Furthering Humanity

How should we reflect theologically about culture? Tim Gorringe presents a threefold, and interrelated, reflection organised around culture, power and mission. First, Gorringe interrogates culture through contemporary cultural studies but also through the contribution of the great eighteenth century theologian, J.G. Herder. He concludes by considering the question of cultural imperialism. Secondly, Gorringe asks where power is located in culture, and how the church relates to that, arguing that the central theses of liberation theology are far from dead. The third part turns to questions of mission, asking whether this is morally feasible in a culturally pluralist world and considering the implications of Samuel Huntington's notorious thesis of the 'clash of civilizations'. Gorringe argues that mission is in fact a vital part of a respectful multicultural society. Contents: Part I Culture: The long revolution; Religion, faith and culture; The quality of culture; Cultural imperialism. Part II Power: Opium of the people?; Hegemony and the task of the Church; Liberation theology and cultural politics. Part III Mission: Imperialism at prayer?; Translation and inculturation; Universal humanity and the clash of civilizations; The Gospel in a multicultural society. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.