Toward a Theology of Inculturation

Inculturation is a word come only recently into theological language, having its origin and impetus in a revolution in the perception of Christian mission - even of Christian identity. Toward a Theology of Inculturation is the first book to bring together the many strands of current and historical Catholic thought on what might be called a theology of a mulitcultural church. Inculturation, Shorter argues, is the recognition that faith must in effect become culture, to be fully received and lived. In the course of a wide-ranging discussion, the author explores the intimate relationship between inculturation and theology, focusing in particular on scripture, the history of "missions" (especially in Africa), and contemporary Catholic thought. Shorter concludes with an exploration of the future of the church - a multicultural church. Toward a Theology of Inculturation offers a substantive explication of what inculturation is, what it is not, and how when it occurs, and what its limits are and should be.