Theological implications of the shift of Christianity

Editor’s note: The following post arises from small group reflections from The Rise of Global Christianity, 1910–2010, taught by Dr. Todd Johnson at Boston University in the Fall of 2010. Lead by doctoral students, the small groups discussed lectures given by Christian scholars in various disciplines, including significant changes that have occurred in global Christianity over the past 100 years.

On Wednesday, September 22nd, our small group gathered to reflect on the shifting center of gravity for Christianity. The discussion, in particular, focused on the theological implications of the shift of Christianity to the South and to the East.

The initial observation was that Christian theology is undergoing cross-fertilization. People are seeking to do theology in a specific context, but they are cognizant of a larger, global dimension to their theology.

Another member added that the changing face of Christianity has meant a change in power. The student admitted there is no direct evidence of that assertion (yet), but felt the change was in part masked by the fact that theological power in the South and East is not connected to political or economic power. Thus, it is hard to recognize the theological power of Christianity in the Global South when we are fixated on money and might.

One student challenged the idea that theological power is shifting with the numerical growth of Christians in the South and East. Why, it was asked, do many Christians from the Global South continue to receive their training in the Global North, or from people trained in the Global North? Perhaps the “theological center” of Christianity has is still firmly fixed in the North.

In response, it was observed that “theology was developed in the West and North part of the world,” and thus explains why many people from the Global South traveled to study in the North. However, the student continued, even that trend is changing. In Korea, for instance, many students from South East Asia choose to pursue advanced theological degree there, rather in than in the Global North (although it was acknowledged many Koreans still receive their advanced training in the United States and Europe).

The conversation moved back toward the intersection of different theologies. One student shared from personal experience: When I was in Korea my understanding of the Trinity was based on love, obedience, and union. In America, we focus on the unique quality of each person and interconnectedness of the three persons. At first this relationship was really confusing and even produced cultural shock. Sometimes it seems Americans don’t stress the qualities I was taught enough, however I think the church of Christ must work together across cultural lines. I can say that considering different perspectives has led me to a broader understanding of the Trinity.

With one minute left for our allotted time, the question was asked, “Will the emergence of theologies in the Global South further divide, or unite Christians around the world?” Perhaps the division in our responses provided the real answer: two believed Christians would be more united through the cross-fertilization of theological perspectives; three felt the exacerbation of local differences would further divide the Christian community.

Daryl Ireland, discussion moderator