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Contextualisation in Theological Formation

Cultural Context

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  • John Romus Morning Star College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48604/ct.115

Keywords:

theological education, India, cultural diversity, contextualisation, Hinduism, tribal communities, indigenous people, Adivasi, eco justice, indigenous festivals

Abstract

Conclusion: Theologizing in the Tribal cultural context is first and foremost an attempt to listen to the Spirit of God working in the Tribal communities in India who live and experience their own faith by sharing and celebrating it in their own socio-cultural and religious environment. Contextualisation of theological formation involves accompanying them in their attempt and search for justice, harmony, and inter-human care. In the light of Vatican II, it is to discover the seeds of the Word which lie hidden in the Tribal cultures (cf. Ad Gentes, 11) and interpret them in the light of the Gospel. The indigenous cultural contextualisation of theology will lead to mutual enrichment of the local Tribal Christian communities and the universal Church. Theology of this sort happens when the Tribal communities live out their double heritage of faith and culture. Ethics of inter-human concern as against aggressive individualism, eco-justice as against unsustainable development policies, and symbiotic harmony between humans and nature as against abuse of natural resources are some of the enduring values that the Tribal Christians contribute to world civilisation through their theologising in their cultural context.

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Posted

2013-12-19