Co-authored Proposal As Western Christians seek to discern their contribution to and benefit from global evangelicalism, we need to understand our unique cultural outlooks. Social science can be of some utility, but its findings must also be carefully sifted and evaluated theologically. Social scientists increasingly note that the methods and the findings of their disciplines … Read more
The experience is all too familiar—perhaps it was a lecture from a majority world theologian, or a missionary testimony during Sunday School in church. Either way, most of us have met believers sharing remarkable stories of supernatural encounters with God—or encounters with other spiritual entities. These stories include such phenomena as speaking in tongues, dramatic … Read more
There exists in evangelical academic circles a growing level of support for and interest in “contextual theologies”—that is, “those theological efforts that intentionally make use of local cultures and languages as key resources for the theological task” (Pardue 2023, p. 37). It seems that an ever-growing chorus of evangelical scholars has highlighted the changing face … Read more
Social observers have noted the loss of traditional conventions and shared understandings, particularly among youth. Raised to question all stereotypes, youth are now unaware that types are actually grounded in typical features of the natural order and human behavior. Undoubtedly, our growing disconnection from nature and manual work–amid technologies that deliver goods to our doorstep … Read more
Watchman Nee (1903–1972) founded the Little Flock (or the Local Churches) in 1921. Under his relatively short ministry (1921–1952), the Little Flock increased dramatically in mainland China. The only churches he established outside China were in Malaysia (1924) and Singapore (1925). However, this does not mean that his theology in general, and his Christology in … Read more
Social and political upheaval in the U.S. (and around the world) in recent years has brought matters of public theology back to the forefront of discussions among evangelicals, exposing afresh the complexity of this topic. One aspect of complexity is how to distinguish between approaches to the public square that may be appropriate for evangelicals … Read more
This paper argues for a connection between Bonhoeffer’s vision of community and the Filipino value of malasakit (i.e., a concern for others, compassion, empathy). Born out of a compelling desire to see the Church of Jesus Christ revitalized, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together became a resounding and reforming call in light of his era’s combat, cowardice, … Read more
This paper proposes a doctrine of divine providence that can positively advance the Filipino cultural value of bahala na in the context of poverty and suffering. The paper combines this Filipino cultural value with a covenantal perspective that views God as Lord over all who communicatively cares for His people. Bahala na – translating roughly … Read more
Abstract The Father-Son Relationship within the Trinity is ontological or metaphysical rather than moral or mystical. After a critical examination of A. J. Appasamy, who develops his theology from John’s Gospel to formulate the moral/mystical unity view, the essay argues for the following thesis: a proper interpretation of John’s Gospel does not support a moral/mystical … Read more
In recognition of the growth of global Christianity, many biblical scholars and theologians have advocated opening the theological conversation to scholars outside the West. Publishers have begun to answer this call by increasingly publishing works on global exegesis and global theology (GT). This call has resulted in a variety of approaches toward the generally accepted … Read more