Does education have any relation to theology? How do the educator's worldview commitments speak to his or her practice of education? James Michael Lee brought a definite answer to these questions--a firm no to the relations question, and an advocacy for empirical findings over and against any speculative or theoretical positions in reply to the commitmentsquestion. Lee claimed to have a universal, neutral metatheory for all religious education, a theory that would apply to all religious educators in any and every religion. But in proposing his theory he overlooked the way that empirical facts express worldviews. This book is a detective story, tracing commitments that lay underneath empirical ""neutrality."" In the process the reader will see avenues that unmistakably link education to theology. Education turns out to be a thoroughly worldview-conditioned process. This new work is essential reading for professors and students inboth religious and general education.
""We offer this collection as a token of our affection and admiration of our friend and colleague James Weldon Thompson. . . . His studies of the letter to the Hebrews and of Paul in their intellectual contexts (especially Middle Platonism) have contributed significantly to the ongoing quest for placing the New Testament in its socio-intellectual setting. Although his publications in this area date back more than thirty years, his best work is occurring now, and we may anticipate path-breaking contributions ahead. His more recent work on preaching and pastoral care in Paul both situate the Apostle in his own world and, just as importantly, offer correctives of some contemporary ministerial practices and invitations for improvements. Since 1993 Thompson has served as the editor of Restoration Quarterly, a significant venue for research in biblical studies, church history (especially of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement), and contemporary theology. His more popular works make available to a lay audience thoughtful, well-informed, and spiritually rewarding interpretations of much of the New Testament. ""His achievements, however, do not end at the printing press. For more than thirty years, he has taught ministers and others at the Institute for Christian Studies (now Austin Graduate School of Theology) and Abilene Christian University. Students of the past and the present speak of him as a prepared, stimulating, and creative teacher unafraid of experimentation for a new generation of learners. At both institutions he also served as an administrator, first as President of ICS and then as Associate Dean of ACU's Graduate School of Theology. His colleagues respect his ability to enlist them for work as needed and otherwise to get out of their way, certainly a too rare set of skills in university administrators!"" --from the Preface
The yearning to be a theologian is widespread. Pastors, students, supervisors, and mentors all wish to think theologically about their ministries but often feel inadequately prepared. This book seeks to respond by showcasing a variety of approaches to theological reflection brought to bear upon actual situations in ministry. It is written by theological field educators. We define theological reflection as reflection upon lived, embodied experiences in ministry that seeks to make sense of practice and form reflectors in habits for competent ministry. An introductory chapter defines theological reflection as practiced within field education and points readers toward a diversity of approaches. Eleven subsequent chapters present two reflections upon the same case, each reflection written by a different author and representing a different reflection method. The book''s significance is as a resource for teaching theological reflection in a range of settings. It not only offers a definition of and rationale for theological reflection but models various approaches to it. Its use of cases furthermore models the use of case studies in theological education and pastoral practice more widely.""Theological reflection is foundational to ministry formation and thus to field education. However, it can be a complex, diverse, and multifaceted discipline. Brimming with God addresses those complexities and provides a wonderful guide to the diversity of theological reflection. It offers clear explanations and examples of how to do theological reflection effectively. This is a resource no field educator should be without.""--Lee Beach, Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry, McMaster Divinity College""This book is brimming with wise insight. . . . Theology practiced is the theme that runs through the essays in this useful book by some of our most astute teachers of practical theology. Anyone who cares about the practice of Christian theology will profit from this book.""--Will Willimon, author, United Methodist bishop, retired, and Professor of the Practice of Theology, Duke Divinity School""In an age of answers, Brimming with God cultivates knowledge. The weaving together of personal authenticity and faithfulness; diverse experiences; communal peril and potential; and conversations that are hospitable yet charged--all instill wisdom.""--Jaco J. Hamman, Director of the Program in Theology and Practice, Associate Professor of Religion, Psychology and Culture, Vanderbilt Divinity School""Here is a book that shows you how theological reflection works. Using a variety of approaches, expert practitioners demonstrate how to theologically think about concrete, particular ministry situations. This is practical thinking that matters for the church. Every theological educator can benefit from this group of master practitioners."" --Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor, St John''s University School of Theology and SeminaryBarbara J. Blodgett is the Donald and Lillian Nunnelly Assistant Professor of Pastoral Leadership at Lexington Theological Seminary. She served as Director of Supervised Ministries at Yale Divinity School from 1998 to 2009. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she has served in parish ministry as well as the national setting of the UCC in addition to field education. She has published three books, including Becoming the Pastor You Hope to Be.Matthew Floding is Director of Ministerial Formation and Field Education at Duke Divinity School. An ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, he has served as pastor, college chaplain, and Director of Field Education at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Floding is a past chair of the Steering Committee of The Association for Theological Field Education. He is the general editor of and a contributor to Welcome to Theological Field Education!
