Current Debates About the Approach of the “Munich School” and Further Perspectives on the Interdisciplinary Study of the History of World Christianity

Abstract

ABSTRACT The research projects and publications of Klaus Koschorke and the “Munich School of World Christianity” have sparked intense debate over the last two decades. The first section of this article discusses some of these reactions and critiques, as well as Koschorke’s responses. It addresses questions about the idea of “polycentricity,” alternative ways of conceptualizing a variety of Christian centers, the relationship of Koschorke’s approach to the concept of transculturation, and the need for greater diversity and inclusiveness in scholarly perspectives. The second section outlines some important issues regarding challenges and further perspectives for writing a history of world Christianity in the future. It touches on the question of the geographic horizon(s) of this approach, debates about “transmission” and “appropriation,” and the role of the anthropology of Christianity in describing the fluid character of Christian movements. In addition, it addresses the problem of how to relate the history of world Christianity to a global history of religion, as well as the importance of considering issues of migration as central to our understanding of Christianity.