Showing papers in "Theology in 2010"

African relational ontology, individual identity, and Christian theology : an African theological contribution towards an integrated relational ontological identity

Abstract: African theology has a great deal to contribute to the theological discourse on human identity. Relationships are central to the formation, expression and understanding of who an individual person is. The African philosophy of ubuntu, more accurately expressed as umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (a person is a person through other persons), affirms the critical understanding that identity arises out of intersubjective interactions between persons. This paper discusses how concepts of identity in African philosophy and religion can enhance our theological understanding of individual identity. Hence this research presents an African theological approach to identity that is systematized in relation to the doctrine of God, the doctrine of Christian anthropology and the doctrine of salvation.

What Sort of a God is to be Found in dementia? A Survey of Theological Responses and an Agenda for Their Development

Abstract: Although a great deal has been written on pastoral responses to dementia, some of the theological questions it raises remain relatively unexplored. In this paper, the author argues that the widespread experience of living with someone with dementia has the potential to reshape our understanding of God's relation to humanity. He goes on to survey some key contributions to the existing theological literature on this subject and so to suggest directions for further theological work.

The wrong conclusion: Mark 16.1–8 and literary theory

Abstract: Four points are made, with examples, challenging the literary arguments in favour of Mark 16.8 being the Gospel’s intended ending. First, the passage is full of unexplained loose ends such as ancient authors were careful to explain. Then, it lacks the closure given to ancient narrative of every genre. Third, Kelber’s ‘parabolic style’ does not fit: parables do often close abruptly, but not ambiguously, and always with a strong final line. Last, the early Church never from the first accepted 16.8 as the ending; Matthew and Luke not only tidy Mark’s loose ends but finish the narrative properly.

Unity in reconciled diversity: Cop-out or rainbow Church?

Abstract: Abstract This essay traces the development of the ecumenical concept of unity in reconciled diversity from its origins in the 1970s. It looks at ways in which it has subsequently been interpreted, received and critiqued. It makes suggestions as to how the concept might be further refined and tightened up in order to meet such criticism and lead to growth in authentic unity.

The Theology of the elevation in the Eucharist

Abstract: The elevation of the elements at the consecration during the Eucharist has had scant attention since the time when it became the custom for the president to face the congregation during the celebration. The article traces the practice with a look at the theology and history surrounding its introduction. It continues with discussing the options faced by the minister with theological and practical reasons for not elevating, or either performing a high elevation above the head or a low elevation to the chest. Specifically the article stresses the importance that the minister be fully conversant with his or her actions.

Landscape and the Kingdom of God

Abstract: ‘Landscape and the Kingdom of God’ examines how co-operation with secular partners in a World Heritage Status Bid may be seen as an expression of mission, and how the transformation of urban landscape and sacred space may reflect the Kingdom of God. The history of Wearmouth-Jarrow, explored through Bede’s story of the founding of the seventh-century monastery, highlights contemporary resonances in art, learning, community and Christian communication. The Wearmouth context is explored historically, practically and theologically, with the etching of cruciform pathways on the site’s surface seen as a means of interpreting access, encounter and human transformation.

Clergy discipline and pastoral care: Bishop's mitre or judge's wig?

Abstract: This article reflects on the experience of clergy discipline and pastoral care exercised by an English Anglican diocesan bishop. The article focuses on the supposed conflict of interest to ...

Jacques Maritain: Pre-Conciliar Conservative or Thomist Liberal Democrat?

Abstract: This article traces the development and contrasts between the early and later political thought of Jacques Maritain, arguing that, beneath the superficial appearance of a radical move from papalist...

Creation in CrisisCreation in Crisis: Christian perspectives on sustainability, ed. WhiteRoger S. (SPCK2009), 320 pp, £9.99 pbk: Christian perspectives on sustainability

Abstract: This edited volume is the outcome of a workshop held in 2008 at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge, England. The purpose of the workshop and of the volume is to explore the root causes of environmental unsustainability. Why is it that we continue to engage in activities that are manifestly harmful to ourselves and to others (see p. 2)? The editor realized that this is not merely a matter of ignorance, but is a moral and indeed a spiritual problem. The problem cannot merely be understood on the basis of collecting scientific data, nor will technological solutions suffice. The problem is cultural and moral: ‘We do not want to face up to the fact that the material comforts we enjoy are bought at a cost to other people and to the natural world’ (p. 2). In order to investigate the problem a remarkable team of experts were gathered. Indeed, as Bishop James Jones (Liverpool) notes in his Foreword, one could hardly find a finer line-up of specialists with expertise from different disciplines to reflect on environmental challenges (from a broadly evangelical perspective). The nine pages devoted to the list of contributors are indicative of such expertise. There are essays by natural scientists such as Richard Carter (on water), Calvin DeWitt (on agricultural land use), John Houghton (on climate and energy), James McCarthy (on climate information) and Robert White (on ‘natural’ disasters). There are perspectives from social scientists such as Brian Heap, Flavio Comim and George Wilkes (on international governance), John Guillebaud and Peter Moore (on population and contraception) and Donald Hay (on climate policies). In addition, ethicists and biblical scholars such as Richard Bauckham (on the Gospels), Ellen Davis (on agriculture and food), Hilary Marlow (on prophetic justice), Douglas Moo and Jonathan Moo (both on biblical eschatology), Michael Northcott (on the ethics of sustainability) and René Padilla (on globalization and poverty) contributed essays. The volume as a whole is produced from the perspective of the consumer class in the United Kingdom and North America who can indeed speak about the ‘material comfort we enjoy’ and the costs of such a lifestyle to ‘other people and the natural world’ (see above). Two of the authors (Flavio Comim and René Padilla) are based in Latin America though, and most of the essays are deeply concerned about the economic inequalities associated with the current global economy. The ethical stance adopted throughout is one of concern over both environmental and social justice (the so-called ‘green’ and ‘brown’ agendas). Book reviews

The eschatological tension of theological method Some reflections after reading Daniel W. Hardy's ‘Creation and eschatology’1

Abstract: This article considers the relationship between eschatology and theological method. It does so in dialogue with Daniel W. Hardy's essay ‘Creation and eschatology’ and 1 Corinthians 13.12. The article identifies four themes regarding theological method in relation to the verse and Hardy's writings. The first two of these concern the dialectic of patience and impatience as innate to the theological task. The third theme considers whether this dialectic is surpassed through theological reflection on the biblical image of covenant. The fourth discusses the context of worship and the blinding light of mystery for theological reflection, and the effect of these on the task of theology.

Book Review: Ecologies of Grace: Environmental ethics and Christian theology

Abstract: sion of a ‘slippery slope’ that could lead to involuntary euthanasia and an unwanted pressure on vulnerable dying patients. In fact, the author deals extensively with this concern and claims that the legislation of assisted suicide would not lead to a slippery slope and would even enhance patients’ trust in their doctors (e.g. p. 110). What makes me more nervous is the implicit anthropology that sees dignity as something that can be lost and autonomy as a quality that makes human life worth living. I feel that this view omits the common ground of biblical theology, even if the author gives many biblical quotations. Statistics and a liberalistic approach cannot deny that human beings are not primarily autonomous, but rely on God’s care. Badham expresses this approach with a body–soul dualism (e.g. pp. 75–6) that does not seem to me to be helpful for discussing matters of life and death.