Theologia Crucis In Asia

The cross carries the polar memories of history. One memory is the terrible violence imposed on Jesus, and the other is the memory of faith in the midst of the deepest abyss in human history. A theology of the cross contextualizes the dangerous combination of these memories in the present reality of life and death. A theology of the cross is thoroughly preoccupied with the agency of God, but not in a way that deals with the systematic apologetics of the knowledge of God. It deals with the knowledge of God before it becomes knowledge. It is the matter of the living and dying of our life. This book explores theologians of the cross in a global flow and proposes an intercontextual perspective of theology.

An astute and thought-provoking analysis of the theologia crucis and the significance of Karl Barth as a modern exponent of this theological tradition. In this volume New Zealand theologian Rosalene Bradbury argues convincingly that tethered to the tradition that gave rise to it, the term theologia crucis references a theological system centered around notions of false and true glory, and an ancient conviction that from the cross of Jesus Christ comes a revelatory and a saving Word.

Asian Christian Theology provides a survey of contextually reflective, robustly evangelical theology for students to engage with the core doctrines of Christianity and their outworking in different cultures across Asia. The contributors of the chapters come from all corners of Asia to systematically examine traditional doctrinal themes and contemporary concerns for the Asian church. Ideal for use as a companion textbook in Asian seminaries and institutions, this book will also provide excellent further reading for those outside of Asia seeking global theological perspectives, and for those in contexts of significant Asian diaspora. Many excellent books surveying theology exist, but this book is a major step forward for students and scholars seeking to understand the dynamic environment of evangelical theology in Asia.

The book presents a theological basis for theological education based on the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) within the context of Asia. The first part of the book asserts that theological education that is sound and biblical fulfills the purpose of the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations. The second part of the book considers the key text on discipleship in Matthew 16:24, emphasizing that suffering is an essential aspect of following Jesus. Discipleship and a theology of suffering must feature prominently in theological education. These crucial aspects of the Christian life are often missing in the teaching of pastors and churches today. Therefore, there is an urgent need in theological education to highlight and to remedy these deficiencies. The book also contains three appendices that are valuable for theological educators: a set of graduate attributes for theological students, a code of professional ethics for ministers, and a statement on spiritual abuse. The book provides invaluable reading for theological educators, church leaders, elders, pastors, and teachers.

The echo of Luther’s hammer resounds in Asia, five hundred years after the Wittenberg controversy: the cross is a flashpoint in China; Korea seeks ecclesiastical reform; the mystical union thrives in Laos; even Kant whispers in old Batavia. The diversity of ideas and influences of the Reformation is as broad and fascinating as the continent—resisting reduction to the postcolonial movement and demonstrating an affinity with Protestant foundations that somehow remains uniquely Asian. This volume brings together the reflections of Christian academics from the continent to offer a sample of the theological work that remains largely inaccessible to the broader scholarly community, with contributions in the fields of theology, biblical studies, philosophy, and Christian higher education. If the quincentennial of the Reformation has revealed anything, it is the inauguration of Asia as the locus of biblical and theological scholarship for the next five hundred years.