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Ordinary Theology
'Ordinary theology' is Jeff Astley's phrase for the theology and theologising of Christians who have received little or no theological education of a scholarly, academic or systematic kind. Astley argues that an in-depth study of ordinary theology, which should involve both empirical research and theological reflection, can help recover theology as a fundamental dimension of every Christian's vocation. Ordinary Theology analyses the problems and possibilities of research and reflection in this area. This book explores the philosophical, theological and educational dimensions of the concept of ordinary theology, its significance for the work of the theologian as well as for those engaged in the ministry of the church, and the criticisms that it faces. 'Ordinary theology' Astley writes, 'is the church's front line. Statistically speaking, it is the theology of God's church.'
Receptive Ecumenism As Transformative Ecclesial Learning
Receptive Ecumenism asks not what other churches can learn from us, but 'what can we learn and receive with integrity from our ecclesial others?' The chapters in this volume, by academics, church leaders, and ecumenical practitioners, show how Receptive Ecumenism has grown and matured over the past two decades.
A Cultural Theology of Salvation
Clive Marsh offers a contemporary Christian understanding of salvation. He shows how salvation is understood and articulated now, when 'redemption' language is widely used outside of Christianity, and when redemptive experiences are reported in response to the arts, popular culture, media, and through counselling.
Ordinary Christology
Ordinary Christology is defined as the account of who Jesus was/is and what he did/does that is given by Christian believers who have received no formal theological education. In this fascinating study Ann Christie analyses, and offers a theological appraisal, of the main christologies and soteriologies operating in a sample of ordinary churchgoers. Christie highlights the formal characteristics of ordinary Christology and raises questions about how we should respond to the beliefs about Jesus held by ordinary churchgoers. Empirical findings have important pastoral, theological, and missiological implications, and raise important questions about the importance (or otherwise) of 'right' belief for being Christian. This book presents a model for how the study of ordinary theology can be conducted, with the in-depth theological analysis and critique which it both requires and deserves.
Dramatizing Theologies
Black theology has flourished within the academy. Its theories, however, have not always translated into practical use for Black people. 'Dramatizing Theologies' outlines the strong practical dimension of Black theology. Combining Black theology with dramatic, dialogical sketch material, the book produces an accessible approach to Black theological dialogue. The chasm between the academy, church and grassroots communities is overcome through the use of drama. 'Dramatizing Theologies' offers a unique methodology for Black theological conversation with the poor, marginalized and disenfranchised.
Online Small Groups as Sites of Teaching
Centered around a reflective narrative recounting the experiences of a participatory action research project into leading online small groups for adults in the Church of Sweden Diocese of Stockholm during 2021 and 2022, the dissertation argues for the need to reconceptualize and reemphasize teaching as an important aspect in Christian religious education. Employing creative non-fiction methods, the dissertation aims to broaden the scope of the initial Online Small Groups project, by inviting readers to join into a "learning journey." The narrative account is complemented with more traditional forms of analysis that connect experiences from online small groups in the Church of Sweden to similar research from Anglo-Saxon countries, noting especially how notions of community diverge due to different ecclesiological understandings. Insights are then synthesized into eight teaching strategies aimed at communicating actionable knowledge to small group leaders, before noting how the study complements research on Christian religious education and, particularly, the current debate about learning and teaching in the Church of Sweden.
What Do We Believe? Why Does It Matter?
This book provides a general introduction to the basic beliefs of Christian theology togther with their significance for Christian living and worship
Exploring God-talk
Exploring God-talk maps the contours of religious language. It surveys the variety of ways in which religious believers both speak to God and speak about God, and tries to respond to the serious criticisms that have been raised of different aspects of our 'God-talk'. Beginning with an overview of the variety of ways in which language is used in faith and religion, the book moves on to consider the functions of language in religious experience and the religious life, particularly in prayer and worship. Two chapters are the devoted to a consideration of the important area of 'descriptive' God-talk, both figurative and literal. Problems relating to the meaningfulness of religious language and the interpretation of the Scripture are also addressed, and the pastoral and ethical significance of God-talk explored. Illustrations are drawn throughout from both everyday speech and the Christian tradition.
Choosing Life?
Jeff Astley helps readers reflect on critical issues in personal and social morality using the resources of Christian tradition and their own insights and reasoning. Moral issies dicussed include abortion and euthanasia, war and punishment, work and health, sex and society.
