Miroslav Volf on Trends in American Religion & the Challenge of Exclusion and Embrace in Christian Practice
|
|
- Denis Harper
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Miroslav Volf on Trends in American Religion & the Challenge of Exclusion and Embrace in Christian Practice Interviewer: Tracy Schier Miroslav Volf is Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. He also serves as Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology of the Evangelical-Theological Faculty in Osijek, Croatia, his undergraduate alma mater. Volf, a native of Croatia, received his M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary and both his Dr. theol. and Dr. theol. habil. from the University of Tubingen, Germany. Volf served as co-editor ( ) and then editor ( ) of Izvori a Croatian Christian monthly and he has published numerous books and articles in the U.S., Germany, and his native country. His book Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation received the 2002 Grawemeyer Award which is given annually by Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the University of Louisville. The book focuses on exclusion between groups of people and reaches back to the New Testament metaphor of salvation as reconciliation. It offers the idea of embrace as a theological response to the problem of alienation of peoples. Other books authored by Volf include A Passion for God s Reign: Theology, Christian Learning, and The Christian Self (Eerdmans, 1997) and After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity (Eerdmans, 1998). The Page 1 of 1
2 latter is the inaugural volume in the Sacra Doctrina: Christian Theology for a Postmodern Age series edited by Alan G. Padgett. The series is sponsored by the Christian Theological Research Fellowship. Volf is also editor, with Dorothy C. Bass, of Practicing Theology: Beliefs and Practices in Christian Life (Eerdmans, 2001). This is a collection of essays by 13 theologians who, from several cultural and Christian perspectives, explore the relationship between Christian theology and practice in the daily lives of believers, in the ministry of Christian communities, and as a needed focus within Christian education. This conversation is edited. Q. As we look at America today, it is probably safe to say that religion is not the primary mediator of our culture. Yet we see religious institutions making enormously vital contributions to public life. Can you talk about this? A. Certainly media are the more prominent mediators of this culture along with the whole institutionalized way that we produce and sell goods. These are the main shapers of American culture. And I would add that law is a profound shaper as well. In America, however, religion is surprisingly vibrant, especially when compared to Western Europe. The tragedies of September 11 showed us that when a crisis occurs, when there is a sense of our own fragility and when chaos overwhelms us, Americans on the whole revert to religious language, symbols, and narrative. Religion really is not sequestered in any one place; rather it is below the surface culture and the nation as a whole draws meaning from our religious traditions. Q. Do you think this is a flash in the pan? A. Yes, in the sense that a crisis is short lived. But I believe that we have seen that America has a religious depth and that the surface currents the media, the marketplace that I talked about before are not the whole story. Actually, I am not sure that vibrancy of religion in public life is always a good thing. If we look at biblical tradition there is strong critique of the use of religion in the public arena and how religion is misused as cheap solace. So from this perspective we have to keep in mind that there needs to be discriminating use of religious phenomena and we need to be sure that we are Page 2 of 2
3 hearing genuine religious voices rather than merely religious echoes of our own private and collective desires. The voices we heard during the 9/11 crisis gave us comfort and help and offered us communal support. But few religious voices were able to steer a course that was any different from the voices of the politicians. For example, people speaking for the peace movement had little chance of being heard. And yet, arguably, this was the most genuine voice of the Christian tradition. Q. Since you bring up 9/11 I would like to hear what you think some of the lessons have been from that tragedy. Your book, Exclusion and Embrace, which won the Grawemeyer Award, was obviously written before 9/11, but what you say in the book has such meaning in light of those events. A. One of the things I point out in the book is that we all seem to like our identities pure and so we push out others who disturb the way that we have our world organized. And of course, competition for goods is an issue that enters into this discussion. When we look at the terrorists who were responsible for the 9/11 tragedy we see people who see American culture as threatening to a form of Islam that they want to keep pure. Various fundamentalist ways of thinking are dominated by desire for purity, although most do not act in a violent manner. Of course, boundaries that mark our identities are important. The world would be a swamp without boundaries and we need to nurture those boundaries in order to preserve our own identities. With that said, however, we then need to ensure that there are gates in those boundaries that can open and close in a way that we can control but also in a way that is hospitable to the others. Our personal identities need to be so structured, and so strong, that we can appreciate the fact that the gifts to us from persons who exist outside of our boundaries will enrich us. As a metaphor, I think for example of my home. I have artwork and books from numerous cultures, and I welcome to my home many items and individuals that are foreign to my own identity. These openings into my home by others enrich my family and me; in return I pray that my hospitality enriches them. Q. As you look back at the last couple of decades here in America, what are the trends in American religion that you see as holding the most promise for the future? Page 3 of 3
