Ce travail s'attache à mettre en lumière les liens inévitables entre une architecture exprimant un message universel et les terroirs culturels au milieu desquels elle s'édifie. Prenant le cas jugé exemplaire de la mission catholique à Taiwan, du milieu du XIXe siècle à nos jours, l'analyse des archives missionnaires, ainsi que l'étude de quelques monuments emblématiques, montrent les modalités de l'adaptation chrétienne à un contexte multiculturel insulaire en mutation rapide. La résistance et la malléabilité propres de l'art architectural permettent une étude originale et détaillée de ce va-et-vient constant entre la perception évolutive par les missionnaires du terroir formosan, et la réception, elle-même évolutive, du message chrétien par cette société particulière. En plusieurs étapes, cette recherche plonge au cœur de l'œuvre des Missions Etrangères de Paris dans le diocèse de Hualien, durant les années cinquante et soixante, ancrant les idées directrices de cette thèse dans la réalité d'un terrain suffisamment circonscrit pour en donner une image exhaustive. Le but poursuivi est de montrer comment un bâtiment dédié au culte peut être un objet pertinent, pour la compréhension des rapports entre les cultures et des dynamiques de la mondialisation actuelle. / This study aims at bringing to light the links that are bound to exist between an architecture expressing a universal message and the cultural landscapes where the architecture is built. With the exemplary case of the Catholic mission in Taiwan, from the mid nineteenth century to today, the analysis of the missionary archives, combined with research on several emblematic buildings, will show the modality of the Christian adaptation to this multicultural background of an island undergoing rapid change. The resilience and the malleability specific to the architectural art provide for an original and detailed study of this constant toing and froing between the evolutive perception by the missionaries of the Formosan landscape, and the reception, itself evolutive, by this particular society of the Christian message. Gradually, this thesis immerses itself in the heart of the work of the Paris Foreign Mission Society, in the diocese of Hualien, during the nineteen fifties and sixties, grounding the major concepts in the reality of a field limited enough to make it possible to provide an exhaustive image. The aim is to prove how a place of worship can be relevant for a better understanding of cultural exchanges and the momentum of the current globalization process.

La problématique de la célébration des funérailles chrétiennes dans un contexte de double appartenance religieuse chez les Baoulés de Côte d’Ivoire permet d’axer la réflexion sur la théologie de l’inculturation de la foi. En reconsidérant par ailleurs le concept de la double appartenance, on peut soutenir que celui-ci devient une exigence de l’inculturation comprise comme une « dramadialogie ». Elle s’inscrit dans une logique de dialogue, entre le christianisme et les croyances religieuses baoulées, au cours duquel les éléments de la culture baoulée meurent à leurs non valeurs en vue d’une résurrection transfiguratrice. Mais en même temps, cette culture, en accueillant ce message, enrichit le patrimoine ecclésial. La réappropriation du discours théologique chrétien sur la mort et la ritualité funéraire, à partir d’un horizon de sens africain, est la particularité de cette construction théologique, qui est à situer également à l’intérieur de ce même champ sémantique du processus de l’inculturation vue comme une « dramadialogie ». On n’oubliera cependant pas de souligner que toute cette trajectoire de théologie thanatique inculturée, éclairée par l’actualité du mystère pascal doit s’ouvrir aussi à la catholicité pentecostale de l’Église. / The question of the celebration of Christian funerals in a context of dual religious affiliation among the Baoulés of Côte d'Ivoire obliges us to focus our reflection on the theology of the inculturation of faith. On reconsidering moreover the concept of dual affiliation, it can be argued that this notion becomes a requirement of inculturation understood as a "dramadialogy". It fits into a logic of dialogue between Christianity and Baoulé religious beliefs in the course of which the elements of the Baoulé culture die off to their non-values for a transfigurative resurrection. But at the same time, by welcoming this message, this culture enriches the heritage of the Church. The reappropriation of the Christian theological discourse on death and funeral rituals from a perspective of African sense is the peculiar feature of this theological construction which is also to be situated within the limits of this same semantic field of the process of inculturation seen as a "dramadialogy". We should not forget, however, to point out that this entire trajectory of inculturated thanatic theology, enlightened by the actuality of the paschal mystery, must also open up to the Pentecostal catholicity of the Church.

