An analysis of Choan-seng Song's Asian theology with a critique from a Reformed theological perspective

The purpose of this study is to respond to C. S. Song's contextual theology from a Reformed perspective. Contextualization in theology is a controversial issue among theologians and missiologists. It is expected that this response to Song will be useful in suggesting some considerations in developing a Reformed missiology in the Third World.; Before responding to Song, John Mbiti, Gustavo Gutierrez, and Minjung theologians were examined for the purpose of understanding current issues in contextualization. Only afterwards were the English language publications of Song analyzed. Special attention was given to his sources, methods, and major theological themes. Over the same issues Reformed perspectives were presented to assess Song's contextual theology.; Song believes that God had already worked in Asia, before Western missionaries arrived. Essentially, he transposed God from Israel to Asia. He finds God's revelation in Asian stories and folktales. The writings of Song always point out that context is revelation. He denies the dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. He sees God as a Creator-Redeemer God who is also Jesus' Abba-Father. For Song, the God of Jesus is not a Judge but a loving Father. He does not believe that Jesus was sacrificed because of our sins. He emphasizes that salvation is not by faith in Christ crucified, but by God's grace apart from Calvary. A Gospel-less salvation is open to every race and culture. Therefore, the mission of the church is simply cultural and econo-political.; Reformed theology is firmly built on the authority of the Scriptures. This theology has also recognized the doctrine of general revelation. Hence, the Reformed tradition is open to contextualization in theology. However, there are fundamental differences between Song's theology and Reformed theology. Reformed theologians focused on the mission of the church and the working of the triune God in saving man from sin. Man's dilemma is a broken relationship with God, not just cultural, economic, and political want.