Relation without Relation: Intercultural Theology as Decolonizing Mission Practice

Who is the "Other"? In a culturally and religiously diverse world, how can the church build just relationships with the "Other" without compromising each party’s unique identity? In Relation without Relation, the author presents intercultural theology as a decolonizing approach to mission practice. He employs key concepts from Emmanuel Levinas, Jacques Derrida, and Homi Bhabha to provide a philosophical foundation. He advocates for an "Altruistic Model" of interfaith dialogue,which enriches missiology and mission practices, aiming to cultivate an intercultural church. Relation without Relation offers valuable resources for churches seeking to become intercultural and to practice mission alongside others, whether they are people of faith or not. While sustaining identities, participants create a welcoming third space where genuine dialogue occurs, fostering shared concern for justice. Relation without Relation offers a thoughtful and creative way of reimagining what it means to be an intercultural church, one that is also interreligious and decolonizing. Drawing from a rich array of resources, the book is an impressive achievement, promoting dialogue across differences based upon sharing concern for justice. Thomas Reynolds Emmanuel College, University of Toronto Relation without Relation seriously considers the implications of what it means to commit to interculturalism in Christian community in the 21st century. Engaging soundly with established models of Christian Mission, Cho makes a clear and compelling case for why ministry in the face of the Other has the potential to create hybrid spaces of welcome in the church. Carmen Lansdowne 44th Moderator, The United Church of Canada