Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 67:2 (Fall 2005)
Article: Creation And Context: A Theological Framework For Contextual Theology
Author: Marc Cortez

WTJ 67:2 (Fall 2005) p. 347

Creation And Context:
A Theological Framework For Contextual Theology

Marc Cortez

Marc Cortez is a Ph.D. student in Systematic Theology at the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland.

I. Introduction

It has become commonplace among contemporary theologians to recognize that every theological statement is “inextricably bound to a particular historical, socio-cultural, political, and psychological life-situation” and that in light of this we must embrace some form of contextual methodology.1 Despite this widespread agreement, a number of factors render this methodological project more complicated than it might first appear.

According to Daniel Von Allmen, three “impasses” have been problematic historically for the development of contextual theology: (1) a colonial mindset that regards the theological products of “third” world theologies as more con-textually bound than “mainline” theologies (the problem of paternalism); (2) the difficulties associated with giving room to the insights and constructive developments of particular contexts while maintaining a commitment to the central tenets of the Christian faith (the problem of heresy); and (3) the tendency to view contextualization simply as a syncretistic blending of the Christian faith with some pre-existing set of beliefs (the problem of syncretism).2

In addition to these problems, a number of other concerns have been raised. Some question whether contextual methodologies adequately deal with issues like the unity of the church, the prophetic and critical dimensions of theology, and the radical impact of sin on human cultural systems. Additionally, many associate contextual theology with the dialectical methodology developed by the

WTJ 67:2 (Fall 2005) p. 348

Theological Education Fund, a methodology which maintains the interdependence of text and context such that neither takes priority over the other.3 Others point out that the plurality and multi-layered nature of contexts makes it very difficult to determine the parameters and characteristics of any given context.4 The methodological questions raised by these concerns must be addressed before any adequate contextual methodology can be developed. However, these methodological issues are themselves grounded in basic theological commitments. As Kathryn Tanner states, “Methodological questions in theology are never finally independent... of more substantive theological commitments.”You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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