Contextual theology orcontextualizing theology refers to theology which has responded to the dynamics of a particular context.
The term contextualizing theology was used inmissiology byShoki Coe when he argued that theVenn-Andersonthree-self formula was inadequate in addressing the sociopolitical context of his native Taiwan.[1][2] Coe popularized this notion through the Theological Education Fund of theWorld Council of Churches.[3] While it was initially understood as part of aliberal approach to theology, it has grown in currency amongevangelicals andRoman Catholics.[4][5]
An individual may come from a particular culturalworldview, such asArabic orAsian culture, or be faced with particular sociopolitical issues. Hence, examples of contextualized theologies includeLatin American liberation theology,Minjung theology, andAfrican theology.[6][7]
Thesystematic theologianRegunta Yesurathnam sees contextual theology as including "all that is implied inindigenization orinculturation, but also seeks also to include the realities of contemporaneity, secularity, technology, and the struggle for human justice."[8] The missiologistStephen B. Bevans argues that there is no such thing as normative theology, that "doing theology contextually is not an option" since it is a human enterprise which is created within a particular human context.[5]
According to Bevans,contextualization is a better term thanindigenization to describe social location and particular experience because it "broadens the understanding of culture to include social, political, and economic questions," while indigenization merely focuses on the "purely cultural dimension of human experience."[5] Secondly, Bevans comments that indigenization tends to "see both the home culture and the culture 'out there' as good," while contextualization is usually "more critical of both cultures."[5] Thirdly, the termcontextualization suggests that "theology needs to interact and dialogue not only with traditional culture value, but with social change, new ethnic identities, and the conflicts that are present as the contemporary phenomenon of globalization encounters the various peoples of the world."[5]
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In the field ofBible translation andinterpretation, contextualization is the process of assigningmeaning as a means ofinterpreting the environment within which a text oraction is executed.
Contextualization is used in the study of Bible translations in relation to their relevantcultural settings. Derived from the practice ofhermeneutics, it sought to understand the use of words borrowed into theHebrew Scriptures, and later their Greek and Latin translations.
The word continues to be used theologically, mainly in the sense of contextualizing the biblical message as perceived in the missionary mandate originated by Jesus in thegospel accounts. However, since the early 1970s, the word's meaning has widened. It is now used bysecular, religious and political groups to render their message into different settings by adjusting or accommodating words, phrases or meanings into understandable contexts inrespondent cultures.
