Madang Journal [Vol 8, December 2007]

Abstract

"The history of the conversation between the Korean liberation theology and the Indian liberation theologies is entering into a new stage in new global context of the domination by the global market regime and by the global reality. This global reality makes direct impacts upon the realities of the Dalit and the Minjung. The Minjung theology is searching for a fresh direction in this new context. It is our contention that liberation theologies needs to evolve a perspective of convergence on local, national and global levels. Convergence of liberation traditions on all levels would include a process of convergence among Asian liberation theologies as well as a process of global convergence. The convergence would enhance the intensity and richness of liberation discourse in diverse situations and at the same time it would open a new horizon for a new and fresh discourse of liberation. This would also include a convergent process of divergent philosophies and religions at the OMEGA point of liberation of all living beings on earth. What we have learned of a remarkable development: 1. Indian ecumenical movement is deeply committed to the Dalit Struggle. 2. The theological studies are both academic and praxis oriented to support the Dalit struggle. There evolved several centers of Biblical and theological studies in Chennai, Madurai (TTC) and New Deli and so on. 3. The tribal peoples, the women, the youth and other groups are engaged in the struggle for identity and liberation as well as justice and wholeness. 4. Theological education system of India (Board of the Serampore Senate) bas taken the Dalit Theology into the official theological curricula. Korean counterpart of the Minjung theology has been carrying our theological studies; but its evolvement is less visible. The perspective of the Minjung theology has permeated into various social movements such as peace and national reunification, ecology and interfaith dialogue. There are several centers of study of the Minjung theology has been established; and its impact on the ecclesial and social issues are weakened. Under the “progressive government”it took a back seat. During the conference, there rose a new resolution to revive a passion for the study of the Minjung theology in the new context. Convergence of liberation discourses may be a fresh agenda in the ecumenical theological enterprise. This convergence would be directed against the global power of the world market regime and the global empire on the one hand and it would be inclusive of the cosmic and ecological dimension for the conviviality of all living beings."(pg 4-5)