Describe and evaluate the theological assumptions behind each of Bevans’ ‘models’ of contextual theology
Stephen B. Bevans’ approaches six different varieties of present theology within a range of different contexts, community, cultures and societies in ‘Models of Contextual Theology’.
Bevans explores the diversity of these six, delving into the advantages and disadvantages of the way that they all view current and present experience of the divine deity through revelation, tradition and scripture.
The first model that Bevans explores is the Translation Model. Pioneering a way to make the gospel relevant and attractive within cultural contexts. This is the most common of the models that is adopted by most practitioners subconsciously when doing theology in context.…show more content… ‘Supra’ meaning ‘above and beyond,’ that the gospel message works within all cultures and isn’t contained in one specific. Max Stackhouse outlined 4 basic doctrines that should be at the core of our theology. He acknowledges that humanity are sinners, in need of Christ’s redemption and that, as we see within scripture, God’s revelation takes place through humans. Stackhouse believes in the doctrine of the Trinity and that through Jesus Christ, both men and women can discover life’s meaning.
Another clear assumption is that context plays a subordinate role in the contextualisation process. Doctrine must be held with the highest regard being first and foremost, ahead of a “never changing” and constant gospel message.
Despite this, we must take into consideration that the Bible was written within a particular context, and therefore understand the cultural boundaries whilst reading