The first part of the book examines the active and self-determined process of Aboriginal appropriation of Christianity, situating it within the global conversation of contemporary Christianity. Chapter One explores the earliest Aboriginal interpretation of Christianity through the figure of Moses Tjalkabota, comparing him to two indigenous leaders from Black Africa. Chapter Two revisits the missionary efforts among the Arrernte, highlighting the unexpected outcome of Black creolisation of the faith. The second part critiques Western scholarship's attempts to define “primal man” in Central Australia, revealing that scholars can exhibit a missionary zeal akin to evangelists. Chapter Three discusses the cognitive violence involved in addressing the contentious issue of the concept of God among Aborigines. Chapter Four illustrates how encounters in Central Australia can transform scholarship, exemplified by Theodore Strehlow, an anthropologist who embraced a dual religious identity as a member of the Arrernte people. Although the volume lacks a formal conclusion, it includes a final discussion on Aboriginal art. Ultimately, the universality and peaceful nature of Christianity stem not from its doctrines, but from its capacity to integrate primal religions like Aboriginal traditions. This ecumenical platform allows Black Christianity to enrich humanity and expands Christianity's repertoire, leading to new expressions of the sacred,
Werner Ustorf Book order






- 2015
- 2001
The book explores the emergence and evolution of German missiology, focusing on the contributions and perspectives of German scholars in the field of mission studies. It delves into the historical context, key figures, and significant movements that shaped missiological thought in Germany, highlighting the interplay between theology, culture, and mission practice. Through critical analysis, the author examines how these developments influenced global mission efforts and the broader understanding of Christianity in a changing world.
- 2000
Identity and marginality
- 250 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The rethinking of Christianity has a long tradition in Asia. This volume explores current theological trends and shifts in the perception of Christianity, mainly in China, Japan and Korea. The contributions come from east and west alike and address the question of the emergent shape of Christianity in the light of the experience of marginality and the search for identity. The theologies that play on the streets (for example Korean folklore and the Minjung Congregation Movement, the Buraku of Japan, the Confucian Christ in China and its so-called Culture Christians) are represented as well as programmatic theological discourses struggling with globalization and hegemonic images of Christ. Some of the contributors such as Kim Yong-Bock and R. S. Sugirtharajah are themselves exponents of new ways of Christian thought.