Toward a Theology of Inculturation - Paperback

by Aylward Shorter (Author)

'Inculturation' is a word come only recently into theological language, having its origin and impetus in a revolution in the perception of Christian mission--even of Christian identity. 'Toward a Theology of Inculturation' is the first book to bring together the many strands of current and historical Catholic thought on what might be called a theology of a multicultural church. Inculturation, Shorter argues, is the recognition that faith must in effect become culture to be fully received and lived. In the course of a wide-ranging discussion, the author explores the intimate relationship between inculturation and theology, focusing in particular on scripture, the history of ""missions (especially in Africa), and contemporary Catholic thought. Shorter concludes with an exploration of the future of the church--a multicultural church. 'Toward a Theology of Inculturation' offers a substantive explication of what inculturation is, what it is not, how and when it occurs, and what its limits are or should be.

Author Biography

Aylward Shorter has served as President of the Missionary Institute, London, has lectured in African Studies at the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa, and has served as consultant to the Vatican secretariat for non-Christians. He is the author of 'African Culture, an Overview: Socio-cultural Anthropology' and 'African Christian Theology'.