Dictionary Of Third World Theologies

This title offers over 150 entries on themes from Christian theology and religious studies. It is devoted specifically to countries of the "third" - or "developing" - world.

An overview of the main trends and contributions to Christian thought of Third World theologies.

Third World theology has grown and developed in recent decades - largely due to the efforts and activities of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT). The present volume, arising from their Second General Assembly, is an ideal introduction to this emerging movement, exploring both the common bonds that unite Third World theologies and the distinctive elements and concerns that distinguish them from one another. Bringing together reflections and evaluations from world-renowned theologians, 'Third World Theologies' offers an overview of the state of theology - and its political, economic, and social context - in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and among minorities in the United States. It then addresses the specific commonalities and divergences of these theologies, exploring the interplay of concern for issues of class, race, sex, and culture. 'Third World Theologies' concludes with an evaluation of the development (past and future) of EATWOT itself, which represents in its own history the development of Third World theology.

Theological dictionaries are foundational to any theological library. But until now there has been no Global Dictionary of Theology, a theological dictionary that presumes the contribution of the Western tradition but moves beyond it to embrace and explore a full range of global expressions of theology. The Global Dictionary of Theology is inspired by the shift of the center of Christianity from the West to the Global South. But it also reflects the increase in two-way traffic between these two sectors as well as the global awareness that has permeated popular culture to an unprecedented degree. The editorial perspective of the Global Dictionary of Theology is an ecumenical evangelicalism that is receptive to discovering new facets of truth through listening and conversation on a global scale. Thus a distinctive feature of the Global Dictionary of Theology is its conversational approach. Contributors have been called on to write in the spirit of engaging in a larger theological conversation in which alternative views are expected and invited. William A. Dyrness, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Juan F. Martinez and Simon Chan edit approximately 250 articles written by over 100 contributors representing the global spectrum of theological perspectives. Pastors, theological teachers, theological students and lay Christian leaders will all find the Global Dictionary of Theology to be a resource that unfolds new dimensions and reveals new panoramas of theological perspective and inquiry. Here is a new launching point for doing theology in today's global context.

ÒConceived and developed by two of Europe's most eminent missiologists, in the country where the scientific and sustained study of mission first took shape, [the 'Dictionary of Mission'] represents the finest of the chorus of voices that comprise contemporary missiology . . . The choice of topics and the authors to address them reflects what Christian mission has become: a genuinely worldwide and ecumenical phenomenon. That there would be entries on regional theological developments is indicative of how the world church is developing. A host of other topics here explored show too how the landscape of mission is changing. Taken as a whole, then, the 'Dictionary of Mission' is a road map through this exciting and challenging terrain. --from the Foreword

The Third General Assembly of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, meeting in Nairobi in 1992, took a fresh look at the changing context of the Third World. Theologians in Nairobi firmly declared that third-world theology should be decisively shaped by the spirituality of the marginalized--indigenous people, women, minjung, dalits, and other minorities. Their creative and life-affirming spirituality is at the very center of their lives and struggles. 'Spirituality of the Third World' explores the meaning of spirituality, its biblical roots, its relation to human existence, how it patterns a vision and enriches faith, and how it celebrates life. This spirituality is formed of faith, struggle, and hope--the cry for life from the poor of all continents. Part I describes the changing context of the Third World, with a special focus on North-South relationships. Part II elaborates different forms of Third World spiritualities with origins in South and North America, Africa, and Asia. Part III roots these spiritualities biblically and explores how they enrich theological understanding and sustain Christian life. Contributors: Elizabeth Amoah, Frank Chikane, Virgil Elizondo, Ivone Gebara, Jacquelyn Grant, Franz J. Hinkelammert, Dwight N. Hopkins, Jose Miguez Bonino, Takatso Mofokeng, Pablo Richard, Rosa Adela O. Sierra, George Soares Prabhu, Lawrence Surendra, Ana Maria Tepedino, George E. Tinker, Sergio Torres, Mary John Mananzan, and Maria Vidale.