About the Contributor(s):Fernando Enns is Professor of Mennonite Theology and Ethics at VU University (Amsterdam) and Director of the Institute of Peace Church Theology at the University of Hamburg (Germany). He is the author of several books, including The Peace Church and the Ecumenical Community (2007). Annette Mosher is Assistant Professor of Ethics at VU University (Amsterdam) in the Faculty of Theology. She specializes in Bonhoeffer studies as well as environmental ethics and religion. Dr. Mosher is the Assistant Editor for Ecotheology for the International Society of Environmental Ethics online newsletter.
Description:The critique of Jacques Dupuis, SJ, by the Vatican''s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the direction of Joseph Ratzinger was met by almost universal dismay by Christian theologians and participants in interfaith dialogue throughout the world. This book is comprised of both responses by Father Dupuis to the Vatican''s criticisms (which he was forbidden to publish during his lifetime) and introductory and background material by his friend and editor Bill Burrows, who draws on their many conversations to draw out the deeper implications of Dupuis'' work and the background to the Vatican investigations and criticisms. In addition to laying bare procedural problems in the CDF''s process, Dupuis shows that both the Vatican document Dominus Iesus and the Notification about problems in his work rest on dangerous misunderstandings of Scripture and church teaching that reverse the gains in interfaith understanding and ecumenism that have occurred over the past fifty years. Endorsements:""[This] book provides valuable context and probing insight into two previously unpublished pieces by the late Belgian theologian Jacques Dupuis. Under Burrows''s tutelage, Catholics discover in Dupuis''s thought ways in which they might continue to hold faith in the unique saving significance of Jesus Christ, while also affirming the deep spiritual wisdom of other religious traditions.""--Richard Gaillardetz, Boston College""By making two previously unpublished texts by Jacques Dupuis available and by reflecting on their context and significance, Burrows contributes significantly to the ongoing search for an adequate Christian theology of religions. Moreover, it demonstrates how a different, genuinely public, mutually attentive, and respectful theological debate could strengthen the development of Roman Catholic approaches to faith, hope, and love today.""--Werner G. Jeanrond, University of Glasgow""This book is not simply a thrilling account of the ''inquisition'' of a great theologian and proverbial odium theologicum, but also a lucid primer to current Roman Catholic theologies of religions. Not out of prurient interest in ecclesiastical politics, but out of deep love for truth and the church, Burrows makes Dupuis . . . come alive in these pages. It is a must-read for those interested in the future of Catholic theology.""--Peter C. Phan, Georgetown University""This is a book full of witness, wisdom, and challenging theological thought. It convincingly argues for deeper comparative theology, further engagement with religious pluralism, and interfaith dialogue at the deepest existential and spiritual level. A truly inspiring read.""--Ursula King, University of BristolAbout the Contributor(s):William R. Burrows is research professor of missiology in the world Christianity program at New York Theological Seminary and managing editor emeritus of Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York.
About the Contributor(s):Paul Spanring is the minster of Cheddar Baptist Church in Somerset, UK. He has been involved in Christian work in his native country of Austria as well as Micronesia and Africa.
