Contextual Theologies: An IntroductionModule 1

Dalit theology: method and themes of a contextual theology in IndiaBy Vinod John

A few old and new terms and their meanings

• Local• Global• “Glocal”• Globalization • Its impact on Christianity and

theologies• Challenge and opportunity

Theology or theologies?

Is theology normative?

Theology and context

Indian context of the ChurchPerhaps the oldest living civilization of

the worldThe largest democracy of the world

with 1.3 billion peopleMajority of the population—Hindus

(over 80%) Caste system—A hierarchical, graded,

four-tier society

Brahman

Kshatriya

Vaisya

DalitShudra

Climbing up the ladder is impossible!

Dalit and dalitness defined• The people group is outside the four-

tier caste system• Dalit etymology– Sanskrit – dal –i.e. broken, crushed,

oppressed, exploited – Hebrew Bible –dal- Striking parallels

Means broken, oppressed • Literally untouchable, polluting to the

other caste-Hindus

Who are the Dalits?

Dalit Christians• Majority of the church in India is Dalit

(about 80%)• Their socio-economic situation has

not changed since conversion to Christianity

• They face discrimination within the church and outside it

Dalit theology : A rationale• Why Dalit theology?• How about Indian Christian theology?– Brahmanical – Does not address the issues of Dalits– From above– A detached God– Knows nothing of the sufferings of Dalits

Dalit theology: methodological issues

• Reaction to Indian theology• Critiques classical western theologies• Borrows from and is inspired by the

Latin American liberation theology• Inspired by Black theology of

America• Theologizing from below, taking the

subaltern context of Dalits seriously

Dalit theology: major themes• A Suffering God - Pathos• The Crucified Messiah as a Dalit Jesus• An Empowering Spirit for the

powerless• Church as a just community for

witness

Other signposts in aDalit theology

• Dalit anthropology: A new humanity in God’s image

• Dalit realized eschatology: change here and now!

• A political theology for bargaining power in the society and church 

Dalit theology: a critique• Methodology: positive aspects

• Context as the point of departure • Suffering and vulnerable aspect of God•God as immanent •Dignity and hope for Dalits

Dalit theology: a critique• Methodology: negative aspects

•Needs to use Dalit resources such as stories, songs, etc.•Write more commentaries on the Bible from a Dalit subaltern perspective

Dalit theology: a critique• Methodology: negative aspects

• Exclusivity -only by Dalits and for Dalits• Elitism – lacking grassroots theologization•Needs more interplay of local and global