Mangoes or Bananas?
The Quest for an Authentic Asian Christian Theology, Second Edition
- Theology
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
Over the past few decades awareness has been growing of the need for contextual theologies throughout Asia. But how genuinely contextual are these? Based on the premise that theology and mission are inseparable, the author applies four missiological criteria to representative examples of Protestant Asian writings to assess their adequacy as contextual theologies. These are relevance to sociopolitical challenges, enhancing evangelism and pastoral care, inculturation, and faithfulness to the Christian tradition. The study reveals certain discernible trends in Asian ecumenical and conservative theologies, as well as distinctive strengths and weaknesses. But the greatest problem with most of these theologies appears to be that, at heart, they have been domesticated by Western dualism and Enlightenment thought. Authentic Asian Christian theologies will only emerge with the dual recovery of confidence in both gospel and culture within Asian Christianity. In this new edition, the author has further shared his personal journey that brought him to this conclusion.
Endorsements (3)
“Commendations for the First Edition This book should have been written long ago! The author has lived and struggled with his theme for more than 20 years. That authentic theology must be grounded in mission and pastoral practice is absolutely vital. By a judicious handling of the different views discussed, Hwa Yung has produced a book which will help the Asian church, and others as well, forward in mission, pastoral care and theologising. The Rt. Rev. Dr John Chew Hiang Chea, Bishop of Singapore (2000-2012); formerly Principal of Trinity Theological College, Singapore The contribution of Hwa Yung’s excellent work is to suggest that we have as yet hardly seen the beginning of an authentic Christian theology for Asia. He shows with great clarity how both radical and conservative Asian theologians have so far failed to break out of Western captivity, and points the way to a fresh and powerful recovery of authentic Christianity in a genuinely Asian mode. This book is a hugely welcome contribution to a discussion on method in Asian theology, which is rapidly becoming more and more sophisticated and interesting.”
“Readers of this book will discover that Hwa Yung is not only a fine theologian, but a pastor who is deeply concerned for his flock. Missionaries, pastors, and students of both theology and mission will find Mangoes or Bananas? a welcome addition to their reading list.”
“This is a superb study, well-researched, clearly outlined and presented, balanced in judgments, and committed to the mission and faith of the Christian church. While there are always caveats, this reviewer appreciated Hwa’s consistent reminder that theology at its best is not “speculative and theoretical,” but a habitus practicus, which addresses concerns unique to each culture, but which also eventuates in deepened doxology, diaconia, koinonia, and mission. Producing such a theology is Hwa’s challenge to every people, and particularly to the people of Asia – and that in turn becomes each people’s finest contribution to the faith of the church catholic.”
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