Aotearoa New Zealand Association for Mission Studies

STUDYING AND LIVING THEOLOGY IN OUR REGION 

     Claims that we recognise the considerable bodies of  theology other than European or North American, and that we enter into serious encounter and dialogue with these, have long been made. There are now also larger claims before us:  that in the Asian region is found the “other half” of Christian theology, and of church history, from their earliest periods;  that we meet here autonomous Christian traditions of faith, witness and critical reflection, which possess their own sources, imageries and hermeneutic methods;  and that major challenges to our own understanding and practice of Christian theology - its objectives, conceptualization and methodology - are presented to us in such theologies.  

     The three volumes just published, of Asian Christian Theologies: A Research Guide to Authors, Movements  Sources (six editors, over 50 contributors), provides the most comprehensive guide yet attempted to 'contextual' Christian reflection and writing in the Asian (and Austral-Asian) region. The volumes cover  the 7th-20th centuries, and each country of region - including Australia and New Zealand ; are  fully ecumenical;  fully inclusive of women’s work in theology;  treat vernacular writings extensively;  and include extensive bibliographies. All entries focus upon  'local', 'contextualizing', or 'incarnational' theological reflection: that which discovers within a people's present struggle and aspiration, in their Christian history and  their creative cultural and religious traditions, the presence of the same liberating and transforming Spirit known in Jesus the Christ.  

     Selected examples will be presented to illustrate the assumptions and methodology of the approach taken, and of  the range and content of  resources provided by the volumes.

 John C.England

Rita and John England

13 Hilldale Place

Christchurch 8002

New Zealand

Fax 64.3.332.1642

ritajohnengland@clear.net.nz

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