DOCSLIB.ORG

Is to Explore What Christian Theology Might Look Like Amidst and After Intensive Dialogue with Buddhist Traditions” (1)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Is to Explore What Christian Theology Might Look Like Amidst and After Intensive Dialogue with Buddhist Traditions” (1) book reviews 151 Amos Yong Pneumatology and the Christian-Buddhist Dialogue: Does the Spirit Blow through the Middle Way? (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2012). xvii + 301 pp. $182 hardback. The purpose of Amos Yong’s new book “is to explore what Christian theology might look like amidst and after intensive dialogue with Buddhist traditions” (1). To accomplish this, Yong develops foundational considerations for theolog- ical learning across religious boundaries in the pluralistic world of the twenty- first century. Yong’s standpoint for Christian learning in dialogue with Buddhism is Spirit based and Trinitarian. “… we discern the Spirit in part dogmatically in light of the person and work of Christ, and … we also discern Christ through the Spirit (7).” New insights into Christ, therefore, could arise by discerning the activity of the Spirit that may be operative in aspects of other religions. Yong’s theology of religions thus supports the possibility of new Christian learning through inter-religious dialogue, understood as fresh learning through the Spirit of Christ. To insure that possibility, Yong carefully attends to Buddhists in their own terms, seeking to avoid reducing them to a Christian pre-understanding that, ironically, would prevent the Spirit of Christ from showing Christians new things through the religious other. Yong’s pneumatologically derived categories for comparison are divine pres- ence, divine activity, and divine absence. At first glance, such categories may seem too theistic to map onto Buddhism. But Yong explores so many potential threads of learning among Buddhist concepts and practices that he finds more than enough there to support rich comparison within such categories. Indeed, a strength of the book is that Yong’s pneumatological approach focuses on such a wide range of religious sensibilities, spiritual practices and realities that have been largely ignored in prior treatises of comparative theology (22). In part I, Yong explores divine presence in creation as a pneumatological reality, involving the Spirit as the giver of life to sentient beings, as the con- ditioning field that enables the emergence of complexity from chaos, and as the relational matrix of systemic interconnections that bind orders of creation. Yongbrings this into fruitful comparison and contrast with Mahayana Buddhist teaching of reality as ultimately shunyata (emptiness), where creation may be understood in terms of processes, empty of self-subsistence, that enable the interdependent origination of beings and phenomena (103). These Christian and Buddhist understandings are informed and tested in relation to neurosci- entific discussions of mind and body. In part II, Yongrelates this ontological and anthropological background to issues of divine activity and soteriology, how salvation (or enlightenment) unfolds and is experienced. Theosis (deification) © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2014 | doi: 10.1163/15700747-03601026 152 book reviews in Eastern Orthodox Christianity is compared and contrasted with the renun- ciant soteriology of the Theravada tradition of Buddhaghosa. In part III, Yong explores symbols of divine absence—in Christian terms, that which resists God’s salvific intention for the world; in Buddhist terms, that which impedes or prevents enlightenment. Pentecostal-charismatic understandings of, and practices to avert, the demonic are compared and contrasted with analogues in Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist theory and practice, helping to illumi- nate “divine presence and activity in the world from the standpoint of what is destructive, resistant, and oppositional (24).” What sorts of theological payoff emerge for Christians from such compara- tive work? There are too many