Postcolonial and Liberation Theologies as Partners in Praxis Against Sin and Suffering: A Hermeneutical Approach in Asian Perspective

Abstract

In their hermeneutical reading of the Bible, postcolonialism and liberationism have some differences. Liberationism can be seen as a ‘canon within canon approach’ because it has some certain favoured texts, such as the Exodus event and the Nazareth Manifesto. By contrast, postcolonialism can be seen as a ‘canonical approach’ since it is broader in its approach to Biblical interpretation. With a critical lens, the latter hermeneutics tries to read the whole Bible, including the imperial texts.1 Yet, both hermeneutics have common goals of liberation, working toward ending domination. Both endorse the oppressed as the prime site for theology and praxis.2 The main aim of this publication is to employ both hermeneutics as partners in praxis. Using postcolonial and liberation hermeneutics, this paper will explore a theological concept of sin and suffering and three aspects of liberation — holistic liberation, exclusive liberation and inclusive liberation. It will be affirmed that postcolonial theology of liberation is not just liberation of the oppressed, but it is liberation by the oppressed for the mutual benefits of both the oppressed and oppressors in a postcolonial Asia.