Postcolonial Imagination

This book presents postcolonial imagination in terms of archeological hermeneutics and comparative theology, undertaking a profound study of interaction between Christianity and Asian religions such as Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism. It gives rise to inspiration for those who are committed to advancing constructive theology in the aftermath of colonialism for the sake of church’s responsibility and engagement with study of religions, natural science, and culture, especially in regard to those who are vulnerable, fragile, and victims in history and society.

With this new book Professor Chung attains a new breadth and a qualitative depth in postcolonial studies. Erudite and vastly comprehensive, this work commands a sense of truth about colonialism that evokes a genuine universalism in a text that speaks in dialects. This study cannot be missed either by postcolonial studies or theology of religions.—Vítor Westhelle, author of After Heresy: Colonial Practices and Post-Colonial Theologies

Paul Chung is challenging Christian theology to move beyond its historical boundaries that have tied it primarily to the intellectual world of Europe and the Americas. His challenge is rich both in detail and promise.—From Foreword, John H. Berthrong, Associate Professor of Comparative Theology, Boston University School of Theology

Hermeneutically oriented, theologically grounded, and liberationally inspired, this constructive theology deconstructs the conventional Christendom’s and political establishment’s power-laden lifestyle. It is a highly rewarding and inspiring book. It is a book that had to be written.—From Foreword, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Professor of Systematic Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary

The new book of this prolific writer is again a master piece. His broad horizon interconnects the original world religions of the Axial Age with our present postcolonial situation and even with the ongoing evolution of natural sciences. Chung does not present this overarching view from the perspective of Western universalism but from the postcolonial perspective of the oppressed and impoverished margins. This is a new liberative hermeneutics.—Ulrich Duchrow, Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Heidelberg

Chung has developed an imaginative approach to constructive theology in the Asian and Asian-American context. Terming his an “irregular” theology, he makes use of a vast array of sources to construct an archeological hermeneutics for this comparative study, offering new directions for the theological enterprise. I commend this book to students and scholars interested in post-colonial religious thought. It affords deep insight into the thinking of a unique voice on the Asian theological scene.—Philip L. Wickeri, Advisor to the Archbishop on Theological & Historical Studies, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican)

This book makes an incisive, imaginative contribution to post-colonial constructive theology. Chung creatively retrieves seminal insights from Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist masters in dialogue with mission history to engage Christian theology in a fascinating hermeneutical, intercivilizational, and ethical project. He invokes God’s universal Spirit to bring forth harmonious interaction, mutual respect, and universal justice to overcome the economic domination suffered by the oppressed minjung across the globe.—Craig L. Nessan, Academic Dean & Professor of Contextual Theology, Wartburg Theological Seminary