4 A. I think the most promising feature is something that has been part of the American religious scene for centuries. And that is the incredible ability of American religion to reinvent itself. This is something that is unique in western cultures. Certainly we do not see this in Europe, at least not on the same scale. All over this country we see people with religious motivation from all walks of life setting up their own little shop so to speak. Churches and denominations pop up all over. This shows immense vitality and it is a way that religion is passed on from generation to generation in this fast-paced culture. We academics tend to look down on this aspect of American religion. Many academics are fearful of such new religious beginnings which admittedly can be theologically unformed and sometimes even weird. The positive side of this, however, is that religion is being transmitted within the cultural medium within which specific groups of people speak and live. It is a phenomenon that is in keeping with the American way of life and its market economy. The flexibility that is a characteristic of economic life transfers to religious life and the result is constant innovation, as a blessing and as a curse. Q. What is the downside of this? A. A possible consequence is the cultural captivity of religion. Religion is sold; it becomes just another commodity. When this happens it can be empty of content and religious personages can simply peddle what people want. The customer cannot be king when it comes to religion. When the content of religion is hi-jacked the symbols and narratives of religion are emptied of their genuine meaning. Q. Would you talk about ecumenism in America what do you see as its long lasting benefits and what might be unrealistic aspects/expectations? Also, what are the greatest challenges to ecumenism in this country? A. Our churches have come a long way in a short time. Only a few decades ago the walls were up. But now we see Christians and Jews and Muslims in conversation and even sharing buildings a small, but immensely significant matter. This is a wonderful development provided it hasn t been gained at the expense of concern for the truth. In this country there is a smorgasbord Page 4 of 4
5 tendency religions as various dishes. There is an attitude of I like this and I don t like that and I m fine and you re fine. Within all of that, however, truth questions are often circumvented. If we have genuine ecumenism we will not disregard the question of truth. Moreover, genuine ecumenism will not pursue unity at the expense of diversity. Any type of unity we strive for ought not happen at the expense of diversity a diversity which is a sign both of cultural sensitivity and religious vibrancy. We sometimes think that the more unity there is the better. But formalization of unity can stifle creativity. One of the big challenges is this: where do we go from now on? Can we continue with the kind of ecumenical engagement that we have grown accustomed to into the future? One important issue is a lack of sync between the pace of ecumenical work and the ecclesiastical developments on the ground. Recently, we have witnessed some really big ecumenical events: for example, the Joint Declaration between Catholics and Lutherans. That process is not finished and we have to realize that it took 40 to 50 years to get to the statement that we have today. And even now, with the statement, there is not full agreement. It is a fruit of ecumenical engagements in form of dialogue. I believe that ecumenical engagement via dialogues works best with long-term stable denominations. But in America and even more globally, there is a phenomenon of fast growing independent churches whose membership is in hundreds of millions. Think, for example, of China. There are some fifty million new Christians there. They have not been part of the ecumenical dialogue. Think of the great number of Christians in the third world where there is bubbling energy. These parts of the world pose great challenge to us as we think about where ecumenism goes from here. We have to supplement dialogue ecumenism with other forms of ecumenism, and rethink the nature of the unity of the church. Q. What do you see as the greatest challenge to seminaries these days? A. Seminaries are very different places today than they were even a few decades ago. In those good old days students came to seminary already formed and catechized; and they lived in the seminary. Today the students are seekers and they are dispersed. One of the biggest challenges that theological faculty have is to integrate the curriculum so that all areas of Page 5 of 5
6 theology can be seen as contributing to the whole. This is all the more essential now that many students don t bring with them to seminary an integrated vision of what Christianity is all about. When a seminarian graduates and stands in the pulpit or sits behind a desk in a counseling situation all has to cohere beliefs have to cohere with beliefs and all beliefs have to cohere with practices so that the whole thing adds up to a compelling way of life. A key issue for me is that theology and theological education are not about what I call talk about talk about God. It is immensely important to say to our students that we are seeking to know God and not just what we and other religious people think of God or say about God. Don t misunderstand me: various forms of study of religion are indispensable as a component of seminary or divinity school education. But seminaries are not religious studies departments. Seminarians need to be taught to lead people to authentic acts of worship of God and service in the world and not merely to engage in critical talk about talk about God. Q. What is the return to practices bringing to the life of American Christians? Can you talk about your work with Dorothy Bass? A. This has been a wonderful experience. A group of mid-career theologians got together to ask in what way reflection on Christian practices can be useful to us as theologians. As academics we sometimes labor within a rather narrow definition of theology, concentrating on the explication of Christian beliefs. But faith is not just beliefs it is a way of life although beliefs are part and parcel of that way of life. So we looked at beliefs that we are professionally interested in explicating to see in what way these might be shapers of, as well as shaped by, the Christian practices such as keeping Sabbath, hospitality, forgiveness, healing, dying well. The results of our work are in the book Practicing Theology that I edited with Dorothy Bass. Q. Where will you take this beyond the book? A. The next stage will be to engage young faculty new hires or with persons who are in the last years of writing their dissertations, to present to them our work and see to what extent they may resonate with the emphasis on Christianity as a way of life and the relationship of the practices to theology that we have explored in the book. Page 6 of 6
7 Q. I d like to get back to your exclusion and embrace again. If you were to name the most important thing or things ordinary Christians today can do to assist in an effort of embrace, what might these be? A. Here are three things. First is to dare naming evil for what it is and to dare naming the doer of evil for who he or she is. We cannot simply reduce evil-doing to a set of prior causes. Hitler and Milosevic are evil-doers, various sets of circumstances that contributed to their actions notwithstanding. At the same time, I am very concerned with the hunting down language that is going around right now. This is language that is appropriately used with regard to animals and it devalues humans even humans who are evil-doers. When we use such language it implies that human beings can be taken out of the regular sphere of humanity and that we can do as we please with them. Second, it is equally important to stress that an evil-doer in Christian tradition is owed a particular type of treatment. It is not simply that we must seek justice while at the same time respecting their rights. Much more radically, the Christian tradition requires of us to love an evil-doer. This is very hard. Yet we believe that God loves the world and a Hitler is part of that world. Now it is possible that an evil-doer is recalcitrant and rejects attempts at reconciliation, and we have to respect this. But we should never stop trying. Love will be imaginative and strive to find a way beyond the obstacles that the other places to reconciliation. So, we need to name evil as evil and pursue justice, but do this as those who love the evil-doer. Put differently, the goal of pursuit of justice must not simply be that justice happens but that reconciliation also happens. That is one of the reasons why I oppose capital punishment. Here a kind of justice is carried out that precludes a new beginning. Finally, we need to dare to see ourselves through the eyes of the other and see the other with their own eyes. We tend to disregard the opinion of those we see as other. Especially when someone is strong and yet victimized, as Americans were after 9/11, the tendency is even more prevalent not even to try to see what your life looks like from the perception of the other. This is something that takes a lot of work, and it takes a lot of courage, but it can lead us to the kind of justice that allows for reconciliation also. Page 7 of 7
Interviewer: Tracy Schier
Lillian Daniel On Collegial Friendships Nurturing Pastoral Agility (Third in a three-part series of conversations with members of the Pastors Working Group) Interviewer: Tracy Schier Introduction: This
More informationInterview with Edward Farley From the web site Resources for American Christianity
Edward Farley on the state of Theological Education in the United States Interviewer: Tracy Schier Over several decades, Edward Farley s views on theological education have been well-informed, persistent
More informationArticle XII. Education
Article XII. Education Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian
More informationEVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OSIJEK, CROATIA BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS: LEARN. GROW. IMPACT.
Osijek is a beautiful and modern European city in Croatia. Called the green city for its many parks and recreational areas, Osijek is an ideal place for students to enjoy time off-campus together. EVANGELICAL
More informationCopyright 2015 Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University 83. Tracing the Spirit through Scripture
Copyright 2015 Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University 83 Tracing the Spirit through Scripture b y D a l e n C. J a c k s o n The four books reviewed here examine how the Holy Spirit is characterized
More informationThe Third Path: Gustavus Adolphus College and the Lutheran Tradition
1 The Third Path: Gustavus Adolphus College and the Lutheran Tradition by Darrell Jodock The topic of the church-related character of a college has two dimensions. One is external; it has to do with the
More informationcourse, our distinguished host H.E. Mr. Mohammad Sadoughi for their timely initiative to bring the importance of Yazd to surface.
