An Analysis of Tite Tienous Christian Theology in an Era...

Tienou, Tite. Christian Theology in an Era of World Christianity. Chapter 1 in Globalizing Theology. Ed. By Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. Tite Tienou asserts that Christian theology does not seem to be greatly affected by globalization, (38). Globalization might have an impact on evangelical missions and ecumenical cooperation between the various manifestations of the Christian church throughout the world, but not on theology itself (Tienou 38). If it seems impossible to create ecumenical cooperation between the various manifestations of the church without that cooperation impacting Christian theology, then Tienou considers the simultaneous fact that globalization has also fostered dialogue between Christianity and other world religions. That dialogue is unlikely to alter Christian theology, even if it changes Christian missionary operations and functions. Christianity has historically been a facilitator of globalization. In fact, Tienou cites Shenk saying that the Christian faith is global with multiple heartlands, (38). Any theological discourse now must take place within a global environment, taking into account the disparate cultures, individuals, and worldviews that fall under the rubric of the Christian world. The 21st century calls for a world conversation on theological method, (Tienou 38). There must be a global conversation if Christian theology is to change, or even remain the same. Tienou also suggests that theology