The Western Academy Needs To Be Breached. The Church Looks To The Future: The Encouragement Of Contextual Methods In Theology? -- Contextual Methods Within The Theological Processes Of Christian Churches -- The Helpfulness Of Theology In The Life Of The Church -- Contextual Theology Becomes An Issue -- Sources And Processes: Contextual Theology And The Emergence Of A Christian Community -- Theology, Both Local And Ecumenical: Tradition And Authority Within The Christian Community. Paul Duane Matheny. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 117-124) And Indexes.