Abstract

VENTER, R. Towards a theology of interculturality: A trinitarian perspective. Verbum Eccles. (Online) [online]. 2008, vol.29, n.2, pp.542-561. ISSN 2074-7705.

The greater interaction of people from diverse cultural orientation in a globalised era and the growth of the christian faith as a truly worldwide phenomenon, and the consequent complications have highlighted the need for a theological response. This paper explores such a proposal for intercultural encounter, especially among people of the same religious orientation. The emphasis is on transcendence, community and identity, or on trinity, church and spirituality. The fundamental assumption is that the trinitarian identification of God, with its concomitant stress on otherness, relationality and love, provides resources to guide intercultural challenges in the church. A consistent trinitarian approach values community; hence the imperative of a communio-ecclesiology, which embraces unity, creativity and social resistance. Identity-formation and spirituality are closely linked. A trinitarian approach advocates transformation which increasingly reflects the virtues of the triune God in the relationship with the culturally Other.

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