Beauchamp and Childress''s Principles of Biomedical Ethics is a well-accepted approach to contemporary bioethics. Those principles are based on what Beauchamp and Childress call the common morality. This book employs New Testament theological themes to enhance the meaning of those principles of bioethics. The primary New Testament text for this study is the twin commands from Jesus to love God and love one''s neighbor. The three theological themes developed from this study--the image of God, the covenant, and the pursuit of healing--are deeply embedded in the New Testament and in the ministry of Jesus. Three contemporary bioethics principles are used for this dissertation, based on The Belmont Report. They are the principles of respect for persons, justice, and beneficence. In each case, the theological themes are shown to enhance the meaning of these bioethics principles. Each of the three principles, as understood through the three theological themes, is applied to a current bioethics issue to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. The three current issues addressed are the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment, the distribution of health care in the Untied States, and the use of palliative care.""Macaleer provides a remarkably insightful analysis of the New Testament scriptural foundations of basic bioethical principles that guide health care decisions today, whether dealing with the just distribution of health services or focusing upon the heart-wrenching decisions that occur at the end of life. This combination of impressive scholarship with a deep sense of personal faith will inspire students in the classroom, professionals in health care, and families facing perplexing decisions about illness and suffering.""--Gerard MagillCenter for Healthcare EthicsDuquesne University.""Biomedical ethics in its early days was heavily influenced by theologians. It is refreshing and challenging that this book reviews and rejuvenates the bioethical debate from the perspective of the New Testament. Dennis Macaleer must be commended for (re)connecting bioethics and theology.""--Henk ten HaveDirector, Center for Healthcare EthicsDuquesne University.""In the current controversy of the American health care debate and the allocation of precious resources, Macaleer demonstrates how precarious the whole ''business'' of the dispensing of medical services becomes when generalized principles of ''beneficence'' or ''justice'' control critical decisions regarding ''life'' and the ''value of life.'' This is a tour de force in redefining the priorities of the health-care debate that experts in bioethics and medical professionals alike would neglect only to the hastening of their theories'' own ''dispensability.''""--David P. MoessnerA. A. Bradford Chair and Professor of ReligionTexas Christian University R. Dennis Macaleer has a unique combination of education and experience. He holds an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from Princeton University, master''s degrees from Fuller Seminary and Princeton Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry degree in marriage and family, and a PhD in bioethics. He has pastored several churches spanning two continents over a thirty-five year period and currently pastors a church in suburban Pittsburgh.
About the Contributor(s):Abera M. Mengestu received his PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. He was Associate Academic Dean at Evangelical Theological College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and taught biblical studies from 1998 to 2001.
About the Contributor(s):Thomas J. Marinello, PhD, is Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Tyndale Theological Seminary in Badhoevedorp, the Netherlands. He is coeditor of and contributor to My Brother''s Keeper: Essays in Honor of Ellis R. Brotzman (2010) and Not Weary of Well Doing: Essays in Honor of Cecil W. Stalnaker (2012). He also is a series editor and contributor for Studies in Brethren History from which The Brethren Movement: Studies in Society and Spirituality is forthcoming.
About the Contributor(s):Charles Sarpong Aye-Addo (PhD, Drew University) is the Founder and Executive Chancellor of Yeshua Institute of Technology, Ghana. He is Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Montclair State University, and the Senior Pastor of International Central Gospel Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Gertrude, have three children--Akusika, Nyansafo, and Nhyira--all of whom are pursuing degrees in their respective fields of study.
About the Contributor(s):Jamie Pitts is Assistant Professor of Anabaptist Studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.
About the Contributor(s):Changkyu Kim is Senior Lecturer at Msalato Theological College, St. John''s University of Tanzania, in Dodoma, Tanzania. He is married to Sora Lee.
