Abstract
The shift from a modem to a postmodern cuhure which is still in the making brings a new understanding of self and the world with it. Theology therefore has to reflect on the implications and compatibility of this new understanding of the self and the world for a Christian understanding of reality as revealed in the Bible and other relevant texts. In this paper I shall describe some dimensions of this cultural shift that is occurring and then reflect on the challenges and opportunities that they offer to theologians. The dimensions of the postmodern culture discussed in the paper are the broader notion of rationality that the postmodern culture proposes, its broader anthropology, the emphasis on the involvement of both expertise and experience in decisionmaking, and finally the reduction of the world to a ‘global village’.
Highlights
Theology is ‘that activity by which human beings relate their faith in God to the patterns of meaning that prevail in any historical period or culture’ (Cox 1984:176)
GJRoaauw rightly suggests that theology is a second order activity that reflects on the meaning of revelation for a specific cultural situation
Isolating theology from culture is a coping strategy by theology - to deal with the challenges that culture poses to a specific theological interpretation of the world
Summary
Theology is ‘that activity by which human beings relate their faith in God (theos) to the patterns of meaning that prevail in any historical period or culture (logos)’ (Cox 1984:176). Culture is the interpretative and coping mechanism of society. It is the way in which people understand themselves, their world, and the appropriate interaction with one another and with the world they live in. Isolating theology from culture is a coping strategy by theology - to deal with the challenges that culture poses to a specific theological interpretation of the world. The shift from a modern to a postmodern (or late-modern, as some prefer to call it) culture, obviously requires new theological reflection. This cultural shift, which is still in the making, brings a new understanding of self and the world with it. I shall rather speak as a philosopher who attempts to interpret the culture we live in, and who wishes to invite and involve persons in other disciplines in the conversation - especially theologians, clergy, and other Christians
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
