Luther sparked the Reformation, but he was also a contextual theologian! His theology was located in a specific time (16th century), a specific place (Germany), a specific language and culture (German).
This illustration (from Luther's 1541 Die Propheten alle Deudsch) is set in a specific context. The Spirit descends on individuals dressed in 16th century German clothing in a town with 16th century architecture.
Note the trends of Africa, Asia, and South America compared with Europe and North America.
In the last century Christianity has exponentially grown in the Global South. It makes sense to study theology with our our sisters and brothers world-wide.
1970 - 43% of Christians world-wide were in the Global South
2018 - 66% of Christians world-wide are in the Global South
| Africa | 631 million |
| Latin America | 601 million |
| Europe | 571 million |
| Asia | 388 million |
| North America | 277 million |
| Oceania | 29 million |
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10
...in that it addresses a specific culture and/or location. (For purposes of this guide, "contextual theology" is shorthand for perspectives outside of the dominant American/European contexts.)
There are multiple ways to approach your exploration of contextual theology:
Theologies written in a specific language are not necessarily contextual theologies. The text could be a translation of a 'traditional' Western theology.
Below is a list of a few key terms in contextual and global theologies with links to further information.
See also TOC’s, indices, etc.
Key: