"The praxis model of contextual theology focuses on the identity of Christians within a context particularly as that context is understood in terms of social change" (Bevans, p. 70). My understanding of the Praxis model and the way it relates to contextual theology is that it goes beyond seeing culture as simply religious values. Instead, it moves ahead and attempts to spark social change and action. The focus is on community and not individualism.
I think what I really struggled with, in a positive sense, after reading this chapter was how the praxis works out in practice. In the example near the end of the chapter, Bevans brings in the example of Asia and the Philippines and how in order for Christianity to catch a fire he writes, "If Jesus' identity is to make sense in Asia today, it will not be in terms of claims of metaphysical uniqueness but by way faith in Jesus empowers people - especially Asia's women - to work and struggle for justice and equality" (Bevans, p. 85).
I just think about how this is a really difficult proposition for the western evangelical Christian to own and put into action. I feel as if our Western society is so completely opposite this idea at this point. We've become complacent and completely individualistic. So how do we get there? I'm challenged by statements such as these that suggest Asia will only understand Jesus if it empowers people towards social change. Maybe this is why many non-believers here in the West don't believe as well...they don't see faith in action in those around them.
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It's an interesting question, how do you make the praxis model more practical -- sort of ironic, but I agree that it's a question. As ironic as it is I noticed Bevans had only scholars for his examples here, he didn't explain the praxis model as it is being done in the world. Although L. Boff, whom Bevans spoke of, was a priest living this out, he didn't really talk about what that looked like.
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