Date of Award
12-9-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Publisher
Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD)
Director
Anh Q. Tran, S. J.
Abstract
How can synodality be understood and implemented as a model of being Church in East Asia through the lens of cultural concepts of harmony? What insights can Yves Congar's pneumatology and Christology, combined with the Asian concept of harmony expressed in yin-yang philosophy, offer to this understanding? This research explores how synodality, informed by East Asian concepts of harmony, can serve as a model for the Church in East Asia, fostering unity while honoring cultural diversity. Inspired by Pope Francis' call for a synodal Church where all voices are valued under the Holy Spirit's guidance, this study addresses how synodality can integrate with local cultural philosophies like yin-yang and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences' (FABC) emphasis on harmony.
An interdisciplinary approach was employed, combining historical, comparative, and contextual analyses. Historical analysis traced synodality's development in Eastern and Western Christianity, while comparative analysis examined varied ecclesiological understandings across traditions. Contextual analysis explored how East Asian concepts like yin-yang harmony can enhance the Church's synodal vision.
The findings reveal that a harmony-based model of synodality provides a framework for integrating institutional structure with charismatic dynamism, fostering unity through an appreciation of diverse roles, gifts, and perspectives. This model promotes active lay participation and deepens clergy-laity collaboration, creating a more inclusive and community-centered Church in East Asia. Additionally, yin-yang philosophy enables the Church to balance tradition and innovation, enriching its spiritual vitality in East Asia's diverse socio-religious context. The FABC's concept of harmony further emphasizes the Church's role as a bridge-builder in Asia's pluralistic society.
This research holds significant implications for ecclesiology, demonstrating how Western theological insights can harmonize with Eastern cultural philosophies, offering a pathway toward a more inclusive Church while contributing to the global Church's understanding of unity within cultural diversity.
Recommended Citation
Le, Quang, "Journeying in Harmony: A Study of Synodality Through Congar's Word and Spirit Theology, the Federation Asian Bishops' Conference Theology and Yin-Yang Philosophy" (2024). Jesuit School of Theology Dissertations. 137.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/jst_dissertations/137
