A Long Rumour of Wisdom: Redescribing TheologyThis lecture interprets the field of theology and religious studies under the heading of 'public theology'. It sees theology as the pursuit of wisdom in relation to the religions of the world and to the questions of truth and practice which they raise. The situation of academic theology in England is described and compared with that in the USA and Germany. It is seen as having three main responsibilities - to the other disciplines in the university; to religious communities as they engage with their past and orient themselves towards the future; and to society, which benefits from the discussions within, between, and about religions and their key questions being of as high a quality as possible. Utilising a powerful poem by Micheal O'Siadhail, David Ford offers a vision of theology which encourages the particularity of specific faith commitments and explores the wisdom of the Christian God, showing what it means to do theology responsibly and adventurously before that God. |
Common terms and phrases
academic study academic theology allow appropriate aspects attempt called chair challenge Christian church colleagues College commitments complex concepts contemporary contribute course critically dangerous debate deep described despair developed disciplines discourses discuss dominant economics encounter engaged especially Europe example face faculty faith field forms fragmented further give happens hope important institutional integrity involved issues knowledge largely leading learning least lecture less limit living London lover meaning mind nature Never offer particular past perhaps philosophy poem possibility practice present Professor public theology pursuit questions raise range recognize relation relationship relevant religions religious communities religious studies respect responsibilities rumour of wisdom sense setting significance situation society sometimes sort specialties stanza student suggest task term theologians theology and religious things thought tions traditions truth turn usually vision voice whole wide wisdom
References to this book
Theology in the Public Square: Church, Academy, and Nation Gavin D'Costa No preview available - 2005 |