My Photo

my reading list 2008

library2

Country Visits

Photo Albums

map

« short-term mission trips -- learning or doing? | Main | Charles Taylor awarded »

evaluating local theologies

a few thots from my recent reading...

a local theology refers to the manner in which a congregation gives attention to rooting its forms of gospel incarnation in the particular social context of its community. [Robert Schreiter; Constructing Local Theologies.]

“BUT, is this local theology, Christian?”

1. Cohesion
Does this theology give importance to the central truths of the Christian faith, rather than peripherals?
Does this theology have a logical, cohesive fitting together? Or do people constantly say, “yes, but what about this…?”

 2. Worship
Does this theology resonate with the presence of the Lord in word and sacrament?
When the community gathers to worship, does the theology fit there?
Can we sing the theology and preach the theology?

 3. Praxis
Does this theology translate into practical actions that produce change in lives?
What happens to those believers who follow through on the implications of this theology? Do they grow and change, become more and more like Jesus?

 4. Unity and Relationship
Does this theology separate us, or cut us off from other churches, believers?
Do we allow our theology to be critiqued by the wider body of believers and churches?

5. Challenge and Mission
Does our theology challenge us to move out beyond ourselves?
What contribution does our theology make to the wider body of believers; to the world in which we live?

Comments

Excellent quetions - does your recent readings lead us to any discoveries, writings and/or metrics that might help answer this question?

Post a comment

If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, please Sign In

blogs I read

Movies I've liked recently

  • Paul Haggis: In the Valley of Elah

    Paul Haggis: In the Valley of Elah
    another gritty movie by Paul Haggis (Crash). how the war in Iraq impacts participants; semi-detective, mystery. Tommy Lee Jones & Charlize Theron. The valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath; interesting metaphor.

  • : Tsotsi

    Tsotsi
    set in Johannesburg and surrounds, this film highlights a young hoodlum's (tsotsi) encounter with the other (a baby), that challenges his own assumptions and primary images, transforming his values at a profound level.

  • Jhumpa Lahiri: The Namesake (movie tie-in edition)

    Jhumpa Lahiri: The Namesake (movie tie-in edition)
    the characters are always hungry -- looking for something more; for home, for family, for love, for identity... the story of an immigrant family from India moving to the US in the 70s and Gogol, their son who grows up struggling to make sense of his life -- and his name.

  • : Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Widescreen Edition)

    Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Widescreen Edition)
    this movie already tops lots of lists for one of the best movies of all time. relationship movie with interesting plots twists. what are the pieces that keep us together; what is it that pushes us apart?

  • Deepa Mehtha: Water

    Deepa Mehtha: Water
    challenging picture of life in India during the late colonial era, for a group of widows. the holy Ganges water purifies from "pollution," but what empowers, who is empowered? Ghandiji pops up too.

  • Paul Haggis: Crash (Full Screen Edition)

    Paul Haggis: Crash (Full Screen Edition)
    thought-provoking and intense. the encounters with "the other" -with difference that we meet everyday. not for the overly sensitive but powerful examination of the destructive nature within us all along with a few encounters with unmitigated grace

Resource pages

Your email address:


Powered by FeedBlitz

HitTail.com