Context, Plurality, and Truth: Theology in World Christianities
Mika Vahakangas
Feb 2020 · Missional Church, Public Theology, World Christianity Book 9 · Wipf and Stock Publishers
Ebook
216
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
The world has shrunk in the processes of globalization, and the old ways of actively ignoring plurality in theology are no longer viable. Contextual differences between different Christian traditions and theologies are highly visible due to improved communications and migration. These differences also witness that this plurality has existed since the very beginning of Christianity. Religious studies demonstrate that no religion is pure and hermetically sealed from others, but they all are syncretistic in the sense of giving and taking. In the world of religions, where boundaries are porous and the internal plurality of Christianity is vast, there is a temptation either to reject the plurality in a fideistic manner or succumb to relativism. The first solution is intellectually hard to defend, and relativism is often seen as detrimental to Christian identity. This book proposes a way of recognizing the contextual and syncretistic dimensions of pluralism while not surrendering to relativism. Christian identity and tradition can be affirmed while staying open to the challenges of pluralism.
About the author
Mika Vahakangas is professor in mission studies and ecumenics at Lund University, Sweden. He has directed several projects related to African Christianity. He has been a lecturer at Makumira University College of Tumaini University, Tanzania, as well as Helsinki University, Finland, and president of the International Association for Mission Studies.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