Description:The integrative theme of this collection of essays is change and transformation explored in the context of diverse expressions within the context of Anglican Church history. It addresses some central themes--notably the sacraments, liturgy, biblical interpretation, theological education, the relationship of church and state, governance and authority, and Christian education. The volume traces Anglican Church history chronologically. It includes a comparative study of penance in the thought of John Wyclif and Thomas Cranmer. The book also treats the dispersal of authority evident in the development of the Book of Common Prayer and the King James Bible, consensus in eucharistic theology in the seventeenth century, and developments in biblical interpretation in the early eighteenth century. This book also discusses a vision for the Christian education of children, change in theological education in the 1830s, the metanarrative of continuity developed by High Church historians in the late nineteenth century, increasing self-government in the Church at the outset of the twentieth century, and models of governance at the outset of the twenty-first.While this collection highlights aspects of change and transformation as an integrative theme, it is not its premise that change was normative or pervasive, perpetual or constant, within Anglicanism. Nevertheless, these essays raise some new lines of inquiry, make some suggestive interpretations, or propose revision of accepted views.
About the Contributor(s):Jeffrey Brown is a pastor in Nuremberg, Germany. He is author of Form and Freedom (2004) and Der Exodus: Eine exegetische und hermeneutische Untersuchung (1998). He and his wife, Linda, have four grown children.
Description:In Evangelism and the Openness of God, Vaughn Baker argues that a dynamic concept of God as articulated in open theism better serves the evangelistic mission of the church than does conventional theology. Open theism affirms an ontology of love as opposed to power, and it focuses on God''s kenosis in creation, allowing for the authentic freedom of creation influenced by divine persuasion. God''s genuine temporal relationship with creation--one that is open, synergist, and non-coercive--provides a new perspective for evangelistic activity. In this volume the author has made a valuable contribution to the integration of new developments in theology and evangelism.Endorsements:""Theology truly matters to evangelism. Bad theology muffles the good news or confuses its audience. Vaughn Baker shows that open theology provides a better framework for evangelism than other theological alternatives. It makes better sense of the biblical witness and our deep intuitions about human freedom and responsibility. Baker presents open theology as truly winsome theology of evangelism.""--Thomas Jay Oord, Northwest Nazarene University""This is a splendid contribution to the literature on evangelism. Drawing on the theology of open theism, it challenges conventional, populist (and Calvinist) wisdom and provides an alternative, theological foundation for evangelism. It also explores how we should practice the ministry of evangelism in ways that will be both effective and theologically salutary.""--William J. Abraham, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist UniversityAbout the Contributor(s):Vaughn Baker is Lead Pastor of Silver Creek United Methodist Church in Azle, Texas, and Senior Fellow of the Polycarp Community.
About the Contributor(s):Linda Malia is a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York who serves two historic parishes of South Buffalo. From 2000 to 2006 she authored ""Spiritually Speaking,"" a monthly column on spirituality, for Church Acts, the official diocesan publication, for which she received a Polly Bond Award and an Honorable Mention from the Episcopal Communicators. Her articles and book reviews have appeared in the Toronto Theological Review and the Anglican Theological Review.
Description:This book presents a realistic and thoroughly spiritual outlook upon the entire created reality. It lets us envisage that various created entities are participant in a relationship with God that becomes increasingly one of an intimate personal quality; that is, a relationship of love. It thus invites discernment that the universal reality is valuable in its own right and not only as a good for the use of humanity. Drawing mainly upon Scripture, ancient writers (especially Maximus the Confessor), as well as contemporary natural sciences, this book encourages the reader to perceive human salvation not as a lifting of humanity out of creation, but as a transformation into God''s presence in the midst of the wider created order. It shows that Christian faith at its best does not exclude the wider creation but provides us with insight and hope for a harmonious being-in-God that is inclusive of creation. It shows that Christian faith can be a resource that helps overcome the ecological crisis.Endorsements:""This is a deeply Christian meditation that speaks to the world. It needs to be heard and reflected upon.""--From the Foreword by David Jasper, University of Glasgow ""Grounded in a fully developed Trinitarian faith, Govaerts offers a radical new approach to the Christian relationship with creation. From his wide-ranging exploration of scientific, philosophic, theological, biblical, and patristic thought emerges a synthesis both intellectually rigorous and spiritually profound. Creation is shown to be non-deterministic and yet open to its creator''s transformative guidance, so that through co-operation (cosmic prayer) all levels of creation, including humankind, can enter into relationship with God."" --Jennifer Dines, Heythrop College""Many Christians who desire to take on board the insights of Darwinian evolution regarding the natural world, and the place of humans in it, may feel there to be a dearth of theological resources to assist them in doing so. This book--a poetic synthesis of careful biblical exegesis, detailed reflection on patristic writers, and insights from modern scientist-theologians--offers precisely the kind of theological engagement with these issues that will be found hugely valuable.""--Michael Fuller, Theological Institute of the Scottish Episcopal Church About the Contributor(s):Robert Govaerts is Honorary Lecturer at the University of Glasgow. He holds degrees in physics and theology from the Universities of Antwerp, Leuven, and London. He lived several years in religious communities and obtained a doctorate in theology at the University of Wales, Lampeter. He is married and together with his wife pursues a prayerful and contemplative lifestyle.
