Abstract
In some circles, it is stated that Christianity is global geographically, but not theologically. In other words, the aims and constructs of Western theology retain a privileged position in the global Church. In contrast, Theology Without Boarders offers a fresh vision and methodology towards a truly global theology.
Dyrness and García-Johnson, professors at Fuller Theological Seminary, open with counter-balancing chapters. García-Johnson (Honduran-American) champions a disruptive “transoccidental” theology liberated from the methodical presuppositions that privilege Western theology in Christian thought. Dyrness (American of Scandinavian descent) then describes the role, both positive and negative, of the Western heritage in theology. Subsequent chapters discuss revelation, God/humanity, Christ, the Church, and eschatology in global theology. Theology Without Boarders features various contextual theologies (mostly Latin, African, and Western), but primarily aims to construct an epistemological foundation for the ongoing development of global theology. The book is theoretical and conceptual, aimed primarily at fellow academicians and theorists.
Missiologists claim, “context matters,” but often fail to grasp the full implications of that catchphrase. Theology Without Boarders masterfully uncovers and untangles the complete impact of context upon Christianity, especially in Western theology. Theology is a conversation “between some version of the Christian tradition and the indigenous traditions of that place,” not simply between Scripture and culture as naively assumed (p. 43). Therefore, the author’s insistence on and explanation of the inherently contextual nature of all theological reflection is most impressive.
The book insinuates that Western theology is innately imperial and global theology is automatically de-colonial (cf. pp. 132–33), reflecting an overly politicized reading of theology at times. The disconnect between the book’s form and content seemed ironic: this academic, abstract text with chapter titles mirroring systematic theology (form) critiques the Scholastic categories and abstract rationalizing of Western culture (content). How might the mediums of global theology also become transoccidental?
Overall, Theology Without Boarders is essential for serious practitioners of Christian mission and theology. Bold and concise, this book succeeds by advancing the global conversation about theology.
