Possessio and Syncretism in Biblical Perspective

Abstract

The scope of our deliberations in this symposium seems to be conveniently pinned to one specific missiological issue: Which anthropological adjustments should be made when presenting the gospel to the peoples of different cultures without running into the risk of distorting Christianity? But the question of the fights and limits of missionary adoption is also a theological issue, which brings us in touch with the drama of salvation history. We would not do justice to our topic if we were to take the word "possessio" only as a new technical term of missionary strategy. First of all, we have to reflect back to the basic act of him who takes into possession that which by eternal right is already his sole property.