The mission and people of God: Rethinking theology and theological methodology in Asia

Abstract

The 20th century brought unprecedented growth to the global church. With this growth came new and contextual forms of theology, as well as recognition of the limits of the Western theological tradition. However, compared with Africa and Latin America, Asian theology has been slow to develop in response to this shift, especially among conservatives and evangelicals. While several prominent names are often cited as representatives of Asian theology, their work has little impact on much of the Asian church, which is characteristically grassroots and conservative. Scholars continue to debate what Asian theology is and how to do it. This article explores some of the methodological implications of the global shift in theology, specifically for Asian contexts. It also identifies some of the hindrances to better and more relevant Asian theology: (1) a universal top–down approach to theology in Asia and (2) overly Western ways of thinking that have shaped the discipline. Finally, this article offers two possibilities for Asian theology going forward: (1) mission and the reality of God’s work in Asia and (2) the people themselves and the stories of God’s work among them.