Postcolonial theology

A European Outlook

Abstract

Postcolonial questions, questions about the continued legacy of the colonial past, are central to the field of postcolonial studies. Since the 1990s, a growing number of theologians have adopted, applied and translated them into the field of Christian theology. This article maps their journey, highlighting conversations with gender theory, liberation theology, and interreligious dialogue. After explaining the roots and routes of postcolonial theology, its future in academia is tentatively identified as a twofold challenge of difference, both internal and external. First, postcolonial theological practice challenges especially so-called mainstream, Western theological discourse to recognize the legitimacy of African, Asian, Latin American and indigenous theologies as equal partners in conversation. Second, a postcolonial gaze confronts us with the challenge and implications of a non-hierarchical view of religious difference.