suggestive lines of inquiry for Christians (and Buddhists) to summarize adequately here, but to mention a few: In part I, Yong shows how a kenotic-Spirit-christology, informed by Buddhist deconstruction of autonomous selfhood, makes more vivid the possibility of authentic human personhood, modeled by Christ, as both self-emptying and Spirit-filled (94). In part II, by comparing Orthodox and Theravada paths, Yong clarifies what is distinctive about Christian soteriology and evokes wonder at commonalities discerned across so much difference. In part III, Yong explores how a Pente- costal understanding of the demonic may be informed by Buddhist notions of nihilism and hedonism. But the biggest theological payoff of Yong’s book may be the richness of the questions he raises from out of his comparative work. Does the Spirit of God blow through aspects of Buddhism? This question gives new life to the broader question of how to distinguish the Holy Spirit from other spirits, which draws Yong into comparative study of demonology in both traditions. Yong also asks, “Can a Christian theological standpoint do full justice to Buddhism, or does the Christian encounter with Buddhism result in the reduction of Buddhism to Christian categories? (240)” In responding to these questions, Yong shines new light on implications of divine revelation, the role of Christ, and soteriology. On the effects of comparative theological study, Yong writes, “Interfaith encounter, interaction and dialogue changes us. … How far this transforma- tion extends … cannot be foretold in advance—except to say that, from the standpoint of faith in the Spirit of Christ who leads us into all truth, our self- understanding will not contradict but will expand in unpredictable directions the Christian commitments we have embraced (250).” Such dialogical learning does not erase the centrality of witness and mission for Christians (or Bud- dhists), but newly contextualizes their meaning. Yong argues not for dialogue as a preparation for mission, but rather that mission and dialogue must now be seen as non-dual, a position that I think makes equal sense from a Buddhist perspective. Finally, as Yong writes, “sharing our witness involves the ethical PNEUMA 36 (2014) 109–177.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 5404 SBJT V10N1.3.Indd
    Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Hold the Key to a Christian Theology of Religions? An Evaluation of Three Recent Proposals Keith E. Johnson Keith E. Johnson is a Ph.D. can- Introduction Similarly, didate in Christian theology at Duke A remarkable revival of Trinitarian the- University. Keith also serves as the I believe that the Trinitarian doc- ology emerged in the twentieth century. trine of God facilitates an authen- Director of Theological Education for Karl Rahner, on the Catholic side, and Karl tically Christian response to the world religions because it takes the the U.S. Campus Ministry of Campus Barth, on the Protestant side, played key particularities of history seriously Crusade for Christ where he oversees roles in the “ecumenical rediscovery” of as well as the universality of God’s 1 the theological training of two thousand the Trinity. In addition to rethinking ele- action. This is so because the doc- full-time campus ministers. His disserta- trine seeks to affirm that God has ments of this central doctrine (e.g., nature disclosed himself unreservedly and tion research draws together two of his of divine personhood, Filioque, etc.), this irreversibly in the contingencies and central interests (the doctrine of the resurgence of interest in the Trinity has particularity of the person Jesus. But Trinity and the contemporary challenge within Trinitarian thinking, we are provided the impetus for a fresh examina- also able to affirm, in the action of of religious pluralism) by examining the tion of other aspects of Christian theology the third person, that God is con- constitutive role of Trinitarian theology in and practice from a Trinitarian standpoint stantly revealing himself through the Christian theology of religions.
