Die rol van missionale teologie in die gesprek tussen teologie en filosofie

Abstract

The role of missional theology in the conversation between theology and philosophy. The research starts with a brief and concise description of missional theology and missional ecclesiology. For the sake of the local context, the focus is on how the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NG Kerk) articulates these concepts. The broad ecumenical consensus on missional theology is described, including its relevance in discussions within mainstream churches in South Africa, with a brief discussion of denominations that have incorporated missional theology into their theological self-understanding and church praxis. Against this background, attention is given to the central concepts of trinitarian theology (missio Dei), namely incarnation, contextualisation, and inculturation in missional theology. It is attempted to indicate that missional theology intersects with philosophy in various ways, not only in terms of the origin of missional theology (which this research does not address) but especially regarding the nature of missional theology as being sent into the context (world and also philosophy) in which the church finds itself.

Intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary implications: This opens up an opportunity to highlight the importance of philosophy for missional theology regarding the following aspects of missional theology: (1) the importance of contextual insight and epistemologically reading the signs of the times; (2) the importance of contextualisation and thus understanding culture and philosophy [zeitgeist]; (3) the importance of a teleological orientation when missional theology inquiries about God’s preferred future; (4) the importance of the communities to which the church is sent and the language used in the conversation; (5) the key function of discernment. The research demonstrates that philosophy is an important and even indispensable conversation partner for missional theology.