The contextual theology of Kosuke Koyama and its contribution to Asian theology

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present, analyze and critically evaluate the theology of Kosuke Koyama in so far as it attempts to offer a fresh, relevant and unique way of doing theology in Asia. A well-known Japanese theologian, missionary and ecumenist, Kosuke Koyama is also one of the few theological educators of Asia who had felt the need to be free from Western thought and to birth out a distinctively Asian theology that is truly responsive to Asian context while remaining faithful and responsible to the biblical texts. Towards this goal of authentic contextualization, Koyama has written a significant number of books and articles revealing his concepts and understanding of "contextual theology." That contextual theology shall be the focus of this study.