Exile amidst ruins Theological exercises

Abstract

This text is an exploration of theology amidst cultural ruins as well as diasporan realities in the West. It is an exercise in imagining new paths and investigating new ways. The etymological foundation of the word ‘ruin’ lies in the Latin ruina, which is derived from the verb ruo, meaning ‘breaking up, to dismantle’. Taking this definition as a departure point and expanding it further, it is not only buildings and objects that turn into ruins, it is cultural structures and in particular the Western culture built on the Christian message. This exercise calls onto theology to live amidst ruins and to devote itself to the service of a “diasporan Christianity”.