Is There Room for Christ in Asia?

Pieris says the irruption of the Third World implies the irruption of non-Christian religions. The vast majority of the people in Asia are poor and they view their ultimate concern and struggle for liberation in terms of non-Christian symbols and languages. Therefore, our theology must be able to relate to non-Christians, otherwise it will just be a luxury for a small group of Christians. We need a theology of religion that moves beyond Christian orthodoxy toward other religious traditions and cultures. This article attempts to examine Aloysius Pieris’s analysis of Asian religiosity, his presentation of Buddhism and Christianity, and his call for engagement in the lives of the poor. Christianity will find a place in Asia, Pieris believes, if it is willing to work together with the other faiths as partners in dialogue and to help to alleviate the suffering and poverty of the masses.