Christian Theology in the Age of Migration: Implications for World Christianity

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We are living in the "Age of Migration" and migration has a profound impact on all aspects of society and on religious institutions. While there is significant research on migration in the social sciences, little study has been done to understand the impact of migration on Christianity. This book investigates this important topic and the ramifications for Christian theology and ethics. It begins with anthropological and sociological perspectives on the mutual impact between migration and Christianity, followed by a re-reading of certain events in the Hebrew Scripture, the New Testament, and Church history to highlight the central role of migration in the formation of Israel and Christianity. Then follow attempts to reinterpret in the light of migration the basic Christian beliefs regarding God, Christ, and church. The next part studies how migration raises new issues for Christian ethics such as human dignity and human rights, state rights, social justice and solidarity, and ecological justice. The last part explores what is known as "Practical Theology" by examining the implications of migration for issues such as liturgy and worship, spirituality, architecture, and education.

Reviews

This trailblazing collection of essays, which represents a diverse breadth and critical analysis of migration from sociological, anthropological, biblical, theological, and moral-ethical perspectives, is essential reading for anyone who seeks to keep abreast of the current conversations by scholars across academic disciplines on migration and its many intersecting social, cultural, political, and religious implications. -- Jonathan Y. Tan
Peter C. Phan has brought experts together across cultures and churches to reflect biblically, historically, theologically, ethically, and pastorally on the movements of peoples in today's "age of migration." These essays are a welcome addition to the burgeoning literature on migration and should distinguish themselves as some of the best thinking on the topic. This is an important, serious, and insightful collection. -- Stephen Bevans
Christian Theology in the Age of Migration is a compelling text of remembrance. This book gives flesh to the often unseen faces and transmutes the unheard voices of migrants into a jarring lament of hope and a symphonic call for a transforming solidarity. Its unique interdisciplinary and global approach to a Christian study on migrations beckons the reader to take part of each living context without losing sight of the planetary scene of today. The ecclesiological, biblical, legal, ethical, liturgical, architectural, ecological, and educational models that are implemented here are mobile and fluctuating. Ultimately, the books sacramental response to this age of migration breaths new life into matters of displacement and brings openness to seemingly static boundaries bent on mapping the limits of human dignity. -- Elaine Padilla, University of La Verne

This edited volume is informative and thought-provoking. It will be a good textbook at the university level to learn about Christian theology and migration.

Author Bio

Peter C. Phan is professor at Georgetown University.