    [Show full text]
  • Amos Yong Complete Curriculum Vitae
    Y o n g C V | 1 AMOS YONG COMPLETE CURRICULUM VITAE Table of Contents PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DATA ..................................................................................... 2 Education ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Academic & Administrative Positions & Other Employment .................................................................... 3 Visiting Professorships & Fellowships ....................................................................................................... 3 Memberships & Certifications ................................................................................................................... 3 PUBLICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 4 Monographs/Books – and Reviews Thereof.............................................................................................. 4 Edited Volumes – and Reviews Thereof .................................................................................................. 11 Co-edited Book Series .............................................................................................................................. 16 Missiological Engagements: Church, Theology and Culture in Global Contexts (IVP Academic) – with Scott W. Sunquist and John R. Franke ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Religion As Play: Pentecostalism As a Theological Type
    religions Article Religion as Play: Pentecostalism as a Theological Type Wolfgang Vondey ID Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; [email protected] Received: 12 February 2018; Accepted: 9 March 2018; Published: 13 March 2018 Abstract: This article suggests that Pentecostalism constitutes a genuine type of religion we can label as play. In order to identify the particular elements of this type, the article makes use of Erving Goffman’s frame analysis to organize Pentecostal theological activity. This methodological starting point is followed by an overview of existing interpretations of Pentecostalism as a form of play. The main portion of this essay then constructs from an analysis of everyday experiences visible in Pentecostalism a primary framework of activities oriented around the transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit. The sequence of activity involves a primary and overlapping pattern of Pentecostal spirituality, experience, narrative, affections, practices, and embodiment. Demonstrating that play is not exclusive to Pentecostalism, but that Pentecostals manifest a particularly visible form, demands that greater attention is paid both to Pentecostalism as a religious tradition and to play as a theological model. Keywords: Pentecostalism; play; theology; frame analysis; typology Pentecostalism is frequently identified as one of the fastest growing religious movements of the twentieth century, and interest in Pentecostal and Charismatic
    [Show full text]
  • Amos Yong the Globalchurch Project
    The GlobalChurch Project – Amos Yong The GlobalChurch Project www.theglobalchurchproject.com Amos Yong College and University Class Resource This resource is designed to help your classroom discussion. It has specific application questions appropriate to local church ministry contexts. Questions are organized in themes. They are ideal for paired discussions, group- forum style discussions, and personal reflective responses. Consider using a discussion method most suitable to your classroom setting. Select questions most appropriate to your group. Consider isolating particular themes. Materials: 1. Video: Amos Yong, 33 minutes. • Global Pentecostal missiology • Pentecostalism and pluralism • Pentecostalism and releasing all people to mission and ministry • Bridging a theology of mission (missiology) and a theology of the Spirit (pneumatology) • Christology and missiology • Missiology as relational, shalomic and transformational • Pentecostalism and Science • Asian-American Christianity • Migration and theology/practice • Trinitarian theology and pneumatology 2. Scripture reference: Matthew 3:11, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:13–26. Preliminary discussion 1. What were the major themes in Amos’s responses? 2. How does Amos describe key features of Pentecostalism? 3. Discuss the difficulties of the content. What was difficult to understand? Was there anything you would like to clarify with the group? Page 1 of 5 The GlobalChurch Project – Amos Yong 4. Theological method: How is Amos’s theology informed and shaped by his Asian-American context? What approaches does Amos take in understanding the Spirit in the context of his day-to- day experiences and teaching role? Explore and analyze Consider isolating a particular theme of interest for your classroom discussion. You might allocate topics to particular groups or pairs.
    [Show full text]
  • New from Ivp Academic
    N E W F R O M IVP ACADEMIC INTERPRETING THE THE LOST WORLD OF MAPPING APOLOGETICS REJOICING IN CHRIST, A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE LOVE OF GOD A THE ANALOGY OF FAITH THE FAITHFUL CREATOR SCRIPTURE AND AMERICAN EXCEPTIONAL­ PROPHETS Reading, Under- ADAM AND EVE Genesis 2–3 Comparing Contemporary Ap- Michael Reeves, $16.00 A ROMAN CENTURION, Canonical Model, John C. The Quest for God’s Speakabil- Affirming Creation and Providence COSMOLOGY Reading the ISM AND CIVIL RELIGION standing and Preaching from the and the Human Origins Debate, proaches, Brian K. Morley, Gary M. Burge, $16.00 Peckham, $32.00 ity, Archie J. Spencer, $35.00 in an Age of Anxiety, Ron Bible Between the Ancient World Reassessing the History of an Worlds of the Prophets, Aaron John H. Walton, $17.00 $25.00 Highfield, $35.00 and Modern Science, Kyle Idea, John D. Wilsey, $22.00 Chalmers, $20.00 Greenwood, $28.00 DO WE NEED THE NEW UNDERSTANDING MAPPING YOUR TALKING DOCTRINE HOW TO READ JOB, John THE CHOSEN PEOPLE THE CHURCH God’s Pilgrim CROSSOVER PREACHING THE GOSPEL AND PLURAL­ MODERN ORTHODOX TESTAMENT? Letting the Old GENDER DYSPHORIA ACADEMIC CAREER Mormons and Evangelicals in H. Walton and Tremper Long- Election, Paul and Second Temple People, David Zac Niringiye, Intercultural-Improvisational ISM TODAY Reassessing Lesslie THINKERS From the Philoka- Testament Speak for Itself, John Navigating Transgender Issues Charting the Course of a Conversation, Edited by Richard man III, $18.00 Judaism, A. Chadwick Thorn- $20.00 Homiletics in Conversation with Newbigin in the 21st Century lia to the Present Day, Andrew Goldingay, $22.00 in a Changing Culture, Mark A.
