Globalizing Theology | Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland, eds. at PastorBookshelf Overviews

Globalizing Theology | Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland, eds.

by Phil Gons on May 30th, 2007

Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland, eds. Globalizing Theology: Belief and Practice in an Era of World Christianity. Baker, 2006. 384 pp.

It is no secret that globalization is one of the most powerful forces in the twenty-first century. In nearly every realm—political, economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious—traditional boundaries are disappearing and people worldwide are more interconnected than ever. Recent decades have also seen the globalization of Christianity and the accompanying shift in the center of gravity of Christianity from the West to the southern hemisphere and Asia. As these realities take deeper root, scholars, students, and church leaders must grapple with the implications for theological reflection and method, not to mention missiological practice.

It is to this set of vital and complex issues that the contributors to Globalizing Theology address themselves in this collection of original and groundbreaking essays. This international and internationally recognized group of scholars brings a multidisciplinary approach to the questions involved, including not only theological and missiological perspectives but also insights from history, sociology, ecclesiology, and anthropology. Part one examines the challenges for theology brought about by globalization. Part two focuses on methodological issues. Part three examines the implications of a global theology on various practical issues. Here is a vital text for courses in theology, missions, and cultural studies.

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