Lanterna Rally

Author: Hwa Yung

Publisher: Wipf and Stock

Published: 2015-01-07

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781498217231

Over the past few decades there has been a growing awareness of the need for contextual theologies throughout Asia. But how genuinely contextual are these? Based on the premise that theology and mission are inseparable, the author applies four missiological criteria to representative examples of Protestant Asian writings to assess their adequacy or otherwise as contextual theologies. These are relevance to sociopolitical challenges, enhancing evangelism and pastoral care, inculturation, and faithfulness to the Christian tradition. The study reveals certain discernible trends in Asian ecumenical and conservative theologies respectively, and also distinctive strengths and weaknesses. But the greatest problem with most of these theologies appears to be that, at heart, they have been domesticated by western dualism and Enlightenment thought. Authentic Asian Christian theologies will only emerge with the dual recovery of confidence in both gospel and culture within Asian Christianity. In this new edition, the author has further shared his personal journey that brought him to this conclusion. I can hardly find the words to praise sufficiently this new edition of Mangoes or Bananas?, a book I have long considered one of the most important theological works of the past quarter-century. This edition preserves the wealth of its predecessor and adds an autobiographical dimension that brings into relief both the theological options Hwa Yung has followed and why. That testimony adds depth to a book that everyone interested in world Christianity and mission must read. Hwa Yung helps us grasp what occurs when Asian Christians recover the transcendent depths of their cultures and open themselves to the light that the Gospel sheds on living Christianity authentically as Asians. William R Burrows, Managing Editor Emeritus, Orbis Books; Research Professor of Missiology, New York Theological Seminary Ever since this book first appeared, its impact on the world of contextual theology has been significant and sustained, to the point that the expression 'mangoes or bananas' is now a theological household term for authentic Asian theology. This book has successfully established the urgency of true Asian theology which is faithful to the scriptures but born of Asian experiences, and so relevant to the mission of Asian church. It also provides a foundational matrix with which each Asian local setting can construct its own local theology. In this expanded edition, Hwa adds a personal dimension to the task of theologisation, by positioning his turbulent life experience (as a refugee/immigrant in a new socio-cultural and religious context) as an integral part of doing theology. This is a courageous act of vulnerability, and exactly how Asian or any theology is to be formulated. Thus this book is not just for Asians, but for anyone who struggles to make the Christian message authentic to its roots whilst being closely relevant to the changing social and cultural landscapes. A must-read for all. Wonsuk Ma, Director, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies Hwa Yung was the Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia from 2004-2012. Before that he had served as Principal of Malaysia Theological Seminary, and later as Director, Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. Over the years he has been closely associated with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies and the Lausanne Movement. He continues an active preaching and teaching ministry both in and outside Malaysia