Statement by H.E. Dr. Seyed AliMohammadMousavi Secretary-General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation before 7 th World Islamic Forum on Strategic Communication: Reference Values, Institutions,
More informationMASTER OF DIVINITY PURPOSES OBJECTIVES. Program Information Sheet wscal.edu/admissions
888.80.87 MASTER OF DIVINITY PURPOSES Educate and form candidates for official, ordained ministries of instruction and leadership in the church as pastors, evangelists, and teachers Prepare graduates to
More informationThe History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation
Topic Religion & Theology Subtopic Christianity The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation Course Guidebook Professor Luke Timothy Johnson Candler School of Theology,
More informationChanging Religious and Cultural Context
Changing Religious and Cultural Context 1. Mission as healing and reconciling communities In a time of globalization, violence, ideological polarization, fragmentation and exclusion, what is the importance
More informationTHE GERMAN CONFERENCE ON ISLAM
THE GERMAN CONFERENCE ON ISLAM Islam is part of Germany and part of Europe, part of our present and part of our future. We wish to encourage the Muslims in Germany to develop their talents and to help
More informationChristians in the World
Christians in the World Introduction Have you ever heard a sermon that tried to convince you that our earthly possessions should be looked at more like a hotel room rather than a permanent home? The point
More informationThe Gospel as a public truth: The Church s mission in modern culture in light of Lesslie Newbigin s theology
The Gospel as a public truth: The Church s mission in modern culture in light of Lesslie Newbigin s theology Guest Lecture given by the Secretary General of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland,
More informationCHRISTIAN STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA. Jason T. S. Lam Institute of Sino-Christian Studies, Hong Kong, China. Abstract
CHRISTIAN STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA Jason T. S. Lam Institute of Sino-Christian Studies, Hong Kong, China Abstract Although Christian Studies is a comparatively new discipline in Mainland China, it
More informationGraduate Studies in Theology
Graduate Studies in Theology Overview Mission At Whitworth, we seek to produce Christ-centered, well-educated, spiritually disciplined, and visionary leaders for the church and society. Typically, students
More informationComprehensive Plan for the Formation of Catechetical Leaders for the Third Millennium
Comprehensive Plan for the Formation of Catechetical Leaders for the Third Millennium The Comprehensive Plan for the Formation of Catechetical Leaders for the Third Millennium is developed in four sections.
More information122 Business Owners Wisdom
122 Business Owners Wisdom 123 Lorna Jane Clarkson Activewear Designer Lorna Jane My professional and personal goals are pretty much the same: I want to continue to inspire and encourage women all over
More informationUK to global mission: what really is going on? A Strategic Review for Global Connections
UK to global mission: what really is going on? A Strategic Review for Global Connections Updated summary of seminar presentations to Global Connections Conference - Mission in Times of Uncertainty by Paul
More information89-GS-58 VOTED: The 17th General Synod adopts the Resolution "Ecumenical Partnership."
89-GS-58 VOTED: The 17th General Synod adopts the Resolution "Ecumenical Partnership." ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP Background The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ affirm
More informationFuture of Orthodoxy in the Near East
Future of Orthodoxy in the Near East An Educational Perspective Introduction Georges N. NAHAS SJDIT University of Balamand September 2010 Because of different political interpretations I will focus in
More informationNancy Ammerman On. American Congregations. Interviewer: Tracy Schier
Nancy Ammerman On Interview with Nancy T. Ammerman American Congregations Interviewer: Tracy Schier As of July 2003, Nancy T. Ammerman moved from Hartford Seminary to Boston University where she assumed
More informationNEW FRONTIERS ACHIEVING THE VISION OF DON BOSCO IN A NEW ERA. St. John Bosco High School
NEW FRONTIERS ACHIEVING THE VISION OF DON BOSCO IN A NEW ERA St. John Bosco High School Celebrating 75 Years 1940-2015 Premise When asked what his secret was in forming young men into good Christians and
More informationCHINA IN THE WORLD PODCAST. Host: Paul Haenle Guest: C. Raja Mohan
CHINA IN THE WORLD PODCAST Host: Paul Haenle Guest: C. Raja Mohan Episode 85: India Finds Its Place in a Trump World Order April 28, 2017 Haenle: My colleagues and I at the Carnegie Tsinghua Center had
More informationReligion MA. Philosophy & Religion. Key benefits. Course details
Philosophy & Religion Religion MA 2018 entry Duration: Full-time: one year, Part-time: two years Study mode: Full-time, part-time kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/religion-ma.aspx In this distinguished
More informationPROSPECTUS PAGE 1.
PROSPECTUS PAGE 1 St Hild College is a pioneering theological institution for Yorkshire and the surrounding regions. CONTENTS Serving Our Region 6 Full-Time Ordination Training 8 Part-Time Ordination Training
More informationTutor in Old Testament. Foreword
Tutor in Old Testament Foreword Thank you for your interest in the post of Tutor in Old Testament at Spurgeon s College. The post of Tutor in Old Testament will be vacant from summer 2016 following the
More informationWelcome to Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry!
