Abstract
This article critically discusses the necessity for (practical) theology to transform. Taking as a point of departure church historian Andrew Walls’ remark: ‘Christian faith must go on being translated, must continuously enter into the vernacular culture and interact with it, or it withers and fades’, examples from ministry are discussed, specifically from the Dutch Reformed Church. These examples reveal the inability or ability of faith communities to enter vernacular culture and to interact with it. Historical cycles of church growth and decline as outlined by Phyllis Tickle are used to explain the concepts of entering and interacting vernacular culture, and consequently, what it means to ‘do theology as life goes on’. The latter refers to more than a rationally controlled process as it is also intimately connected with issues of identity, understanding of the missio Dei and a way of life and discernment that flows from being actively involved in life.
Highlights
Historical cycles of church growth and decline as outlined by Phyllis Tickle are used to explain the concepts of entering and interacting vernacular culture, and what it means to ‘do theology as life goes on’
Taking our cue from Mary, theology is about following Jesus as life on this planet goes on
We are at a place where we are forced to humble ourselves and to rediscover what it means to be made in the image of God and what it means to be here to serve as Jesus did, self-sacrificing, kenosis-style
Summary
Historical cycles of church growth and decline as outlined by Phyllis Tickle are used to explain the concepts of entering and interacting vernacular culture, and what it means to ‘do theology as life goes on’. The Body of Christ needs more Kingdom minded innovators who are able to connect across divides; whether the issue be denomination, culture, 3.When I am using the terminology ‘doing theology as life goes on’, I am using Steuernagel’s discussion of Mary as a practical theologian to define what Heitink (1999:6) put in a more rational way by saying that practical theology as a theory of action ‘is the empirically oriented theological theory of the mediation of the Christian faith in the praxis of modern society’.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