    [Show full text]
  • July 06 Layout
    How to Speak of the Spirit Among Religions: Trinitarian “Rules” for a Pneumatological Theology of Religions Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen hile the theme of the theology of religions—as to how wonder its canons are still in the making.2 What has been charac- Wto relate our faith to other faiths—has always ap- teristic of the recent developments is the emergence of yet peared on the radar of Christian theology, as a theological disci- another “turn.” At the cost of oversimplifying my case, let me pline the theology of religions is a fairly new enterprise.1 No simply call these turns a movement from Christocentric to theocentric and then pneumatocentric approaches. As long as Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Christian theology was based on a more or less exclusivist Seminary, Pasadena, California, and Privatdozent of Ecumenics at the Univer- standpoint, the point of departure for the theology of religions sity of Helsinki. A native of Finland, he has lived and taught in Thailand and discourse was the finality of Christ. A turn to theocentrism participates actively in ecumenical work. seemed to give more space for opening up to other religions: July 2006 121 while Christ is one way to the Father, he is not the only one. God a Trinitarian substructure but there is also a Trinitarian structure is bigger than any single religion. Soon, among theologians from to reality. He speaks of a “cosmotheandric” principle—the com- across the ecumenical spectrum, a turn to the “Spirit” was ing together of cosmic, divine, and human, the supreme example enthusiastically initiated.3 The turn to pneumatology seemed to of which is the incarnation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Theological Hermeneutic of Amos Yong, in the Prime of His Theological Career
    AUSTRALASIAN PENTECOSTAL STUDIES 21 (2020) The Theological Hermeneutic of Amos Yong, In the Prime of His Theological Career L. William Oliverio, Jr. Northwest University, Kirkland, Washington, USA Introduction There is no more influential Pentecostal theologian in the academic world today than Amos Yong. The breadth of his influence is now in full bloom, and the depth of his contributions have left a wake in which many have only begun to swim. This article identifies and explains central aspects of his theological approach to interpreting human life and all of reality, that is, his theological hermeneutic, at a moment where Yong continues to produce his theological work in the prime of his career. While doing so, the essay adds a comparative twist by relating Yong’s project to two of the most influential thinkers in the Catholic theological tradition, the twentieth century German Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner, and the great doctor, the thirteenth century Dominican Thomas Aquinas. The breadth of Yong’s contribution to global Pentecostal theology now deserves to be treated analogously to those who have made orienting contributions to other Christian traditions. While it is entirely premature to make long-term historic judgments on Yong’s influence, as that is in the midst of becoming and the future unknowable, this comparison might be considered more along the lines of a midterm assessment of that influence, while he remains in the prime of his theological career. A Brief Comparison with Rahner: Karl and Amos Yong’s intellectual contribution on behalf of the relatively young Pentecostal tradition is in some ways analogous to that of Karl Rahner’s on behalf of the Catholic.
