Movement of the Spirit
Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Moravian Theological Seminary: gjskim@moravian.edu
In the modern world of globalization, the human condition is profoundly affected bythe interaction of dissimilar cultures and traditions. Postcolonial studies help us understand some of the complexities of this present context and in particular with the use of the term hybrid. Hybridity brings together and fuses while at the same time maintaining separation. This tension creates new opportunities for discourse. Thus hybridity shifts the conceptualization of identity so that it no longer functions as a stable reference point. Within this hybrid condition, people often turn to religion as a way to define themselves and establish their placein the world. The introduction of hybridity into the discourse of Christian theology results in an interaction of numerous differences and requires an approach to theology that does not limit itself to traditional, Western parameters.
The task of Christian theology is to embrace hybridity so that vastly different individuals can come together in faith. Furthermore, Christian theology has the opportunity to provide an environment that is welcoming and accepting within a world that many find destructive. This new approach to theology is challenged to define how we in the modern world come to understand and encounter the divine through an exploration of the Spirit that engages both Western and Eastern understandings. Spirit is a universal concept that can be used to discover new methods of addressing, thinking about and conceptualizing God. A step towards this conceptualization will be to reexamine the notion of Spirit/Chi to help and enable us to embrace hybridity within the modern world. Spirit/Chi is found within all of us and will be a source of empowerment and healing for the wounded.
This paper proposes a creative way to talk about the divine in light o fpostcolonialism. Spirit/Chi is beyond mystery and conceptualization and requires of us to admit to the limitations of humanity, that we will never be able to come to fully understand the divine. Spirit/Chi provides us with new language and tools to address the mysterious encounters with the divine that we have and continue to have. Within this hybrid space, our understanding of Spirit/Chi can draw us closer to God and develop a deeper understanding of God.
Spirit/Chi is beyond culture,religion and society as it is the undergirding ethos of people around the globe. If people can recognize this, it will open up doors for further dialogue, understanding and acceptance. The more language that we have to talk about the divine the more we open up our discourse and work towards accepting, welcoming and embracing those who are different, subjugated, Othered and women. Therefore it is important to understand God as Spirit/Chi which will work towards breaking down barriers that colonialism has securely built up. This Spirit/Chi is within us and it will empower us to work towards emancipation and liberation.