Experience, Culture and Religion in Systematic Theology An Integrative and Pluriform Methodology

Most systematicians take as their starting pointthe nature of God, and scripture as the means by which God''s nature isrevealed, but what would a systematic theology look like that began with anexperiential knowledge of God? Here, Edmond Chua offers a method for just suchan approach. Beginning with realms of human experience including psychology,cultural diversity and religious plurality, he builds the framework of asystematic theology that is inclusive and pluriform, while retaining the coretenets of a Christian doctrine of God. Notwithstanding his novel methodology, Chua''sargument remains biblically rooted and appreciative of the Christian tradition.In the latter half of the book he returns to the classical doctrines of theTrinity, Christology, evil, sin and salvation, allowing his inclusive view ofthe human religious experience to shed new light on the wisdom bequeathed byPaul, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Barth, and others. The result is a boldChristian vision that is culturally engaged and globally applicable, ofinterest to systematic theologians while contributing to interreligiousdialogue.