From a Trinitarian Theology of Religion to a Trinitarian Theology of Religions: Bridging ‘First Theology’ and ‘Second Theology’

Abstract

This paper examines the problem of a theology of religions without the Trinity and the problem of overemphasizing interreligious dialogue without taking the inner communion identity of the church seriously. This paper argues that central to an authentic Trinitarian theology of religions is the question of how the church is rightly to be understood in relation to the Trinity as the doctrinal ground and guide for its inner communion of first theology (a trinitarian theology of the Christian religion) and in its external communion of second theology with the religious world as the realm of the trinitarian reign (a trinitarian theology of religions). Building on this framework, this paper explores the right hermeneutics of the triple identity of the Trinity, Christian faith and other faiths as the ground and guide for Christian right approaches to other faiths for the right goals of mission.