The Concept of ‘Person’

Abstract

The concept of ‘person’ (hypostasis) demands a theological reformulation in the emerging context of inculturation and interreligious dialogue. Especially in Asia, there has been a remarkable growth in theological reflection on this concept in these past 40 years. Asian Catholic theology has been seriously committed to the dialogue with Eastern religions and in the promotion of justice. In revisiting the concept ‘person / hypostasis,’ we are called to redefine basic theological categories: identity, kenosis, divine sonship, corporate personality and mediation. The contribution of Asian theologians—particularly Raimon Panikkar, Masao Abe, Aloysius Pieris and Peter Phan—is crucial for the reappraisal of Western theology and for the renewal of Christology in the name of the oppressed and the marginalized.