Reviews for Down, up, and over: Slave Religion and Black Theology

The average rating for Down, up, and over: Slave Religion and Black Theology based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-09-22 00:00:00 Shaun Kewley In this paper, I will describe the typology of different models for a theology of religion found in Knitter along with four other authors: David Bosch, Hans Küng, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, and Francis Anekwe Oborji. I contend that the basic classification of the typologies of different theologies of religion between these authors is not significant; though Kärkkäinen's explanation for the typology he uses suggests a compelling reason for preferring his heuristic classification. Indicating that the advent of pluralism, especially in North America and Europe, results in questions about other religions more prevalently today, Knitter refers to this as "a newly experienced reality" for Christians and the church (Knitter 2002, 5). The suggestion of a "dialogical community of communities" that aids in the discovery of truth through conversation is equipped for understanding other religions by this book (8, 11). Knitter suggests four different models for a theology of religion: Replacement, Fulfillment, Mutuality, and Acceptance. His classification is complete with an explanation of each model, the major characteristics of the model and practitioners. This basic classification of the different theologies of religion does not follow historical development, though the ordering of the models is suggestive that it is. David Bosch examines the theology of religions from the aspect of its impact on mission. His typology adopts Hans Küng's four basic positions as a framework (Bosch 1991, 477-483): atheism, which Bosch ignores; exclusivism, the traditional view which is described as "decidedly premodern or . . . modern"; fulfillment, with a shift in postmodern theology from ecclesiocentrism to christocentrism; and relativism. Specific to the fulfillment model, Bosch finds a connection to indigenization/inculturation and applies this to ecumenism (456-457). Küng's goal in ad intra and ad extra dialogue is to achieve world peace as cited in Knitter (Knitter 2002, 102) and in expanded form in the concluding litany of Christianity and the World Religions; Paths to dialogue with Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Of Küng's four basic positions, exclusivism was the traditional Catholic position until Vatican II. Christianity faced a "qualitative challenge" when world religions discovered during the colonialist period offered "riches" and "light" instead of an impoverished ethic and absence of truth (Küng 1988, 233-234). Following this new reality, a fulfillment model became the norm. Oborji notes Knitter's "helpful, even-handed" introduction to theologies of religion (Oborji 2006, 119). However, his only concern is examining the fulfillment model which has become central to post-Vatican II Catholic teaching. Citing a number of Catholic theologians before a critical review of the WCC's call for dialogue with other religions without first articulating a clear theological position, he concludes by emphasizing the "inclusive Christology" that now characterizes the majority of Catholic theologians (132). Kärkkäinen introduces his theology of religions by summarizing various typologies of religion and suggests that a three-part classification of "exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism" may become "the typology of theology of religions" (Kärkkäinen 2003, 24). However, he then goes on to offer a different classification - Ecclesiocentrism, Christocentrism, Theocentrism, and Realitycentrism - which are further classified according to the previous typologies - corresponding in order with exclusive, inclusive, pluralistic, and extreme pluralistic (25). The suggestion of a change in terminology is done with the goal of broadening the approach to understanding the different theologies. Instead of seeing them in opposition, they are presented "in a sort of continuity" (166). Though he is clear to avoid the suggestion of development from one theology to another, or to suggest that the theological divide between the methods is somewhat significant, Kärkkäinen imagines concentric circles as a configuration of how the four models relate to God, Christ, the church, and the world. Citing Netland, he acknowledges the challenge of classifiying theologians within one typology or another. "I am increasingly unhappy with this taxonomy as it tends to obscure sublte, but significant differences ..." (171). He then describes the four types and details various theologians according to how they fit within the typology he has adopted. The works of Knitter, Küng, and Bosch are presented in a thoroughly modern style, though each of them suggests an emerging postmodern reality/paradigm. The appeal of Kärkkäinen's approach is that the spectrum of different theologies is less clearly defined and more relational throughout. Knitter's suggestion of a dialogical community is appealing and recalls the emphasis of Küng on ecumenical dialogue and Bosch's description of dialogue as mission. In Knitter's final section, he emphasizes the relational aspect and need for dialogue between theologies of religion. "Friendship" was described as the impetus for engagement with others when Knitter describes the Acceptance Model and also describes his confession about what he learned through interreligious dialogue. Works Cited Bosch, David Jacobus. 1991. Transforming mission : paradigm shifts in theology of mission. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books. Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. 2003. An introduction to the theology of religions : biblical, historical, and contemporary perspectives. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. Knitter, Paul F. 2002. Introducing theologies of religions. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books. Küng, Hans. 1986. Christianity and the world religions : paths of dialogue with Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday. Küng, Hans. 1988. Theology for the third millennium : an ecumenical view. New York: Doubleday. Oborji, Francis Anekwe. 2006. Concepts of mission : the evolution of contemporary missiology. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books.

Review # 2 was written on 2013-10-17 00:00:00 John Reske Text for a Fall 2017 Brite Divinity course - a good presentation of the different ways Christians can and do view other religions - From the publisher: This volume shares insights into the positions of writers concerned with understanding Christianity among the world's great religious traditions. Avoiding tired labels of past debates (Exclusivism, Pluralism, and Inclusivism), Knitter suggests four different models (Replacement, Fulfillment, Mutuality, and Acceptance) that more adequately link together thirteen ways of approaching and understanding the variety of the world's religious expressions.