Asian Christian Theology: Evangelical Perspectives

by Timoteo D. Gener (Editor), Stephen T. Pardue (Editor)

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.

Genres: Theology

376 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2019

Reviews

[Kiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays from evangelical Asian theologians, this is a much improved blend of contextual theology and orthodoxy than other books like it that I have read. One striking thing to a western reader, and someone trained in western traditions of theology, is the overwhelming amount of history and suffering in Asia that Christians must contend with as they think through their theology. Too often, when contextual theology turns progressive, all it does is take from the worst western ideas to support a Marxist or liberationist agenda that is just as decontextualized as any colonial theology that came before it. Here I found a much more thoughtful, Bible centered, set of reflections that, while seeking for common grace and general divine revelation overlapping with the gospel and scripture, nonetheless maintained a diligent priority to sola scriptura. There were a few essays that wanted to accept more ancestor veneration as Christian practice than I was comfortable with, but these were hedged by two excellent essays on the need for a theology of suffering in Asian missiology and for an Asian public theology. On balance, a helpful and thoughtful read that will give me much to work with as I rethink my curriculum for Hong Kong youth. 335 pages of contextual theology with appropriate evangelical priorities.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-started the book and really appreciate the authors teaching & perspectives about how Asian Christians need to re-think theology instead of borrowing concepts from other cultures. I hope seminaries begin thinking how to adapt witness, teaching and worship in ways that are more biblical and more Asian.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent collection of essay on various aspects of theology. Yes, it's set in an Asian context and is written for Asian Christians, but the insights are valuable from Christ-followers of all backgrounds.

[Ryan Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource at understanding various theologies from an Asian perspective related to areas of creation, salvation, the church, the Holy Spirit, as well as how to biblically and faithfully cross-culturally share the gospel in a region of varying worldviews and beliefs.

[Jason Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book by and for Asian evangelical Christians but for us in the west it’s a useful prod to thinking biblically outside familiar boxes. There is good material on relating the gospel to other truth claims, and reconciliation in the aftermath of Arab nationalism. The reader is also invited to look at modern alienation from different perspectives than the usual myopic western focus on the sexual Revolution and individualism. There is also thoughtful writing on a theology of suffering for a church often under pressure that undercuts prosperity theology and Copeland style greed nicely.