Welcome to Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry! Kansas Christian College is proud to offer online degree programs to accommodate the educational needs of busy adults. With KCC Online, you can get
More informationKnollwood Baptist Church 2014 Strategic Plan Overview August FINAL. Who We Are and Where We Are Headed
Adopted and Approved by the congregation on August 3, 2104 Knollwood Baptist Church 2014 Strategic Plan Overview August 2014 - FINAL Who We Are and Where We Are Headed KBC is a community of faith with
More informationFr. Sebastiano D Ambra, PIME
HOW THE BAGSAMORO AGREEMENT CAN BECOME AN OCCASION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION TO SHARE ITS MISSION OF LOVE IN HARMONY, SOLIDARITY AND PEACE Fr. Sebastiano D Ambra, PIME 1) INTRODUCTION This is a special time
More informationPart 1 of 3 PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND. VISION: Growing in Christ and sharing His love and hope. October 2015 UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND Part 1 of 3 October 2015 Part 1 of 3 VISION: Growing in Christ and sharing His love and hope OBJECTIVE To revitalize the Mission Areas of the Presbytery:
More informationThe importance of dialogue for the Evangelical Churches in Romania in the context of the expansion of the European Union
The importance of dialogue for the Evangelical Churches in Romania in the context of the expansion of the European Union Daniel Martin Daniel Martin is from Oradea, Romania. After completing his BA at
More informationMANUAL ON MINISTRY. Student in Care of Association. United Church of Christ. Section 2 of 10
Section 2 of 10 United Church of Christ MANUAL ON MINISTRY Perspectives and Procedures for Ecclesiastical Authorization of Ministry Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Local Church Ministries A Covenanted
More informationMission: What the Bible is All About An interview with Chris Wright
Mission: What the Bible is All About An interview with Chris Wright Chris Wright is International Director of Langham Partnership International, and author of The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible s
More informationTutor in Christian Doctrine and Ethics. Foreword
Tutor in Christian Doctrine and Ethics Foreword Thank you for your interest in the post of Tutor in Christian and Ethics Doctrine at Spurgeon s College. The post of Tutor in Christian Doctrine will be
More informationAn Interview with Robert Webber, author of The Younger Evangelicals by Jordon Cooper Wednesday, Dec 11, 2002
An Interview with Robert Webber, author of The Younger Evangelicals by Jordon Cooper Wednesday, Dec 11, 2002 The Younger Evangelicals: Facing the Challenges of the New World by Robert Webber. Amazon.com
More informationURGENT CALL FOR HOLINESS PREACHING
URGENT CALL FOR HOLINESS PREACHING Greg B. Fernandez Jr. Introduction Pervasive holiness preaching is in demand in today s secular age. The Body of Christ needs holiness preachers to proclaim the unchanging
More informationA Nazarene Roots Project Resource. An Interview with Thomas Noble Professor of Theology at Nazarene Theological Seminary
A Nazarene Roots Project Resource An Interview with Thomas Noble Professor of Theology at Nazarene Theological Seminary Interview by Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada Regional Director Reflecting on Our Nazarene
More informationMonday 2:00 8:30 Nashville, TN Tuesday 8:30-7:30 Wednesday 8:45-4:30 Thursday Friday 8:45-4:30 (Includes Participation in Preaching Workshop)
Lipscomb University Hazelip School of Theology DMIN 7413 01 DMIN 7413 Religious and Cross-Cultural Engagement (3 hours) Professors: Sara Barton, John Barton Lipscomb University February 13-17, 2017 One
More informationProgram of the Orthodox Religion in Secondary School
Ecoles européennes Bureau du Secrétaire général Unité de Développement Pédagogique Réf. : Orig. : FR Program of the Orthodox Religion in Secondary School APPROVED BY THE JOINT TEACHING COMMITTEE on 9,
More informationBy the Faith and Order Board of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Member churches of the World Council of Churches have committed themselves to:
Response to Growth in Communion, Partnership in Mission By the Faith and Order Board of the Scottish Episcopal Church May 2016 Common Calling Member churches of the World Council of Churches have committed
More informationchallenged by the recent historic open letter signed by 138 leading Muslim scholars, clerics, and
In the name of the Infinitely Good God whom we should love with all our being LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR TOGETHER: A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO A COMMON WORD BETWEEN US AND YOU Preamble As members of the worldwide
More informationTowards a Theology of Resource Ministry December, 2008 Chris Walker
Towards a Theology of Resource Ministry December, 2008 Chris Walker Resource Ministry, while having its own emphases, should not be considered separately from the theology of ministry in general. Ministry
More informationSabbatical FAQ Preparation 1. Drafting an excellent sabbatical plan:
Sabbatical FAQ Preparation 1. Drafting an excellent sabbatical plan: An excellent sabbatical plan will take several drafts to develop. Having your supervisor and one or two additional readers review each
More informationchange the rules, regulations, and the infrastructure of their environments to try and
Jung Kim Professor Wendy Cadge, Margaret Clendenen SOC 129a 05/06/16 Religious Diversity at Brandeis Introduction As the United States becomes more and more religiously diverse, many institutions change
