Theology Of Culture In A Japanese Context [Hardcover]

Description: The Christian faith has always stood in a place of tension between its transcendent nature and the surrounding culture. On the one hand, Christian faith claims to originate in the revelation of God, which transforms culture itself. On the other hand, all such revelation is inevitably received and interpreted by humans in concrete situations. It is no exaggeration to say that two millennia of church history have continually demonstrated the struggle between Christian faith and culture. In an effort to address this struggle, this book explores relevant issues pertinent to the relationship between faith and culture in the particular context of Japan. In this unique work, the context of Japan, well known as a desolate swamp for Christian missions, provides the setting for a re-exploration of issues pertaining to theology of culture. As such, Japan provides both a concrete and challenging context to work out a theology of culture. This book also helpfully illuminates for Western readers some key problems that may not have appeared fully in their contexts yet but will do so as the post-Christendom era continues. Endorsements: A valuable study of the relation of Christianity and culture, of especial importance to Japanese Christians, but with relevance for all concerned with mission and ministry in post-Christian contexts. --Alister McGrath Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education, and Head of the Center for Theology, Religion, and Culture, King's College Readers of this splendid book will find it to be a masterly guide to the complexities of Japanese responses to Western Christian missionary endeavors in contexts of Japanese nationalism/cosmopolitanism/imperialism and the tragedy of defeat. An acute discussion of Niebuhr, Yoder, and Hauerwas is complemented by analysis of the theologies of Kazoh Kitamori, Yasuo Furuya, and Hideo Ohki . . . to generate a possible theology of culture for Japan and appropriate church structures. --Ann Loades ProfelS%