Notre recherche analyse des discours théologiques qui épousent les traits caractéristiques de l’afro-descendance dans des ouvrages de l’Atabaque et de la Conférence Haïtienne des Religieux et Religieuses (CHR). Ces publications permettent de nommer la réflexion théologique afro-brésilienne et haïtienne comme l’expression d’un engagement au sein d’un Brésil multiculturel et métissé et d’une Haïti noire. Elles se réfèrent à la lutte des Afro-descendants et à leur résistance contre ce qu’ils considèrent comme les conséquences de la période de l’esclavage commencée au XVIe siècle qui oppriment encore des Noirs au XXIe siècle et empêchent leur pleine émancipation. Elles font partie d’une démarche postcolonialiste de changement qui inclut l’inculturation et la reconnaissance des forces des religions de matrices africaines dans leur quête d’une pleine libération des Noirs. Notre démarche, basée sur l’étude comparative des contenus de ces théologies développées au Brésil et en Haïti, met en relief des éléments essentiels de deux courants distincts de production théologique de 1986 à 2004. Cette délimitation correspond à la période de publication du résultat de trois consultations sur les théologies noires au Brésil en 1986, en 1995 et en 2004. Les ouvrages de la CHR datent de 1991 à 1999. Notre étude permet de suivre la pratique de la foi chrétienne qui s’y dégage, l’élaboration et le parcours d’évolution de cette pensée. Teologia Negra et théologie haïtienne représentent deux manières distinctes de faire de la théologie noire. Une comparaison entre les deux contextes n’a jamais été faite jusqu’à présent. Cette recherche a conduit au constat selon lequel trois paradigmes peuvent englober les principaux aspects des courants théologiques afro-brésiliens et haïtiens. Nous relevons des convergences et des divergences des paradigmes de l’inculturation libératrice, du postcolonialisme et du pluralisme religieux. La réflexion théologique afro-brésilienne est vue comme une démarche sociopolitique, ancrée surtout dans la promotion des actions positives qui consistent à favoriser l’insertion des Noirs en situation relativement minoritaire dans une société multiculturelle. En Haïti, où les Noirs sont en situation majoritaire, cette réflexion théologique va dans la direction de la sauvegarde des racines historiques en vue de motiver des changements dans une société de Noirs. Cette optique de la question des Noirs, interprétée sous un nouvel angle, offre de nouvelles pistes de réflexion théologique en même temps qu’elle renforce les revendications culturelles des Afro-Brésiliens et des Afro-Haïtiens dans le but d’élaborer un nouveau discours théologique. Notre thèse contribue à mettre en évidence deux institutions qui se dévouent à la cause des Afro-Brésiliens et des Afro-Haïtiens. L’œuvre de l’Atabaque et de la CHR témoigne du fait que celles-ci ont été susceptibles d’agir collectivement en contribuant à la diversité de la réflexion théologique des Afro-descendants, en soutenant un processus de solidarité entre les victimes permanentes du racisme explicite et implicite. Notre étude suscite l’ouverture vers le développement d’une théologie de la rencontre au sein des théologies noires tout en érigeant le défi de construire un réseau Brésil-Haïti à partir des Afro-descendants. Finalement, la spécificité de ces théologies contribue à inspirer le christianisme latino-américain et des Caraïbes et cette réflexion ne se limite pas seulement à ces deux pays, mais s’étend à d’autres contextes latino-américains ou africains. / Our analysis of the theological discourse relates the characteristic traits of Afro-descendants in the Atabaque and the Conférence Haïtienne des Religieux et Religieuses (CHR) research work. These publications are used to bring to light the Afro-Brazilian and Haitian theological reflection as an expression of their commitment to multicultural and mestizo Brazil as well as black Haiti. They refer to the struggle of Afro-descendants and their resistance against what they consider to be the consequences of the period of slavery. What begun in the 16th century still oppresses Blacks in the 21st century and prevents their full emancipation. They are engaged in a post-colonialist approach to change which includes enculturation, recognition of African religions are an essential strength in their quest for full freedom of Blacks. Our approach, based on the comparative study of the content of these theologies developed in Brazil and in Haiti, highlights two separate currents from 1986 to 2004 in theological databases. This delimitation corresponds to the phase of publication of results of three consultations about black theologies in Brazil in 1986, in 1995 and 2004. The CHR’s works date from 1991 to 1999. Our study aims to trace their practice of the Christian faith, as well as their development and their evolution. Teologia Negra and Haitian theology represent two distinct black theologies. A comparison of the two contexts has never been made. This research led to the fact that three paradigms can encompass the major aspect of Afro-Brazilian and Haitian theological currents. We note the convergences and divergences of paradigms of the liberating enculturation, the post-colonialism and religious plurality. Afro-Brazilian theological reflection is seen as a socio-political approach above all anchored in the promotion of positive action to promote integration of Blacks, relatively a minority in a multicultural society. In Haiti, where Blacks are in majority, this theological reflection goes in the direction of the safeguarding of the historic roots to motivate change in a black society. This approach the issue of Blacks, interpreted in a new light, offer new avenues for theological reflection while strengthening cultural claims of the Afro-Brazilians and the Afro-Haitians to develop a new theological discourse. Our theory helps highlight two institutions committed to the cause of the Afro-Brazilians and the Afro-Haitians. The work of the Atabaque and the CHR testifies that they were likely to act collectively in contributing to the diversity of theological reflection of afro-descendants by supporting a process of solidarity between permanent victims of racism whether explicit or implicit. Our study raises the possibility of developing a meeting of black theology while taking on the challenge of building a network Brazil-Haiti regarding Afro-descendants. Finally, the specificity of these theologies can help inspire Latin American Christianity. This reflection is not limited only to these two countries, but extends to other Latin American or African contexts.

