The Theological Paradox

I had previously assumed that theological development unfolded in parallel with the global expansion of the church. Nevertheless, it is illuminating to recognize that according to the Kenyan theologian John Mbiti, the Church may be described as kerygmatically universal but theologically provincial.[1] This observation highlights the reality that, although Christianity has attained a worldwide presence, theological discourse continues to be predominantly produced and evaluated within Western frameworks.

Building on this concern, Tite Tienou rightly says that theology must be communal and global with a framework for collaborative creativity.[2] Since Christianity today is predominantly non-Western, theology should reflect voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Rather than focusing merely on the criticism in the non-Western world that Christianity is a ‘white man’s religion,’ what is more crucial is the recognition that unless the gospel is contextualized and theology is articulated from within local cultural frameworks, we fail to present the fullness of the gospel.

While Tienou critiques Western theological frameworks and their treatment of non-Western theologies, I think our focus should lie less on external barriers and more on examining internal factors. Specifically, I am concerned with understanding why, despite active engagement and robust scholarly contributions within Global South contexts, their voices often remain unheard or marginalized in the wider theological discourse.

For example, theological seminaries in India engage in rigorous scholarship, yet their voices often remain marginal globally. This may stem from a lack of original contributions that move beyond established frameworks, highlighting the need to critically examine the methods and forms of engagement that limit their global impact. I aim to identify and analyse the challenges that hinder the recognition of Indian theological scholarship.

Bibliography

Tienou, Tite. “Christian Theology in an Era of World Christianity.” In Globalizing Theology: Belief and Practice in an Era of World Christianity, edited by Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland, 37–51. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006.

[1] John Mbiti, “Theological Impotence and the Universality of the Church,” in Mission Trends, no. 3, ed. Gerald H. Anderson and Thomas F. Stransky (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976), 8, cited in Tite Tienou, “Christian Theology in an Era of World Christianity,” in Globalizing Theology: Belief and Practice in an Era of World Christianity, ed. Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006), 45.

[2] Tienou, “Christian Theology in an Era of World Christianity,” 40.