Frontiers in Asian Christian Theology: Emerging Trends

Abstract

The most important emerging themes and voices engaged in Asian Christian theology today. Frontiers in Asian Christian Theology provides the latest extension of interpretive trends reflected in earlier volumes, now unavailable, such as the classic Living Theology in Asia. Arranged thematically, Frontiers in Asian Christian Theology first captures the ongoing dialogue between the dominant theologies of Asia and the continent's subalterns: women, tribals, and untouchables such as Indian dalits and Japanese burakumin. These essayists - including Kuribayashi Teruo, Arvind P. Nirmal, Nirmal Minz, and Chung Hyun Kyung - share the experience of those people who are treated as invisible non-entities who recover self-identity and self-validation in theological expression. The next group of essayists - among them Peter K. H. Lee, Choi Man Ja, Jyoti Sahi, Archie Lee Chi Chung, and Samuel Rayanprovide a wealth of stunning interpretive data in the uniquely Asian method of extra-textual hermeneutics. This perspective weaves Asian literary and non-literary resources into theology. Third, Frontiers in Asian Christian Theology offers examples of the narrative theology that is also a cultural outgrowth of Asia, including writings by Aloysius Pieris, Kwok Pui Lan, M. M. Thomas, Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, and Stanley J. Samartha. Their highly personal stories directly integrate lived experience with theology, which, as Sugirtharajah points out, is a prerequisite for any vibrant, dynamic theology. Frontiers in Asian Christian Theology concludes with essays that document some crucial contemporary issues for Asian theology. These include Wang Hsien Chi on Taiwanese homeland theology, Noh Jung Sun on Koreanreunification, Felix Wilfred on human rights, Samuel Rayan on the environmental crisis, and Tissa Balasuriya on the responsibilities of the theologian in contexts of ethnic conflict.