Budyong: Volume 7 – 2023-2024

EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION

                  Theological Themes in ‘Post-Pandemic Times’

              Although the current issue of Budyong situates this academic undertaking in ‘post-pandemic times’, I am uncertain about the accuracy of this claim. It seems overly confident to assume this, given that we have not yet completely eradicated the pathogen. There are still parts across the globe where infection rates remain elevated, leading to fatalities. Undoubtedly, the pandemic has inflicted immense misery and grief onto our most vulnerable people, as well as the changes, challenges, and opportunities brought about by this global crisis. All of these are impetus for exigent theological reflection and conversations.

          In the aftermath of the pandemic, I have the audacity to pose theological inquiries: “Which topics, concerns, and discussions demand our utmost consideration?” “What are the theological consequences of these questions for the believing community?” “In what manner do these issues impact our mission initiatives?” The eight articles we carefully chose do not purport to provide comprehensive answers to these questions, but they would enable involvement with a variety of issues impacting our lives in this post-pandemic era. In this volume, we take our part in hosting a conversation, and may it generate more questions and realizations that this really should be an ongoing dialogue, starting from our small community and extending to a broader audience.