More informationA LEADERSHIP VISION FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY. Ephesians 4:1-3; 25-32
INTRODUCTION A LEADERSHIP VISION FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY Ephesians 4:1-3; 25-32 During my 18 years as a Nazarene university president, I was often asked the question: What keeps you awake
More informationPeacemaking and the Uniting Church
Peacemaking and the Uniting Church June 2012 Peacemaking has been a concern of the Uniting Church since its inception in 1977. As early as 1982 the Assembly made a major statement on peacemaking and has
More informationGDI Anthology Envisioning a Global Ethic
The Dialogue Decalogue GDI Anthology Envisioning a Global Ethic The Dialogue Decalogue Ground Rules for Interreligious, Intercultural Dialogue by Leonard Swidler The "Dialogue Decalogue" was first published
More informationReformed Mission in an Age of World Christianity
Reformed Mission in an Age of World Christianity Ideas for the 21st Century edited by Shirley J. Roels foreword by Setri Nyomi The Calvin Press Calvin College in association with the Calvin Center for
More informationFormation Across The Workforce
SEEDING OUR FUTURE A Case Study Formation Across The Workforce BY MARY CARTER WAREN, D.Min. The Sisters of Mercy, sponsors of Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., since 1959, knew they needed
More informationL E A D E R S H I P A G E N C Y O V E R V I E W
L E A D E R S H I P A G E N C Y O V E R V I E W As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry s mission is preparing global leaders
More informationCHRISTIAN IDENTITY AND REL I G I o US PLURALITY
CHRISTIAN IDENTITY AND REL I G I o US PLURALITY If someone says to you Identifi yourself! you will probably answer first by giving your name - then perhaps describing the work you do, the place you come
More informationTHEOLOGY & RELIGIOUS STUDIES ST MARY S UNIVERSITY TWICKENHAM LONDON 2018/2019 SEMESTER 2/SPRING MODULES FOR STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS
THEOLOGY & RELIGIOUS STUDIES ST MARY S UNIVERSITY TWICKENHAM LONDON 2018/2019 SEMESTER 2/SPRING MODULES FOR STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. Possible module combinations making up a full course
More informationI. INTRODUCTION. Summary of Recommendations
Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre Long-Range Plan (excerpts) Final Report to the TMTC Advisory Board Jeremy M. Bergen, Interim Director September 14, 2006 I. INTRODUCTION At the 2005 Advisory Board
More informationCommentary and Executive Summary of Finding Our Delight in the Lord A Proposal for Full Communion between the Moravian Church and the Episcopal Church
Commentary and Executive Summary of Finding Our Delight in the Lord A Proposal for Full Communion between the Moravian Church and the Episcopal Church Introduction At its October, 2007 meeting the Standing
More informationFrequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance)
Frequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance) What is the state of ECO today? What has changed since 2013? ECO now has almost 300 churches compared with fewer than 100 in 2013 and
More informationCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and
More informationHarperOne Reading and Discussion Guide for In Praise of Doubt. Reading and Discussion Guide for. In Praise of Doubt
Reading and Discussion Guide for In Praise of Doubt How to Have Convictions Without Becoming a Fanatic by Peter L. Berger and Anton C. Zijderveld Chapter 1: The Many Gods of Modernity 1. The authors point
More informationPreparing Students to Minister Effectively In the Multi-Faith Context
CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY: PREPARING STUDENTS TO MINISTER IN A MULTI-FAITH SOCIETY Preparing Students to Minister Effectively In the Multi-Faith Context Ashland Theological Seminary William P. Payne Introduction
More informationBeyond Tolerance An Interview on Religious Pluralism with Victor Kazanjian
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 AUGUST 2007 Beyond Tolerance An Interview on Religious Pluralism with Victor Kazanjian Recently, Leslie M. Schwartz interviewed Victor Kazanjian about his experience developing at atmosphere
More informationThe Speck in Your Brother s Eye The Alleged War of Islam Against the West Truth
The Speck in Your Brother s Eye The Alleged War of Islam Against the West Truth Marked for Death contains 217 pages and the words truth or true are mentioned in it at least eleven times. As an academic
More informationFrom the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice
From the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice NOTE: This document includes only the Core Convictions, Analysis of Patriarchy and Sexism, Resources for Resisting Patriarchy and Sexism, and
More informationCOMPASSIONATE SERVICE, INTELLIGENT FAITH AND GODLY WORSHIP
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE, INTELLIGENT FAITH AND GODLY WORSHIP OUR VISION An Anglican community committed to proclaiming and embodying Jesus Christ through compassionate service, intelligent faith and Godly
More informationA European Philosophy of Congregational Education Edwin de Jong Gottmadingen, Germany. Introduction
A European Philosophy of Congregational Education Edwin de Jong Gottmadingen, Germany Introduction In this article I will present a philosophy of congregational education from a western European perspective.
More informationName: Date: Period: THE ISLAMIC HEARTLANDS IN THE MIDDLE AND LATE ABBASID ERAS p What symptoms of Abbasid decline were there?