    [Show full text]
  • Oliver Crisp CV Mar2018 Copy
    Oliver D. Crisp Fuller Theological Seminary 135 N. Oakland Avenue Pasadena, CA 91182 USA Tel: 1-626-584-5232 • [email protected] APPOINTMENTS • Professorial Fellow, Institute for Analytic and Exegetical Theology, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews, UK. June 2016-present. • Professor of Systematic Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, USA. July 2011-present. • Reader in Theology, University of Bristol, UK. August 2008-July 2011. • William H. Scheide Fellow in Theology, Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, NJ, USA. August 2008-June 2009. • Lecturer in Theology, University of Bristol, UK. Jan. 2006 – July 2008. • Frederick J. Crosson Research Fellow, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA. August 2004 – May 2005. • Teaching Fellow in Theology, St. Mary’s College, University of St. Andrews, UK. Sept. 2002 - June 2004. • Assistant Minister, Chertsey Street Baptist Church, Guildford, UK. Sept. 1999 -August 2002. • Teacher, Royal Grammar School, Guildford, UK. Sept. 1996 – August 1999. EDUCATION • DLitt, University of Aberdeen, February 2016. • PhD, Philosophy of Religion, King’s College, London (University of London), June 2002. o “The Metaphysics of Sin in the Philosophical Theology of Jonathan Edwards.” (Supervisor: Prof. Paul Helm.) • MTh, Philosophical Theology, University of Aberdeen, June 1998. (Supervisor: Prof. David Fergusson.) • PGCE [Professional Teaching Qualification] Religious Education, St. Mary’s College, University of Surrey, June 1996. • BD First Class Honours, Church History and Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen, June 1995. • Foundation diploma in Art and Design, Wimbledon School of Art, June 1991. PUBLICATIONS I. Books 1. Analyzing Doctrine: Toward a Systematic Theology (Baylor University Press, 2019). Manuscript submitted. !1 of 21! 2. Co-authored with Kyle C.
    [Show full text]
  • Amos Yong's Christian Theology of Religions
    CHAPTER FIVE A DISTINCTIVE TURN TO PNEUMATOLOGY: AMOS YONG’S CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY OF RELIGIONS Tony Richie Several years ago, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen justifiably commended Amos Yong on what I herein call his turn to pneumatology in a Christian theol- ogy of religions; although Kärkkäinen still judged it “too early to give a definite assessment of Yong’s very recent approach.”1 Over the intervening years, Yong has added a great deal of substantive thought and work to his theology of religions’ repertoire, and it is passing inspection with other leading Pentecostal theologians. For example, Frank Macchia credits Yong with helping him “see that a theological accent on the Spirit grants God’s redemptive and empowering presence through Christ implicitly greater breadth”2 and for teaching us about the Spirit’s witness to Jesus “outside the boundaries of the church.”3 Yong stands as a leading Pentecostal scholar in the field of theology of religions, and his substantial contribu- tions warrant larger treatment in this volume. Accordingly, my chapter will look at the foundations and major theological categories in Yong’s Pentecostal theology of religions. The anthropological and ecumenical elements are treated in the next chapter. I begin with an introduction to the main contours of Yong’s theological proposal, lifting up Yong’s ratio- nale for pursuing the development of a distinctively Pentecostal theology of religions through concepts foundational for its formulation, pneuma- tological imagination, and foundational pneumatology. Then, I discuss Yong’s theology of religions in the context of key theological categories, for example, its trinitarian robustness, pneumatological basis, and Chris- tological breadth.