Consecrated life or religious life as it is sometimes called within the Catholic Church is almost as old as Christianity. All baptised persons are consecrated persons by virtue of their baptism, but the consecrated life to which some people feel called, is a special and fruitful deepening of the consecration received in baptism and confirmation.. This dissertation explores Christian spirituality as it is manifested in consecrated life with relation to inculturation and religious life. The scope has been limited to a study of one congregation, the Companions of St Angela as a case study. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)

This thesis examines whether the theological method currently known as inculturation was used in the Supper Narratives of the New Testament. A methodology is set up in which texts are examined against the backdrop of Graeco-Roman, Judaic and early Christian cultures. This methodology focusses on family resemblances and analogies, rather than genealogy or causal dependence to examine the links between text and context. It also avoids claims for orthodoxy dependent on claims about origins. Engaging with the claims of writers from Schweitzer, through Jeremias and up to the present, three themes are identified: meals, sacrifice and eschatology. The manifestations of each are examined against the three cultural groups:Judaic, Graeco-Roman and early Christian. The Supper Narratives (Mk 14:12-26, Matt. 26:17-30 and Luke 22:7-23 and 1 Cor 11:17-34) are then mapped against these themes. Analogies to the cultural groups are then traced. This process leads to conclusions that the New Testament writers did use a methodology which can be identified as inculturation. It manifests itself particularly through patterns identified by anthropologists as bricolage and re-accentuation. A notable example is "sacrificialisation", in which events and items are invested with a fresh sacrificial significance. Judaic concepts (e.g., covenant and Atonement) and rituals (e.g., sacramentals and Passover) dominate the interpretations of Jesus' last meal with his disciples. This does not mean that inculturation only took place in relation to Jewish culture. Many of the concepts used (e.g., sacrifice and sacrament) share commonalities with Graeco-Roman thought which allows them to engage with such world-views. This process sees Judaic understandings used as correctives to Graeco-Roman thinking about sacraments. It also sees Jewish concepts used to address Graeco-Roman values, and give an added historical depth (antiquitas) to a comparatively recent event. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D.Th. (New Testament)

The point of departure in this dissertation is the situation in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf region of East-Berlin, where, 17 years after the political turnaround, only three new Christian communities have established themselves., However it is, known that there have been many attempts at church planting during these years. In this district there seems to be a high percentage of people who are resistant towards western theology or ecclesiology respectively. That is why the focus of the dissertation is on those people who live in an a-religious context surrounded by post-socialistic influences. Social scientific approaches and methods have been integrated and utilised as part of this practical-theological research project. The benefit of this was the developing of aspects of a practical-theological perspective that could be used for a specific ecclesiology with special reference to church planting. Ultimately, three hypotheses have been developed. The implications of these hypotheses could serve as essential material for prospective church planting efforts in the area. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. Missiology