Name: Date: Period: Chapter 7 Reading Guide Abbasid Decline and the Spread of Islamic Civilization to South and Southeast Asia, p.162-182 1. What are some of the reasons for Abbasid decline listed in the
More informationThe Future has Arrived: Changing Theological Education in a Changed World
The Future has Arrived: Changing Theological Education in a Changed World Session 2 The Future has arrived. I know that statement doesn t make much sense; the future is always arriving, isn t it? It is
More informationOpening Remarks. Presentation by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia General Secretary, World Council of Churches
Opening Remarks Presentation by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia General Secretary, World Council of Churches Consultation on Ecumenism in the 21 st Century Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland 30 November 2004 Karibu!
More informationST507: Contemporary Theology II: From Theology of Hope to Postmodernism
COURSE SYLLABUS ST507: Contemporary Theology II: From Theology of Hope to Postmodernism Course Lecturer: John S. Feinberg, Ph.D. Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity
More information2012 NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON CHRISTIAN UNITY. Evening Prayer First United Methodist Church Oklahoma City, Oklahoma April 16, 2012
2012 NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON CHRISTIAN UNITY Evening Prayer First United Methodist Church Oklahoma City, Oklahoma April 16, 2012 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is a joy to gather in prayer on
More informationDAVID J. BOSCH, THE KOREAN CHURCH AND WORLD MISSION
DAVID J. BOSCH, THE KOREAN CHURCH AND WORLD MISSION Young-Whan Park I. Introduction - The Past and Present of Korean World Mission Various mission theologies provided the background to the rapid progress
More informationReview of What is Mormonism? A Student s Introduction, by Patrick Q. Mason; Mormonism: The Basics, by David J. Howlett and John Charles Duffy
Title Author Reference ISSN DOI Review of What is Mormonism? A Student s Introduction, by Patrick Q. Mason; Mormonism: The Basics, by David J. Howlett and John Charles Duffy Jennifer Graber Mormon Studies
More informationHomily 9/11/11 (24 th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily 9/11/11 (24 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Today is the 10 th anniversary of the tragedy of 9-11 when thousands of people were killed in planes, in the twin towers in New York and at the Pentagon in
More informationMOTU PROPRIO: FIDES PER DOCTRINAM
MOTU PROPRIO: FIDES PER DOCTRINAM BENEDICTUS PP. XVI APOSTOLIC LETTER ISSUED MOTU PROPRIO FIDES PER DOCTRINAM WHEREBY THE APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION PASTOR BONUS IS MODIFIED AND COMPETENCE FOR CATECHESIS IS
More informationNewbigin, Lesslie. The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, Kindle E-book.
Newbigin, Lesslie. The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1995. Kindle E-book. In The Open Secret, Lesslie Newbigin s proposal takes a unique perspective
More informationWorld Religions. These subject guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Introduction, Outline and Details all essays sections of this guide.
World Religions These subject guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Introduction, Outline and Details all essays sections of this guide. Overview Extended essays in world religions provide
More informationGuidelines on Global Awareness and Engagement from ATS Board of Directors
Guidelines on Global Awareness and Engagement from ATS Board of Directors Adopted December 2013 The center of gravity in Christianity has moved from the Global North and West to the Global South and East,
More informationSacramental Policies and Guidelines. Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey. May 31, Introduction
Sacramental Policies and Guidelines Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey May 31, 2009 Introduction There are fundamental policies that apply to catechesis for each of the Sacraments. The following revised policies
More informationStudy Guide for GodViews: The Convictions That Drive Us and Divide Us
Study Guide for GodViews: The Convictions That Drive Us and Divide Us By Jack Haberer Study Guide by Carol Wehrheim Introduction This study guide for GodViews: The Convictions That Drive Us and Divide
More informationSAMPLE. Introduction. xvi
What is woman s work? has been my core concern as student, career woman, wife, mother, returning student and now college professor. Coming of age, as I did, in the early 1970s, in the heyday of what is
More informationThe Difficulty of Grasping the Essence of Romans
The Difficulty of Grasping the Essence of Romans It is almost impossible today to understand Romans. The reason is the theology of Romans has been separated from the unfolding story and we see everything
More informationReport on UCC Conference Ministers Delegation to China April 4, 2011
Report on UCC Conference Ministers Delegation to China April 4, 2011 China Christian Council, There is a favorite little text of mine from Paul s Second Letter to the Corinthians. Paul was the first Christian
More informationEVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Ahead of the Curve Many of us like to brag about being ahead of the curve. What does that phrase mean? Well, if you re playing baseball, it means that a batter has recognized,
More informationDenominational Perspective on Ministry in Eastern Europe
Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe Volume 20 Issue 3 Article 2 6-2000 Denominational Perspective on Ministry in Eastern Europe Duncan Hanson Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree
More informationCRITIQUE OF PETER SINGER S NOTION OF MARGINAL UTILITY
CRITIQUE OF PETER SINGER S NOTION OF MARGINAL UTILITY PAUL PARK The modern-day society is pressed by the question of foreign aid and charity in light of the Syrian refugee crisis and other atrocities occurring
More informationSt. Anthony Parish Pastoral Plan
I. Pastor s Vision Statement As we look to the future, St. Anthony s Parish should strive for a vision that aligns with the universal mission of the Church. We must become ever more focused on our primary
More informationThe Holy See PASTORAL VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE BISHOPS. Wellington (New Zealand), 23 November 1986
The Holy See PASTORAL VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE BISHOPS Wellington (New Zealand), 23 November 1986 Dear Cardinal Williams, dear brother Bishops, 1. My meeting with you, the bishops
More information[MJTM 15 ( )] BOOK REVIEW
[MJTM 15 (2013 2014)] BOOK REVIEW Jeremy R. Treat. The Crucified King: Atonement and Kingdom in Biblical and Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. 284 pp. + indexes. Pbk. ISBN: 978-0-310-51674-3.
