Reimagining Interreligious Studies: Toward Inculturation Theology of Religious Diversity

This paper proposes a new framework to rectify Western-based bias in academic interreligious studies by suggesting the inculturation theology of religious diversity—focusing on the common theme of inculturation among different religions. It examines how various religious traditions have adapted their theologies of belonging and community through the process of inculturation. Specifically, this paper analyzes two key examples: Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucian vision of local education and World Christianity’s vision of a new Christendom. By examining these cases, this paper shows the mechanics of inculturation at both theoretical and practical levels. Ultimately, it demonstrate how the process of inculturation fosters mutual transformation and develops new religious phenomena. By offering a phenomenological approach rather than a philosophical imposition, the paper shows how different religions reconcile differences and blur their boundaries through continuous communication within the process of inculturation. Based on this, the paper also attempts to illuminate the future of interreligious dialogue/theology.