Theology in the Context of World Christianity
How the Global Church Is Influencing the Way We Think about and Discuss Theology
- Theology
- Publisher: Zondervan Academic (Zondervan)
- Published: 2007
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Publisher's Description
Thinking more globally about the formation of theology enriches our understanding of what it means to be a Christian. It's no secret that the center of Christianity has shifted from the West to the global South and East. While the truths of the Christian faith are universal, different contexts and cultures illuminate new questions, understandings, and expressions. What does this mean for theology, as Western theologians understand it? Timothy Tennent argues that the Christian faith is culturally and theologically translatable. Theology in the Context of World Christianity is written to expand our "ecclesiastical cartography" by highlighting—within each of the major themes of systematic theology—studies that are engaging the global church, such as: Anthropology (with studies drawn from the different views of human identity between Eastern and Western cultures). Christology (with a focus on the emphases that African Christians place on the characteristics of Christ). Pneumatology (by looking at the role of the Holy Spirit in Latin American Pentecostalism). Eschatology (by focusing on how this branch of theology shapes world missions and evangelism). Each of the ten chapters examines traditional theological categories in conversation with theologians from across the globe, making this volume valuable for students, pastors, missionaries, and theologians alike. Theological reflection is active and exciting in the majority world church, and Tennent invites you to your own reflection and celebration of Christ's global church. These are perspectives that should be heard, considered, and brought into conversation with Western theologians. Global theology can make us aware of our own blind spots and biases and has much to offer toward the revitalization of Western Christianity.
Endorsements (3)
“This book is a great idea, executed well — offering a vital complement to traditional, “Western” doctrinal categories. There is much instruction here for theological students and teachers alike. Tennent asks important questions, providing answers that are often insightful and always biblically thoughtful.”
“This volume masterfully demonstrates that listening to theological reflection from around the globe yields fresh contributions to discussions of Christian faith and practice. It contains new insights, new challenges, yet all the while interwoven with Christian history and thinking past and present. May Tennent’s work be the first of many stimulating conversations! M. DANIEL CARROLL R. ( RODAS), Earl S. Kalland chair of Old Testament, Denver Seminary (USA); adjunct professor, El Seminario Teológico Centroamericano (Guatemala) For a long time the systematic theology developed by the church has been generally deficient because it did not take into account the approaches of Christians from “the rest of the world” and of people of other faiths. This book by Tim Tennent shows us how to do this. He has taken samplings of some crucial issues and done an admirable job in showing how they should influence our theological formulations. The added benefit of this book is that it is easy to read — something that cannot be said of most theology books!”
“This book is a must-read for all people who are interested in a new and exciting way of doing theology at a time when Christianity is already a post-Western and global religion. Truly fascinating!”
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