More informationNTR. Reflections on the Lay Vocation ARTICLE. by Robert White
ARTICLE Reflections on the Lay Vocation by Robert White I am most pleased to be able to speak to you today during this symposium to mark the 25th anniversary of our alma mater where we have lived in community
More informationUganda, morality was derived from God and the adult members were regarded as teachers of religion. God remained the canon against which the moral
ESSENTIAL APPROACHES TO CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: LEARNING AND TEACHING A PAPER PRESENTED TO THE SCHOOL OF RESEARCH AND POSTGRADUATE STUDIES UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ON MARCH 23, 2018 Prof. Christopher
More informationGibbs, Eddie, Leadership Next, Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, pp. Reviewed by Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr.
1 Gibbs, Eddie, Leadership Next, Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2005. 229 pp. Reviewed by Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. 2 Gibbs, Eddie, Leadership Next, Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press,
More informationRachana Rajendra Essay Sam Brill What nature provides is scale and context, ways to figure out who and how big
Rachana Rajendra Essay Sam Brill What nature provides is scale and context, ways to figure out who and how big we are and what we want. It provides silence, solitude, darkness: the rarest commodities we
More informationEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Opportunity Profile
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania http://internationalministries.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Opportunity Profile International Ministries Opportunity Profile Page 1 OVERVIEW Welcome! American Baptist International
More informationA Response to Ed Stetzer s The Emergent/Emerging Church: A Missiological Perspective
A Response to Ed Stetzer s The Emergent/Emerging Church: A Missiological Perspective Dr. Page Brooks Assistant Professor of Theology & Islamic Studies New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Ed Stetzer
More informationJoining God s story of redemption in our neighborhoods.
The Mill Church Joining God s story of redemption in our neighborhoods. OUR STORY STARTS HERE ON THIS TRUTH WE STAND 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates
More informationGeneration Theory and Ministry to Today s Youth
SIGNS OF THE TIMES Richard H. Bliese Generation Theory and Ministry to Today s Youth Raised in a world of MTV, AIDS, computers, broken families, and virtual reality, Generation X, by whatever name it is
More informationThe Catholic Explosion
ZE11111102-2011-11-11 Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-33813?l=english The Catholic Explosion Missionary of Africa Priest Speaks of Challenges and Promise in 7,000% Growth ROME, NOV. 11, (Zenit.org).-
More informationLiberal Arts Traditions and Christian Higher Education
Liberal Arts Traditions and Christian Higher Education A Brief Guide Christian W. Hoeckley Introduction What is a liberal arts education? Given the frequent use of the term, it is remarkable how confusing
More informationCHALLENGES FOR YOUFRA IN EUROPE
CHALLENGES FOR YOUFRA IN EUROPE Ana Fruk, OFS CIOFS Presidency councillor for Franciscan Youth 1 st European OFS/YouFra Congress Lisieux, 11 July 2012 Introduction This is a historic moment for the Franciscan
More informationNewsletter. North American Lutheran Seminary Commencement Volume 2 Issue 2 Summer 2016
Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 2 Summer 2016 North American Lutheran Seminary Commencement 2016 The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) celebrated the graduation of four of its students at Trinity School
More informationSt. Bernard s High School Religion Department
St. Bernard s High School Religion Department Melissa Lesieur Maryann Raymond melissa.lesieur@stb.echalk.com maryann.raymond@stb.echalk.com 45 Harvard Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 stb.echalk.com www.stbalums.com
More informationLocal Theologies for a Global Church: Report from Midwest Members' Group
Loyola University Chicago Loyola ecommons Theology: Faculty Publications and Other Works Faculty Publications 1984 Local Theologies for a Global Church: Report from Midwest Members' Group Jon Nilson Loyola
More information