Thesis / There is potential for a schism, within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) today, between Fundamentalist and Liberationist Methodists, who struggle to find common identity and vision. A question that needs examination is whether it is possible to develop an authentically, uniting Southern African Methodist Theology within the current Institutional structure of the MCSA. For this to become possible, some key areas of discussion are highlighted in this paper, such as the training of ministers and the MCSA as Institution. This paper attempts to enter into conversation between Fundamental and Liberation Methodism using the Doctrine of Christian Perfection, 'the Grand Depositum' of Methodism, as a point of reference and develop an epistemological framework based on Wesley’s 'quadrilateral' of Scripture, reason, experience and tradition. This paper takes as a standpoint the need for an authentically Southern African Methodist theology, which is both uniting and transformatory, in order for the MCSA to fulfil its vision of “A Christ Healed Africa for the Healing of Nations.” / Systematic theology and Theological Ethics / D. Th. (Systematic Testament)

This study tries to investigate the extent of inculturation in African Churches in general and in Zimbabwe in particular. Some mission churches, like the Catholic, the Anglican and the Methodist Churches were selected for the study. The main areas of investigation are baptism, the Eucharist:, marriage, burial and healing. The study discovered that there is some inculturation going on in all the churches under discussion, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist. On the other hand, it was also discovered that the African Independent Churches, such as Vapostori and the Aladura, churches are much more at home with the implementation of inculturation especially in the area of healing. We concluded that Christianity is not yet deeply rooted in African soil, in particular in Zimbabwe. This is because not much inculturation has taken place in the mission churches. Some recommendations are made to help facilitate the implementation of inculturation and to enable Christianity to take flesh in Africa so as to become an authentic African Christianity. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

The last Supper Jesus had with his disciples on the night before he died on the cross is the foundation of a major liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church called 'the Eucharist'. One of the major designations of the Eucharist is that it is a sacrifice. The starting point of this work is that the sacrificial character of the Eucharist is not as meaningful and relevant for Xhosa people as it should be. The way forward is to study the Eucharistic and Xhosa sacrifices, compare them and suggest ways of rendering the Eucharistic sacrifice meaningful and relevant to Xhosa the people. Although not conclusive, the New Testament gives a strong foundation for the sacrificial understanding of the Eucharist. The Eucharist, as interpreted through the Last Supper accounts, covers all the conventional intentions of sacrifice, i.e. propitiation, communion, thanksgiving and mutual responsibility. The Fathers of the Church affirm the sacrificial character of the Eucharist with varying emphases, but taken together, their understanding shows development of thought and complementarity of themes. In the Middle Ages the most pronounced intention of the . Eucharistic sacrifice is propitiation and post Tridentine theological reflection is informed by this mentality. According to modem and contemporary thought, Christ's death on the cross, which is sacrarnentally represented in the Eucharist, is not an act performed on our behalf to appease an angry God but God's act of love towards us. The emphasis is on self-offering to God as exemplified by Christ. The Xhosa people still have regard for sacrificial rituals, but modernity has modified and sometimes changed their understanding and practice of sacrifice. The principle of God's universal salvific will and the doctrine of incarnation provide theological grounds for inculturating the Eucharist. Thus the inclusion of ancestors and use of cultural symbols in the celebration of the Eucharist may render it meaningful to Xhosa people. Relating the Eucharist to Xhosa culture will revitalise the communion element in Eucharistic sacrifice, which element has been lost sight of through the centuries. Eucharistic sacrifice in its turn will help Xhosa Catholics to have a deepened understanding of sacrifice that extends beyond performance of rituals to include self-giving. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D.Th.(Systematic Theology)

The growth of the Church in Africa, namely at numerical level, is tremendous. However, we notice that her impact on society and public life is not so visible as the growth is, since Christian values are embodied by Christians. Yet, the Church has huge human resources, pastors, missionaries, lay leaders and theologians. The challenge for the Church in Africa is to incarnate and inculturate these values and the living message of the Gospel. In this thesis we question the co-operation between the Church and mission agencies, between native pastors and western missionaries. We notice that since 150 years, there has been a huge gap between these two entities. This is due to the fact that Theology and Missiology look like two lines that never meet. This situation leads us to revisit not only the current paradigm Church-Mission but also the current link between Theology and Missiology. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)