By Fides Del Castillo
As a predominantly Christian nation in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers a unique and vibrant context for exploring the concepts of Lived Theology and World Christianity. (1) These two theological frameworks provide lenses to understand how faith is not only practiced in everyday life but also how global Christianity has been localized and transformed within the Filipino cultural and historical landscape. The interplay between these ideas reveals a dynamic and evolving faith that continues to shape and be shaped by the Filipino people.
The Overseas Ministries Study Center (OMSC) at Princeton Theological Seminary has opened the first Filipino cohort with the opportunity to gain new insights through the Lived Theology and World Christianity online certificate program. This initiative reflects the growing interest in understanding the intersection of theology and culture in the Philippines, offering significant contributions to the global discourse on faith.
Lived Theology in the Philippines
Lived theology emphasizes how faith is practiced in the daily lives of individuals and communities. (2) In the Philippines, this concept is deeply embedded in the culture, where religion permeates every aspect of life, from family and community relationships to social and political engagements. Faith is not merely confined to church rituals but is expressed in vibrant religious practices, social justice initiatives, and the integration of spirituality into everyday life.
Filipino lived theology is most evident in the vibrant religious practices and popular devotions central to community life. These include fiestas, processions, and pilgrimages, which are not only acts of worship but also serve as communal celebrations that strengthen social bonds and unity. For instance, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Traslación of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo exemplify how faith is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Filipino society. Additionally, practices such as Simbang Gabi (pre-dawn masses during Advent) and novenas reflect the integration of faith into daily life rhythms.
Lived theology in the Philippines also manifests in the intersection of faith and social justice. The Catholic Church has played a significant role in addressing social and political issues, such as during the People Power Revolution of 1986, which was inspired by Christian values of justice and nonviolence. (3) Liberation theology has further influenced grassroots movements in the country, particularly those advocating for the rights of the poor, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities. Faith-based organizations and religious leaders continue to address pressing issues such as poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses, demonstrating how theology can inspire action for the common good.
World Christianity in the Philippines
World Christianity is the study of Christianity as a global religion, emphasizing its diverse expressions across cultures and regions. (4) The Philippines, the largest Christian nation in Asia, exemplifies how global Christianity has been localized and transformed. Christianity was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonization in the 16th century, and over time, Filipinos indigenized the faith, blending it with local traditions and cultural practices. This localization is evident in the widespread devotion to the Santo Niño and the celebration of fiestas, which reflect Catholic teachings and Filipino cultural values.
In addition to Catholicism, the growth of Pentecostal and Evangelical movements in the Philippines highlights the influence of global Christianity. (5) These movements, introduced by American missionaries in the 20th century, have adapted to Filipino contexts, emphasizing personal salvation, charismatic worship, and community engagement. The rise of megachurches and faith-based organizations demonstrates the evolving expressions of Christianity in the country.
The Philippines also makes significant contributions to Christianity globally, where Filipino missionaries and overseas workers bring their faith to other parts of the world, establishing Filipino Christian communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. These diaspora communities bridge the local and global expressions of Christianity, sharing Filipino expressions of faith with the broader world.
Research on Lived Theology and World Christianity
Various studies have come to life in the OMSC’s Lived Theology and World Christianity certificate program. The program fosters openness to learning through guided lectures and glocal discussions. Participants are encouraged to engage in the process of reflecting on and analyzing their understanding in light of their lived experiences.
Theological research from the Manila cohort participants has highlighted the dynamic interplay between religion, theology, and societal issues. Studies have explored themes such as religious authority, stigma, marginalization, and social justice, emphasizing how faith is lived and contextualized in response to cultural, political, and social challenges. For example, research on one of the religious movements in the Philippines examines its shift from charismatic to bureaucratic authority and its impact on individual agency and political involvement. Another study addresses the stigma faced by People Living with HIV, using liberation theology to highlight the Church’s role in fostering social justice and inclusivity.
The other participant looked into Filipino beliefs about death, exploring Christian and Islamic perspectives on grief, bereavement, and mortality. Research on LGBTQIA+ faith expressions examines the tensions between traditional Christian teachings and the lived experiences of marginalized groups, proposing pastoral initiatives to foster inclusivity. Additionally, studies on Laylayan Theology (6) explore its role in grassroots political advocacy and indigenous communities, emphasizing faith-based resistance against systemic injustice and the mobilization of marginalized communities. These works underscore theology’s adaptability to Filipino cultural contexts while contributing to global theological discourse by integrating local realities with universal frameworks such as liberation theology.
Conclusion
The interplay between lived theology and world Christianity in the Philippines reflects a profoundly local faith that is deeply connected to the global Christian community. This dynamic relationship vividly showcases the richness and diversity of Christian faith in a globalized world. In the Philippines, theology transcends academic discourse and church doctrine—it is embodied in the people’s everyday practices, struggles, and celebrations. Filipino lived theology exemplifies how global Christian teachings are contextualized to address the unique cultural, social, and historical realities of Filipino life.
At the same time, the Philippines’ role as both a recipient and contributor to world Christianity highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the faith. This dual nature fosters a rich dialogue between local expressions of faith and global theological frameworks, underscoring Christianity’s adaptability and relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. It also demonstrates the enduring significance of faith in fostering inclusivity, justice, and transformation. Together, these perspectives illustrate how Christianity, rooted in tradition yet responsive to local realities, inspires hope and action in an interconnected world.
References
- Del Castillo, F. A. (2015). Christianization of the Philippines: Revisiting the contributions of Baroque churches and religious art. Mission Studies, 32 (1), 47–65. https://doi.org/10.1163/15733831-12341379
- Ward, P. (2017). Practical theology and lived theology. In Introducing practical theology (pp. 55–68). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. (n.d.). History of CBCP. Retrieved from https://cbcponline.net/history-of-cbcp/
- Irvin, D. T. (2009). World Christianity: A genealogy. Journal of World Christianity, 9 (1), 5–22.
- Ma, Y. (2025). New Religious Movements in the Philippines: Their Development, Political Participation, and Impact. Religions, 16 (4), 471. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16040471
- del Castillo, F. (2024). A Theological and Scriptural Basis for Laylayan Theology. International Bulletin of Mission Research, 48 (4), 485-493. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969393241275985
