Conversations
Conversations
Volume 4 No 1, August 2010
Content
Imagining the Atonement
A series of five studies by Chris Mostert on the atonement – how do we understand it and what does it mean for us today? The studies were first presented as a series of Lenten Studies for Anglican and Uniting Church congregations in North Melbourne in 2010.
Content
The Question of Method in Theological Research*
Sandy Yule pursues the question of what is an appropriate method within theological research. While theological research has much to learn form other academic disciplines in the way it goes about its work, ‘the importance and the difficulty of the question of how we humans might have knowledge of God’ must be recognised in this research. In this context Yule asks ‘how can we approach the university ideal of knowledge?’ In light of comments on the nature of human knowledge and research in particular he goes on argue that ‘what we receive as valid knowledge of God in faith should affect both the content of our research and the methods that we develop to pursue it.’
God, Football and Christian Ethics*
McIntosh begins his paper with a question raised at a UCA Presbytery meeting whether the Presbytery should write a letter to the local Member of Parliament to protest against plans to play AFL football on Good Friday. This and similar concerns often ‘raise interesting theological and political questions that are often not explored in discussions of these issues. For instance, what is Christian ethics and how does this apply to those who are not Christian? Is Christian ethics for allpeople? What is the role of Christian ethics within a secular society?’ McIntosh does not attempt to give firm answers to these questions in this paper but, rather, to consider the theological issues that need clarification before we can develop relevant answers. ‘Often these prior questions are assumed without recognising their considerable implications.’ He seeks ‘to clarify what is at stake in questions like the church protesting against playing football on Good Friday.’
Psalm 69: The Lament of Adolescence
Cricenti begins with a close study of Psalm 69 a lament psalm. She compares this with a study of the complex developmental stage of adolescence. She concludes thatthe experiential reality of the adolescent is not dissimilar to that of the psalmist. ‘This article examines these similarities and proposes that the study of the Psalms of Lament within the context of the Religious Education classroom has the potential to be a positive and fruitful experience. Under the guidance of the facilitator, a close and sensitive examination of these psalms can assist in the social, emotional and spiritual growth of the student. This article also provides a variety of pedagogical strategies for the implementation of The Psalms as a valuable teaching tool within the Year Nine Religious Education Curriculum in the context of the Catholic School.’ While speaking from a Catholic context Cricenti provides valuable guidance for those who work with adolescents in other contexts.
This article has also been published in the journal Reo, vol 38, July 2010under the title ‘Psalm 69 by Rosie’. Reo is a journal published by the Churches of Christ Theological College, Mulgrave. We thank the editors and author for kind permission to republish the article here.
Employee relations within the Christian Church
Reflecting on his past experience in the union movement, Byrne asks what it has to say about employee relations within the Christian Church – both from a strict industrial relations perspective, and from a perspective of how working conditions within the Church should be shaped by and grounded in Christian theology. As a starting point, he draws on Matthew 20:1-16 as a text illustrating the points he makes. This talk was given to some staff in the Vic/Tas Synod office who are also delegates of the Australian Services Union.
Questions for use of this paper in study groups are included.
Review of Sara Miles, Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion, (NY: Ballantine Books, 2008) by Kylie Crabbe.
Miles tells of her experience the Eucharist as bringing the layers of her life together. Her conversion to Christian faith started with a chance attendance at an Episcopal Church in San Francisco where she received the Eucharist. From that moment on both her life and the congregation were thrown into turmoil as Miles took the promise of the Eucharist to those in need in the neighbourhood. Crabbe comments: ‘It will have you contemplating the significance of the Eucharist as evangelical moment. Perhaps it will prompt you to re-evaluate how sacramental faith might change the world and get you wondering about the relationship between liturgy and mission ...’.
This review also appeared in Cross Purposes 19 (December 2009).