    [Show full text]
  • Science and Spirit: a Critical Examination of Amos Yong's
    Open Theology 2015; 1: 425–435 Science and/or Religion: a 21st Century Debate Open Access Research Article Mikael Leidenhag*, Joanna Leidenhag Science and Spirit: A Critical Examination of Amos Yong’s Pneumatological Theology of Emergence DOI 10.1515/opth-2015-0025 Received July 17, 2015; accepted September 23, 2015 Abstract: This paper is a critical examination of Amos Yong’s pneumatological use of emergence theory. In seeking to bridge the divide between the worldviews of science and Pentecostalism, Yong sees emergence theory as a fruitful mediating discourse. We will argue for the following: 1) the supernaturalism of Yong’s Pentecostal theology renders the concept of emergence obsolete; 2) the ontological independence of various types of spirits in Yong’s theology breaks his commitment to supervenience theory; and 3) Yong’s transference of scientific concepts into the normative discourse of theology is potentially problematic. These criticisms should be seen as a call for Yong to depart from emergence theory (and supervenience) in his admirable ambition to harmonize the spirit-filled imagination of Pentecostalism with the scientific culture of the 21st century. Keywords: Emergence, Supervenience, Pneumatology, Amos Yong Introduction This paper examines the prominent Pentecostal thinker, Amos Yong. More specifically, this paper is interested in Yong’s use of scientific concepts in his construction of a robust pneumatology and theology of creation. Yong takes the depiction of God as the Spirit, most notably from the book of Genesis in the Bible, as his starting point. His overall goal is to create a plausible account of the Spirit’s role in the creation narrative (Gen.
    [Show full text]
  • Renewing the Soul: Towards an Enhanced Pentecostal Philosophical Theological Doctrine of Human Constitution
    RENEWING THE SOUL: TOWARDS AN ENHANCED PENTECOSTAL PHILOSOPHICAL THEOLOGICAL DOCTRINE OF HUMAN CONSTITUTION BY MATTHEW JOHN CHURCHOUSE A thesis submitted to the University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Theology and Religion School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion College of Arts and Law University of Birmingham August 2017 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. Abstract Renewing the Soul: Towards an Enhanced Pentecostal Philosophical Theological Doctrine of Human Constitution Having given a fresh historical overview of Pentecostal thought concerning the doctrine of human constitution, and so ascertained the trajectory Pentecostal theology is on concerning this doctrine, this thesis identifies Amos Yong and then Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen as significant voices towards the end and present of the trajectory, with the potential to influence its future direction. The thesis highlights both scholars’ assumption that any dualistic view of human constitution - specifically, understanding the soul as a distinct immaterial (and after death, separable) entity from the body - is theologically and philosophically problematic, and charts their alternative proposal(s) of an emergent monist view of human constitution.
    [Show full text]
  • Logical and Religious Studies Volume 46 Issue 2 August 2021
    An International Journal for Students of Theo- logical and Religious Studies Volume 46 Issue 2 August 2021 EDITORIAL: A Biblical Theology of Education 257 Exclusion from the People of God: An 336 by D. A. Carson Examination of Paul’s Use of the Old Testament in 1 Corinthians 5 by Jeremy Kimble STRANGE TIMES: No Longer Humans, but 269 Angels (and Demons) by Daniel Strange Diognetus and the Parting of the Ways 354 by Florenc Mene Testimonies of Faith and Fear: Canaanite 279 Responses to YHWH’s Work in Joshua Beginning at the End of All Things: Abraham 366 by Cory Barnes Kuyper’s and Klaas Schilder’s Eschatological Visions of Culture by Dennis Greeson The Bows of the Mighty Are Broken: The “Fall” 290 of the Proud and the Exaltation of the Humble Stories that Gleam like Lightning: The 375 in 1 Samuel by Justin Jackson Outrageous Idea of Christian Fiction by Hans Madueme and Robert Erle Barham A Two-Dimensional Taxonomy of Forms for 306 the NT Use of the OT by Douglas S. Huffman A Tale of Two Stories: Amos Yong’s Mission after 391 Pentecost and T’ien Ju-K’ang’s Peaks of Faith Jesus, “Adopted Son of God”? Romans 1:4, 319 by Robert P. Menzies Orthodox Christology, and Concerns about a Contemporary Conclusion by Joshua Maurer The Making of Biblical Womanhood: A Review 402 and Ty Kieser by Kevin DeYoung Book Reviews 413 DESCRIPTION Themelios is an international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal that expounds and defends the historic Christian faith. Its primary audience is theological students and pastors, though scholars read it as well.
    [Show full text]