Interculturality and inculturation of theology in Mexico and Guatemala

Abstract

Interculturality — understood as a dialogical form and exchange of codes and symbols between culturally distinct groups and/or individuals — has been a fundamental element in the development and implementation of Catholic and non-Catholic pastoral action in Latin America, especially in indigenous contexts. The basis of this pastoral practice or theopraxis is the inculturation of theology, which not only longs for to achieve in the socio-religious context an effective interaction between different cultures, but a kind of assimilation and religious incarnation through a process of vernaculization of Christianity. This article seeks to discuss interculturality and its development or search in Christian pastoral care in order to achieve the so-called theology of inculturation. Through two cases, the result of anthropological research in different socio religious settings, both in Chiapas, Mexico and Totonicapán, Guatemala; it is intended to clarify how the processes of inculturation involve a temporary and continuous coexistence in cultural diversity, but also a process of rupture with hegemonic and eurocentrist ideological models.