It's no secret that the center of Christianity has shifted from the West to the global South and East. While the truths of the Christian faith are universal, new contexts bring new questions, new understandings, and new expressions. What does this mean for theology? Is the Christian faith not only culturally translatable, but also theologically translatable? Timothy Tennent answers this question with a resounding yes. Theological reflection is alive and well in the majority world church, and these new perspectives need to be heard, considered, and brought into conversation with Western theologians. Global theology can make us aware of our own blind spots and biases. Because of its largely conservative stance, global theology has much to offer toward the revitalization of Western Christianity. Tennent examines traditional theological categories in conversation with theologians from across the globe, making this volume valuable for students, pastors, missionaries, and theologians alike.
Theology in the Context of World Christianity
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About the Author
Timothy C. Tennent (PhD, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) is professor of World Missions and Indian Studies and director of missions programs at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He is the author of Building Christianity on Indian Foundations and Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Dr. Tennent and wife, Julie, reside in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their two children, Jonathan and Bethany.
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Timothy C. Tennent (PhD, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) is professor of World Missions and Indian Studies and director of missions programs at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He is the author of Building Christianity on Indian Foundations and Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Dr. Tennent and wife, Julie, reside in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their two children, Jonathan and Bethany.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Tim Tennent is an experienced missionary and seminary professor. He is also the newly appointed President of Asbury seminary. This book demonstrates just what an extraordinary thinker and churchman Asbury has selected to lead its school into the Twenty-first century. In addition to being a compelling read, Theology in the Context of World Christianity is one of the exceptionally rare books that has actually changed the way I think about doing Theology.
The idea for this book was planted during Professor Tennent's doctoral studies when Andrew Walls suggested: "Theological scholarship needs a renaissance of mission studies." The truth behind this assertion rests on the fact that theological reflection grows out of the Church applying Scripture to specific current issues as it proclaims the gospel in changing circumstances. Nevertheless, Systematic Theology (which Tennent holds in very high esteem) has tended to be done in response to the questions that Western culture asks. Indeed, Systematic Theology is often done in response to the questions that Western culture was asking in the past. For example, while many Systematic Theologies interact with categories of Greek philosophy, few interact seriously with the Quran or Hinduism. Furthermore, much of Systematic Theology ignores that the majority of Christians no longer live in Europe and North America. Theology in the Context of World Christianity offers as step toward addressing this imbalance in a way that renews Systematic Theology for the entire Church.
Professor Tennant wisely provides us with concrete case studies to show how the diverse questions asked by Majority World Christians, cause us to re-evaluate and further develop our understanding of God's revelation. For example, there is a chapter on Bibliology in cultures which are dominated by Hindu Sacred Texts; a chapter on Christology against the backdrop of ancestor worship in Africa; and a chapter on Ecclesiology in Islamic regions where Christianity and Church are often seen as intrinsically "Western" and "decadent". The complex questions raised are probed with cultural sensitivity and insight while always being evaluated in light of Scripture (from a solidly evangelical point of view).
In addition to the important message this work is introducing, it is also simply a shear joy to read. The prose is remarkably clear and each chapter is chock full of insights. I can't remember any other book which stimulated as much creative thought on my part as this relatively slender volume has.
Does the book have any weaknesses? Such a creative and thought provoking work must entail some weaknesses; yet the only one that was noticeable to me was in Professor Tennent's treatment of Pentecostalism. I was somewhat surprised by the relatively harsh manner in which this chapter dealt with those who believe that the "sign gifts" of the Holy Spirit ceased during the Apostolic era. Furthermore, Tennent asserts: "Doctrines of cessationism or partial cessationism, are in the final analysis, detrimental concessions to an Enlightenment worldview that has unduly influenced the church with its naturalistic presuppostions (p. 179)." While I am as happy to attack the Enlightenment worldview and its naturalist presuppositions as the next guy - this assertion faces two serious objections: (1) Cessationism exited in the Church long before the Enlightenment; and (2) Cessationism has been held (and is still held) by people who doggedly oppose naturalistic presuppositions. Nevertheless, Professor Tennant's chapter on Pneumatology and Pentacostalism is loaded with insights about how this movement is transforming Christianity around the world.
In sum: Every seminary student and every pastor needs to read this book. It is that important a work. The promise of doing Theology in the context of World Christianity will not be accomplished by a few uniquely gifted scholars, it is a call that all of us must answer.
Tolle Lege!
The idea for this book was planted during Professor Tennent's doctoral studies when Andrew Walls suggested: "Theological scholarship needs a renaissance of mission studies." The truth behind this assertion rests on the fact that theological reflection grows out of the Church applying Scripture to specific current issues as it proclaims the gospel in changing circumstances. Nevertheless, Systematic Theology (which Tennent holds in very high esteem) has tended to be done in response to the questions that Western culture asks. Indeed, Systematic Theology is often done in response to the questions that Western culture was asking in the past. For example, while many Systematic Theologies interact with categories of Greek philosophy, few interact seriously with the Quran or Hinduism. Furthermore, much of Systematic Theology ignores that the majority of Christians no longer live in Europe and North America. Theology in the Context of World Christianity offers as step toward addressing this imbalance in a way that renews Systematic Theology for the entire Church.
Professor Tennant wisely provides us with concrete case studies to show how the diverse questions asked by Majority World Christians, cause us to re-evaluate and further develop our understanding of God's revelation. For example, there is a chapter on Bibliology in cultures which are dominated by Hindu Sacred Texts; a chapter on Christology against the backdrop of ancestor worship in Africa; and a chapter on Ecclesiology in Islamic regions where Christianity and Church are often seen as intrinsically "Western" and "decadent". The complex questions raised are probed with cultural sensitivity and insight while always being evaluated in light of Scripture (from a solidly evangelical point of view).
In addition to the important message this work is introducing, it is also simply a shear joy to read. The prose is remarkably clear and each chapter is chock full of insights. I can't remember any other book which stimulated as much creative thought on my part as this relatively slender volume has.
Does the book have any weaknesses? Such a creative and thought provoking work must entail some weaknesses; yet the only one that was noticeable to me was in Professor Tennent's treatment of Pentecostalism. I was somewhat surprised by the relatively harsh manner in which this chapter dealt with those who believe that the "sign gifts" of the Holy Spirit ceased during the Apostolic era. Furthermore, Tennent asserts: "Doctrines of cessationism or partial cessationism, are in the final analysis, detrimental concessions to an Enlightenment worldview that has unduly influenced the church with its naturalistic presuppostions (p. 179)." While I am as happy to attack the Enlightenment worldview and its naturalist presuppositions as the next guy - this assertion faces two serious objections: (1) Cessationism exited in the Church long before the Enlightenment; and (2) Cessationism has been held (and is still held) by people who doggedly oppose naturalistic presuppositions. Nevertheless, Professor Tennant's chapter on Pneumatology and Pentacostalism is loaded with insights about how this movement is transforming Christianity around the world.
In sum: Every seminary student and every pastor needs to read this book. It is that important a work. The promise of doing Theology in the context of World Christianity will not be accomplished by a few uniquely gifted scholars, it is a call that all of us must answer.
Tolle Lege!
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I consider this to be one of the finest studies yet produced in the spate of new books on global and/or contextual theology. Tennent is characteristically careful, complete, and thought-provoking in his treatment of any subject, but these words are especially appropriate in describing his approach to this discipline and the various examples he gives. His presentation and analysis of an example for each of the familiar categories of systematic theology is most helpful.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By B. Paul
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tennent does a great job discussing various theological issues, in light of contemporary circumstances and thought in the Majority world (i.e., Asia, Latin America, and Africa). Christians from these parts of the earth have much to offer the church in the West, and unfortunately, the Western church has oftentimes been guilty of being largely ignorant of what God is doing in the Majority world, as well as being ignorant of the unique perspectives and insights Majorly World Christians bring to the study of the Scriptures.
In particular, I believe Christians who have spent all of their lives living in Western nations, and studying Christianity from primarily a Western perspective, will benefit greatly from this book.
It is highly insightful, well-researched, clear and to the point, and enjoyable to read.
In particular, I believe Christians who have spent all of their lives living in Western nations, and studying Christianity from primarily a Western perspective, will benefit greatly from this book.
It is highly insightful, well-researched, clear and to the point, and enjoyable to read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy The Print Edition
The print edition, opposed to the Kindle version, is very beautiful. The pages are wonderful. I, however, bought it on Kindle and wish I had the print edition. Read more
Published 3 months ago by B. Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful and informative
Powerful!!! Tennent discusses ideas most ministers never even consider and balances his opinion with a well researched and Biblical view. Read more
Published on February 3, 2011 by pastortim
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must read for Serious student of relevant Theology
I was thrilled and encouraged as I read this book and it showed me the obvious fulfillment of the "gospel going into all the world" Also the discussion on how best to relate... Read more
Published on April 2, 2009 by Michael F. Gibney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theology in the Context of World Christianity
Good read and good coverage of the topic. He addresses issues and topics not covered by others in a thorough way.
Published on March 12, 2009 by John W. Simpson
