God in Context: A Survey of Contextual Theology

by Bergmann,Sigurd

• ISBN13: 9780754606154
• ISBN10: 0754606155
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-09-28
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

In the 1970s theologians in Asia and Africa showed an interest in the way different cultural contexts influenced the interpretation of Christian belief. Manifestations of contextual theologies have since appeared in many parts of the world; animated international discussion about expressions, methods and theories for contextual theology have continued with the spread of contextual theology from the South to the North. The object of these theologies is to shed new light on the concept of incarnation. How does the incarnated God act in a liberating way? Contextual theology explores awareness of the interrelatedness of God and culture. This book surveys important concepts, positions and problems of contextual theology, dealing with different criteria for the interpretation of context and providing explanations of different theoretical models for contextual theology. Particular topics discussed include: the importance of place for the experience of God; a dynamic, correlative and communicative view of tradition; the approach to knowledge in contextualism and the greater right of the poor to aesthetic knowledge; human ecological formation of theology, and the contributions of pictorial art and architecture to contextual theology. Clearly explaining the importance of Contextual theology for all theology, this book offers an invaluable text for students and others exploring theology in context.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	vii
Foreword	ix
Preface	xiii
1 The Challenge to Theology	1	(20)
2 Place and Perspective	21	(28)
3 Tradition and Context	49	(18)
4 Knowledge and Context	67	(20)
5 Models of Contextual Theology	87	(26)
6 Art and Context	113	(30)
Bibliography	143	(10)
Index	153