Contextual Theology for the Twenty-First Century - Softcover

Steven Bevans; Katalina Tahaafe-Williams

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0227679989 ISBN 13: 9780227679982

Publisher: James Clarke and Co Ltd, 2012

Synopsis

A collection of eight essays offering a variety of approaches to contextual theology relevant to diverse cultures and the modern church, creating a new agenda for theologising new voices, methods, and dialogue. 'Contextual Theology for the Twenty-first Century' reflects the great diversity of the modern church through a multicultural approach, looking at theology from geographical localities and the context of a universal ecumenical church. The authors, new and established theologians, were chosen for this volume because of their social and cultural locations, their vast contextual-theological knowledge and their unique experiences. The compilation contains theological explorations of Latin America, Australia, Asia, Oceania, and the West, embracing the idea of a World Church with the epicentre in the Global South. The collection reflects how the changes in personal or communal experience, culture, society, and social location have born new challenges for a multicultural church in a multi-religious society. Stephen Bevans is Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD, Professor of Mission and Culture at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, USA. He is the author of 'Models of Contextual Theology' (2002) and 'An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective' (2009). Katalina Tahaafe-Williams is the Director of Communitas, a programme of contextual and public theology at United Theological College, Paramatta, NSW, Australia. She is a co-author of 'The Multicultural Toolkit' (2005) and 'Mission and Ministry in Multicultural Contexts' (2009). 'Rarely do collections of contextual theology deal with both specific contexts and more general questions of contextual method. In this compact collection every essay grapples with both aspects in a lively way. It is on the forefront of missiological thinking. A significant book with some real gems, particularly for Australasia and the South Pacific, but ranging beyond the region.' Ross Langmead, Dean and Professor of Missiology, Whitley College, Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia

About this title

Review:

'This book will certainly be a valuable asset to anyone interested in contextual theology in the 21st century, not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but wherever faith life struggles to be contextual and relevant.' --P.T. Mathew, S.J., Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, Vol. 77/8, August 2013

'The tension between some of the essays results in a dialogue which is engaging and an important read for anyone interested in mission, contextual theology or theological education.'--Jenny Anne Wright, University of Edinburgh, in Theological Book Review, Vol 25, No 1

'Contextual Theology for the Twenty-First Century demonstrates how contextual theology should shape the work of contemporary theologians and missiologists. The different authors convincingly argue that contextual theology is not an option, but a theological imperative as Christian churches respond to the challenges of being disciples of Jesus in the postmodern, postcolonial world. One of the book's strengths is the inclusion of Oceanic voices, so often forgotten by the theological community.' --Susan Smith, Adjunct Faculty, School of Theology, University of Auckland

'I have been looking for such a book! The eight essays in this volume provide challenging, fresh insight for our theological agenda. It addresses critical issues on both method and content for contextual theology today.' --Philip Gibbs, SVD, Commission for Social Concerns, Catholic Bishops' Conference, Papua New Guinea

'Rarely do collections of contextual theology deal with both specific contexts and more general questions of contextual method. In this compact collection every essay grapples with both aspects in a lively way. It is on the forefront of missiological thinking. A significant book with some real gems, particularly for Australasia and the South Pacific, but ranging beyond the region.' --Ross Langmead, Dean and Professor of Missiology, Whitley College, Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia

...refreshing, challenging, critical, and hope-filled. Refreshing because elements of traditional theology are still relevant; challenging because it highlights new situations for contextual theology in economically globalised existences, critical because it ask relevant questions about once-accepted and once-revered dominant theologies, worldviews and epistemologies; hope-filled because it discusses viable options and directions for the future. --Marcus Campbell, Anthropological Forum, 2014, Vol 24, Issue 1, 86-114, (2014)

'Rarely do collections of contextual theology deal with both specific contexts and more general questions of contextual method. In this compact collection every essay grapples with both aspects in a lively way. It is on the forefront of missiological thinking. A significant book with some real gems, particularly for Australasia and the South Pacific, but ranging beyond the region.' --Ross Langmead, Dean and Professor of Missiology, Whitley College, Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia

...refreshing, challenging, critical, and hope-filled. Refreshing because elements of traditional theology are still relevant; challenging because it highlights new situations for contextual theology in economically globalised existences, critical because it asks relevant questions about once-accepted and once-revered dominant theologies, worldviews and epistemologies; hope-filled because it discusses viable options and directions for the future. --Marcus Campbell, Anthropological Forum, 2014, Vol 24, Issue 1, (2014)

'Rarely do collections of contextual theology deal with both specific contexts and more general questions of contextual method. In this compact collection every essay grapples with both aspects in a lively way. It is on the forefront of missiological thinking. A significant book with some real gems, pa --Ross Langmead, Dean and Professor of Missiology, Whitley College, Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia

This slim volume is a minorgem in both its critique and its vision for the future. It should make the reading list of any course in contextual and global theology. All the essays are authored by ecumenical theologians and educators, people of hope and verve. They are deeply committed to mission, and willing to let the Spirit lead them where she will. --John Mansford Prior, in "Mission Studies", vol. 31, 2014

'Rarely do collections of contextual theology deal with both specific contexts and more general questions of contextual method. In this compact collection every essay grapples with both aspects in a lively way. It is on the forefront of missiological thinking. A significant book with some real gems, particularly for Australasia and the South Pacific, but ranging beyond the region.' --Ross Langmead, Dean and Professor of Missiology, Whitley College, Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia

About the Author:

Stephen Bevans is Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD, Professor of Mission and Culture at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, USA. He is the author of Models of Contextual Theology (2002) and An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective (2009). Katalina Tahaafe-Williams is the Director of Communitas, a program of contextual and public theology at United Theological College, Paramatta, NSW, Australia. She is a coauthor of The Multicultural Toolkit (2005) and Mission and Ministry in Multicultural Contexts (2009).

About this edition

• Publisher: James Clarke and Co Ltd
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0227679989
• ISBN 13: 9780227679982
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 150