Can theology itself undergo conversion toward inclusivity and humility?
Theology is the study of God, religion, spirituality, and religious belief systems. Theology deals with questions like, "Who is God?", "What does it mean to be human?", "How do we relate to God?", "Is there life after death?", etc. It seeks to understand the divine nature, purpose, plan, and actions of God.
Inclusivity refers to an attitude that values diversity and respects different viewpoints and perspectives. Inclusivity recognizes that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, etc. Humility refers to a quality of being modest, having low self-esteem, and acknowledging one's limitations. Humility means recognizing that no person or group has all the answers, and we need each other to learn and grow.
While theology has been used for centuries to justify oppression, discrimination, and violence against people of different faiths and non-believers, some theologians are working towards a more inclusive and humble approach to theological studies. They argue that theology should be open to different interpretations and perspectives, acknowledging that different religions have valid insights into God and reality. This requires a willingness to listen to others' points of view and be open to new ideas.
One way to promote inclusivity in theology is through interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue involves engaging with members of other religious traditions on equal terms to explore commonalities and differences between our belief systems. By listening to each other's experiences, we can gain a better understanding of each other's worldviews and broaden our own perspective. We may even discover shared values and principles that transcend specific religious traditions.
Another way to promote inclusivity is by studying diverse theological texts from different cultures and languages. This can help us appreciate the richness and complexity of religious thought beyond Western Christianity, which has dominated much of the academic study of religion. It also helps us understand how different communities have responded to challenges like poverty, suffering, and social justice.
Inclusivity in theology also means including the voices of marginalized groups who have historically been excluded from theological debates.
Feminist theology seeks to include women's perspectives and experiences in theological discussions. Similarly, queer theology explores how LGBTQ+ people experience God, spirituality, and faith. Indigenous theology highlights the wisdom of indigenous peoples and their relationship to land and nature.
To promote humility in theology, scholars must acknowledge that there are limits to what we can know about God and reality. Our knowledge is always partial, and we should not claim absolute certainty or authority over others. Theologians must recognize the fallibility of human reason and be open to mystery, wonder, and awe. They must also critically examine their assumptions and biases and seek feedback from others.
Promoting inclusivity and humility in theology requires a shift in mindset away from power and privilege towards collaboration and mutual respect. By valuing diversity and listening to each other with humility, we can create a more just and equitable society that recognizes the dignity of all persons.
Can theology itself undergo conversion toward inclusivity and humility?
Yes, it is possible for theology to adopt a more inclusive and humble stance, but this requires critical reflection on its underlying principles and assumptions. Theologies that prioritize inclusiveness may recognize the multifaceted nature of human experience and seek to embrace diverse perspectives, while those emphasizing humility acknowledge their limitations and openness to dialogue with others.