Theology: Contextual and Contextualised

Even though it is generally accepted that all theology is contextual, it is still common to talk about contextualized theology. This is acceptable if the terms are clarified. Theology, being a human activity is worked out within a context that greatly affects the way it is done, the theological themes it deems important and the conclusions that it draws. For example, it is not surprising that prosperity theology arose within a context that generally rewards hard work, and that the theologies of liberation arose within a context of oppression and injustice where no matter how hard you work you will still be exploited. This holds both for an individual theologian or a school of theology. For example Barth and Bonhoeffer worked out their theologies within a context of the rise of Hitler and the oppression of the Jews. The Swastika casts a long shadow over Bonhoeffer's most famous works as it does in much of Barth's early work. One can perceive that Barth's theology was affected after 1960 by the rise of the liberation movements in Africa and Latin America. This can be illustrated in how Barth allowed a greater correlation between God and his activity within history after the WFCS conference in Strasbourg (1960) The illustration from Barth shows that this goes for systematic theology as much as biblical and applied theology. For me, “Contextualized Theology” on the other hand is that theology which consciously and constructively responds to the issues within a given context. It is not so concerned with developing a theological system, as it is to faithfully and coherently respond theologically to the issues of the day. This is theology on the road. We can conclude therefore that although all theology is contextual not all theology is contextualized.