| This study investigates the theological contribution of Philippine Methodism to the Filipino quest for social transformation, focusing on the transformation theologies of three Methodist Filipino theologians, Emerito P. Nacpil, Daniel Arichea, Jr., and Elizabeth Tapia. It locates their social thought within the tension between radical liberationism and conservative fundamentalism. The examination of the notion of ideological captivity demonstrates the Filipino theology of struggle's failure to develop a viable holistic and indigenous Filipino theology. The investigation of the critique of Nacpil, Arichea, and Tapia also demonstrates the negligence of the importance of the social nature of the gospel found in the theologies of conservative fundamentalism.;This study suggests that Philippine Methodism contributes positively to a theology of social transformation that is essentially holistic. Supported by the notion of contextualization, Nacpil's theory of mutual interaction serves as a paradigm for a balanced transformation. While the multi-dimensional nature of salvation serves as the soteriological orientation of an all-embracing transformation, his notion of the universal character of sin demonstrates the necessity of a holistic transformation.;Exhibiting a biblical and holistic view, Arichea's theology is examined in relation to the context of poverty in the Philippines. Demonstrating a liberationist perspective, love for the poor not only implies compassion but also carrying out a ministry of transforming the social structures that perpetuate poverty and suffering. The poor in Arichea's theology are both participants and beneficiaries of a holistic transformation.;Tapia's theology emphasizes the importance of a holistic transformation and expands it in the context of gender inequalities. Sexism, feminization of poverty, and ecological crisis are gender-related issues, pointing to patriarchy as the root cause of such feminist problems. Tapia's holistic view is explored in terms of total liberation and the inclusion of women in theology, society, and the Church.;Nacpil, Arichea, and Tapia's theologies are underpinned by their views of Christology and the kingdom of God in relation to their respective theological and historical contexts. Contending against dualism, their theologies refer to the notion of the immanence of God as a basis of demonstrating the inseparability of faith and social witness, thus reflecting the Wesleyan holistic spirituality. Demonstrating the cooperative theory of divine initiative and human participation, their theologies also reflect the Wesleyan theology of responsible grace. |
