In Search of Dialogical Partners for Asian Practical Theology.

This article challenges the prevalent Asia-West binarism within Asian contextual theology, advocating for a "disidentification" approach to constructing Asian practical theology. The author argues that defining Asian identity solely in opposition to the West limits the scope and vision of the field. Instead, drawing on lessons learned from decades of engagement with Asian contextual theologies, the author proposes a more nuanced approach that is mindful of the hybridity and plurality of Asian experiences. The article critiques the essentialist understanding of "Asia" which homogenizes the diverse cultures and contexts within the continent. As an alternative, the author proposes "disidentification," a concept borrowed from Michel Pêcheux, which encourages a critical and selective engagement with both local and global resources. This approach allows for fluid and open-ended constructions of identity that resist simplistic binaries. To facilitate this approach, the author identifies five globally relevant discourses as potential dialogical partners for Asian practical theology: Relationality, The Divine Nature of Humanity, Critical Ecclesiology, Diasporicity, and Decoloniality/ Postcolonialism. These five discourses, interconnected and relevant across various Asian contexts, offer a starting point for developing a globally engaged Asian practical theology. The author emphasizes that this list is not exhaustive, encouraging further exploration of other globally constructed discourses. By moving beyond the Asia-West binarism, Asian practical theology can foster a more inclusive and dynamic engagement with lived faith in all its complexities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]