Description:""From a mission field to a missions sender."" These words capture the story of the Brazilian evangelical church, which has gone from receiving missionaries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to becoming a movement that presently sends out more global laborers than the churches of England or Canada do. After narrating Brazil''s missional shift, in this volume Smither addresses one fascinating element of the story--Brazilian evangelical efforts in the Arab world. How have Brazilians adapted culturally among Arabs, how have they approached ministry, and how have they cultivated a theology of mission in the process? Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World gives the reader insights from one emerging missions movement with an eye toward a more comprehensive view of the global church.Endorsements:""Once a mission field, Brazil has become a mission force. Once a mission force, the Arab world has become a mission field. In this book, Smither narrates this compelling story of Brazilian missions in the Arab world based on well-documented facts, extensive research, and first-hand experience."" --Luis Bush, International Facilitator of Transform World Connections ""I do not know of any other work which has simultaneously portrayed the Brazilian ecclesiastical and missional context so well, emphasizing our positive and negative points. If one wants to understand what the Brazilian mission movement is all about, one should read this book.""--Silas Tostes, Director of Missão Antioquia""The present study is of immense importance to missionary work among Arab Muslims. Its unique contribution derives from the fact that it is original, up-to-date, and thorough in its analysis of historical data and field research. The result of Smither''s work should be carefully understood and applied by mission leaders--both from Brazil and from other parts of the world--as strategies to impact the Arab-Muslim world."" --Robson Ramos, Brazilian missiologist""Smither is distinctly qualified to address the issue of Brazilian missionaries working in the Arab world. In addition to having worked for fourteen years among Arabs, he is a gifted and accomplished missiologist and researcher with a passion for Brazil . . . [This] is required reading for anyone who is concerned about seeing the name of Christ declared among all nations."" --João Mordomo, Director of CCI-Brasil ""This book has surprised me for its historical accuracy and its well-done research among Brazilians in the Arab context. This book comes at a time when Brazilians are becoming a key part of the evangelization of the world, in particular the Arab world."" --Odijon Ribeiro, former Brazilian missionary in the Arab worldAbout the Contributor(s):Edward Smither is Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Church History at Liberty University. He is the author of Augustine as Mentor (2008).
