Abstract:

The study proposes a contextualized approach to ecumenism that is applicable to the unique religio-cultural context of the Philippines. In recent scholarship, there is a gap or lacuna in the existing ecumenical paradigms: inter-ecclesial ecumenism (Global North) and trans-ecclesial ecumenism (Global South). While these paradigms contain helpful insights, there exists an underdeveloped area that this study hopes to address. This gap refers to the distinct ecumenical challenges that specifically arise from the Philippine cultural context.

Utilizing a qualitative-theological design rooted in Stephen Bevans’ synthetic model of contextual theology, the study conducts a three-fold analysis: firstly, the anthropological retrieval of loob and kapwa; secondly, the mutual critical correlation of Trinitarian pneumatology and loob and kapwa; and thirdly, the development of a synthetic, culture-based ecumenical model.

Thus, the study hopes to answer the following queries:

1. How do the cultural values of loob and kapwa shape an inclusive relational ethos among Filipinos?
2. In what ways can loob and kapwa correlate with Trinitarian pneumatology?
3. How can the contextualized Trinitarian pneumatology establish an appropriate ecumenical model that accommodates liminal Christian groups or individuals who occupy the grey area between strict ecumenism and interreligious relations?

To address these unique ecumenical challenges, the study presents loob (inner self) and kapwa (shared identity) as valid sources for doing theology (loci theologici), thereby unleashing the value of utang na loob (debt of gratitude) as a concrete manifestation of human solidarity and reflecting one’s utang na loob with God. This embodied experience of loob and kapwa serves as both a cultural and theological resource that reinterprets the doctrine of the Spirit in a novel perspective. This mutual critical correlation generates a contextualized Trinitarian pneumatology, emphasizing that human expression of love, as articulated in the Philippine context, has the potential to mirror the intersubjective love (Spirit) of the Father and the Son. This contextual approach resolves the polarities of two prominent streams of Trinitarian theology: the Latin and Social Trinitarian models.

Finally, the contextualized Trinitarian pneumatology contributes to the development of a contextually relevant ecumenical approach that is suitable for the Philippine context. The standard ecumenical practice is said to be grounded in the shared Trinitarian faith among Christians. However, the unique circumstances in the Philippines confront this standard ecumenical procedure. The study does not replace or undermine the tradition but rather enhances it by incorporating a contextualized Trinitarian pneumatology that fosters a renewed ecumenical ethos, accommodating liminal Christian groups or individuals who do not profess the same Trinitarian faith but are willing to engage in ecumenical dialogue.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners:

1. Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., S.T.D., Ph.D. (Adviser)
2. Fr. Mark Aloysius, S.J., D.Phil. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner)
3. Fr. Manuel Francisco, S.J., S.T.D.
4. Fr. Thomas Sherman, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D.
5. Fr. Ramon Echica, S.T.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners:
1. Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., S.T.D., Ph.D. (Adviser)
2. Br. Joaquin Yap, Jr., S.W., D.Phil.
3. Emmanuel de Guzman, Ph.D.

Proposal Title: PNEUMATOLOGY AND ECUMENISM IN THE LIGHT OF ASIAN-FILIPINO CULTURAL CONTEXT: Implications for the Philippine Local Church