Contextual Theology according to Contemporary Theologians and Evangelical Theologians: Is Contextual Theology necessary as a Discipline?

Abstract

This article aims to discover the roots of the debate between evangelical and contemporary theologians regarding contextual theology, evaluate both, and question the necessity of contextual theology. To achieve this goal, the author uses a qualitative research approach with a comparative research method, especially historical comparative research method. Based on this method, the fundamental difference between evangelical and contemporary theologians regarding contextual theology is the scriptural worldview that appears in the understanding, reasoning, philosophy and interpretation, as well as their respective models of contextual theology. Contemporary contextual theology is a continuation and/or evolution of liberal and/or modern theology with an agenda of liberation in the context of a pluralistic society. The contextual theology of Evangelical theologians is the continuation and development of Reformed theology (tradition) with a holistic mission and evangelization agenda. In fact, all fields of theology, such as biblical, systematic, historical, philosophical, let alone practical, must be contextual, so contextual theology does not need to stand alone as a field let alone a discipline.

Keywords

• contextual theology
• contemporary
• evangelical
• theologian
• differences