Guest Editorial: The Case for Postcolonial Theology

This article provides an extended introduction to postcolonial theology. It makes the case for regarding postcolonial theology as a genuinely global theology and challenges the dominance of the traditional systematic theology of the West arguing that it should be set in its cultural context.

PROBLEMATIKA PLURALISME AGAMA ANTARA TEOLOGI DAN FILSAFAT: MEMBACA KRITIK MARIANNE MOYAERT ATAS JOHN HICK

Religious pluralism as an effort to bridge harmony among adherents of religions initiates both theological and philosophical problems. For example, religious pluralism is not only seen as a further effort to build interreligious relationships but also it is built on Truth Relativism. The religious pluralism concept also encourages Marianne Moyaert to investigate religious pluralism more deeply, especially referring to the concept of 'Global Theology' which is conceptualized by John Hick. This paper analyzed a number of theologians' annoyance with Global Theology such as: Hick as a 'Problematic Theologian', demythologizing of Jesus, and most importantly, the blurred relationship between Theology and Philosophy. Following Marianne's Argument, it was believed that the relationship among religions should be built on clear boundaries between Theology and Philosophy, where the boundaries were destroyed by Global Theology. Instead of fading the boundaries between the two, the relationship among religions should be carried out based on a religious understanding based on commitment.

Akar Pemikiran Pluralisme Agama Syekh Siti Jenar

This article discusses the roots of religious pluralism of Sheikh Siti Jenar. As one of theprosecution of Islam in the land of Java, he had a thought of religious pluralism, which is themeeting point of religions on the esoteric landscape (the transcendent unity of religions), in termsof Islamic mysticism known as Wahdat al-Adyan. The author deliberately used pluralism touncover the thoughts of Sheikh Siti Jenar based on his teachings. The theory of religiouspluralism classification, which includes secular humanism, global theology, syncretism, andlasting wisdom, is used to determine the pattern of religious pluralism found in the thought ofSheikh Siti Jenar. The problems discussed in this paper are the thoughts and patterns of religiouspluralism Sheikh Siti Jenar. For that purpose, the relevant data, obtained through the literaturestudy, is analyzed using a method of content analysis and descriptive-analytic. Based on thestudy conducted, it can be suggested that the concept of religious pluralism Sheikh Siti Jenar isthe implications of the plurality of scientific networks that accumulate in the developedteachings, Manunggaling Kawulo Gusti. The pluralism in the thought of Sheikh Siti Jenarcovered the meeting point of various religions at the esoteric level, because the difference forhim only occurred at the level of exoscorers alone. This view when associated with religiouspluralism classification belongs to the category of eternal wisdom. The thought of Sheik SitiJenar about the mystical maqamat in the process of discovering identity, the three elements thatbuild human beings, heaven and hell, and his views on nature, all of which are intertwined withthe teachings of Islamic mysticism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Javanese philosophy. The thoughtof Sheikh Siti Jenar took the pattern of religious pluralism, syncretism.

Global Philosophy of Religion and its Challenges

This chapter argues that if the philosophy of religion is to take religion seriously, it must expand its focus and incorporate a wide range of religious perspectives. The chapter develops a ‘global philosophy of religion’ by critically assessing two earlier attempts to transform the philosophy of religion: Ninian Smart’s ‘philosophy of worldviews’ and John Hick’s ‘global theology’. The global philosophy of religion is more constructive than these two approaches because it emphasizes common issues that philosophers in distinct traditions can tackle together. Moreover, the global philosophy of religion moves beyond interreligious dialogue without demanding commitment to any controversial meta-theory, such as religious pluralism or religious inclusivism.

A new global theology? Intercultural theology and the challenge of public discourse in a global church

This article examines the potential of intercultural theology as a mode of public theologizing particularly suited for a global Christian church of extraordinary diversity today. Given the salience of “public” themes already resident within it, I suggest, intercultural theology has the potential to make a substantive contribution to the nature and practice of theology as global discourse. I explore three respects in which intercultural theology can assist the church in articulating its public witness: the demand that theology be global in scope, holistic in depth and reach, and attentive to truth.

Towards a global theology: Theological method and contextualisation

How should the cultural context influence theological formulation? This article examines contextualisation as it relates to theological method. After considering definitions and methods for formulating contextual theology, it applies the method in two areas: the missional activity of communicating the gospel in a particular cultural context, and the ecclesial activity of improving upon the theological confession of the local church. The author concludes by briefly considering the method with a global perspective.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Some traditions have failed to contextualise the biblical message, whereas other ministry practice has radically altered its message in an attempt to be contextually sensitive. Recent research has resulted in a confusing array of conflicting methods with drastically different practical applications. This article explores how theological method largely determines contextualisation, and it offers a method that is both faithful to the biblical text and sensitive to the contextual situation