Description:Early Christian writers preferred to speak of the coming resurrection in the most bodily way possible: the resurrection of the flesh. Twentieth-century theologian Karl Barth took the same avenue, daring to speak of humans'' eternal life in rather striking corporeal terms. In this study, Nathan Hitchcock pulls together Barth''s doctrine of the resurrection of the flesh, anticipating what the great thinker might have said more systematically in volume V of his Church Dogmatics. Provocatively, Hitchcock goes on to argue that Barth''s description of the resurrection--as eternalization, as manifestation, as incorporation--bears much in common with some unlikely programs and, contrary to its intention, jeopardizes the very contours of human life it hopes to preserve. In addition to contributing to Barth studies, this book offers a sober warning to theologians pursuing eschatology through notions of participation.Endorsements:""In this engaging monograph, Hitchcock offers a challenging exploration and analysis of Karl Barth''s theology of the resurrection. This is detailed in its presentation, provocative in its critique, and lucid throughout. Hitchcock''s study is set to be an important conversation partner in the fields of Barth studies in particular and eschatology in general.""--Paul T. Nimmo, Lecturer of Theology, New College, Edinburgh""No doubt, Barth confessed the resurrection of the flesh. But in three careful and daring soundings of Barth''s theology of the resurrection, Hitchcock puts his finger on the sore spot: that the conceptual structure of his Christology and eschatology does not allow for the very confession Barth wants to make. No further research on Barth''s writing on resurrection and eschatology should ignore this insightful and clearly written book.""--Edwin Chr. van Driel, Assistant Professor of Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary""In this profound and sophisticated study Nathan Hitchcock explores what has been an astonishingly undertreated feature of [Barth''s] work. He depicts the role of carnal resurrection, with regard to the eschatological binding of persons to the salvific history of God''s humanization, and the locus of life as reconciled life being redeemed through the categories of eternalization, manifestation, and incorporation. Readers will be swept along by Hitchcock''s deft critical touch.""--John C. McDowell, Professor of Theology, University of Newcastle, New South WalesAbout the Contributor(s):Nathan Hitchcock is Assistant Professor of Church History and Theology at Sioux Falls Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Description:Did Luther get Christian freedom right? The answer to this question contains two elements: ΓÇó What is Luther''s understanding of Christian freedom? ΓÇó How did his understanding stand up under the pressure of reformation? Muhlhan examines both of these elements and contends that the sublime beauty of Luther''s early understanding of Christian freedom--an understanding that empowered the German reformation--is consistently the same understanding he used to undermine papal heteronomy and refute radical legalism. The relational character, cruciform substance, and complex structure of Luther''s concept of freedom enabled him to speak both polemically and catechetically with a clear and authoritative communicative clarity that reinvoked the magnificence of Christ and him crucified for sinners. The impact, both positive and negative, of Luther''s appraisal of Christian freedom finds its focus of impact in the small world of Wittenberg in the sixteenth century yet resonated throughout the church of his day as a powerful, theologically laden response to legalism and antinomianism. Therefore, in light of this impact and its correlation to biblical freedom, Muhlhan contents that we can confidently affirm that Luther did indeed get Christian freedom right and that he did not fail to live by the implications of this radical theology.Endorsements:""This well-researched and well-written book is a unique contribution to Luther studies. No other work so clearly and creatively demonstrates how Luther''s concept of inner freedom works out in the early, difficult social situations the reformer faced. Being Shaped by Freedom is a courageous attempt to argue for and to elucidate the consistency between the reformer''s practice and the indicative of reforming doctrine.""--Michael Parsons, Spurgeon''s College""With clarity, precision, and insightful sensitivity, Muhlhan . . . examines how Luther''s understanding of justification and freedom produces the faithful life of the believer. This refreshing analysis contributes significantly to our understanding of the holistic view of Christian righteousness fashioned by Luther''s distinctions of law and gospel and of two kinds of human righteousness. This book shows how Luther''s insights actually functioned in his proclamation aimed at shaping Christian consciousness and performance of God''s will.""Robert Kolb, Concordia Seminary""Brett Muhlhan displays a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and materials treated, lucidity in communicating that knowledge, and originality and independence in applying them . . . Throughout, he shows a talent for sound theological exposition, and an analytic gift to unearth the complex structure and substance of Luther''s thinking . . . This monograph, a substantial study of high quality, deserves an ecumenical reception.""--From the Foreword by Dennis Ngien, Tyndale SeminaryAbout the Contributor(s):Brett Muhlhan is Postgraduate Coordinator and Lecturer in Historical Theology, Systematics, and New Testament at the Perth Bible College, Western Australia.
Jetzt zum Newsletter anmelden und tolle Angebote und Anregungen für Ihre nächste Lektüre erhalten.
Mit Ihrer Newsletter-Anmeldung erklären Sie sich mit unseren Datenschutzbestimmungen einverstanden.
