Significance of incarnation in gospel contextualisation and communication interculturally

Abstract

This article analyses the missional significance of John 1:14 in gospel contextualisation and communication interculturally. All theologies are contextual within an unchanging divine word of God. After the four-decade long contestation, which was at times complex, if not complicated, the consensus was reached between the Evangelical and the Ecumenical scholars. The aftermath of it has a far-reaching implication for an effective and efficient contextualisation and communication of the gospel interculturally. In this regard, the question is: how to maximise an effective and efficient communication of the gospel interculturally? The goal is to point out the significance of John 1:14 in the whole debate for effective and efficient gospel contextualisation and communication interculturally. It is from that context that this article analyses John 1:14 from a missional perspective with an aim to discuss three aspects: firstly, the basic nature of incarnation as a divine accommodation; secondly, the critical debate of gospel contextualisation and communication since the 1970s; and thirdly, the ultimate missional perspective of incarnation as a holistic and divine model of accommodation for effective and efficient gospel contextualisation and communication. And lastly the concluding remarks.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article contributes to the understanding of the nature and significance of incarnation based on John 1:14. It aims to address the ongoing contextualisation debate from the 1970s until today and propose effective ways of contextualising and communicating the gospel in a multicultural South African context and beyond.