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The Interdependent Light: a Quaker Theology of Reconciliation

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The Interdependent Light: a Quaker Theology of Reconciliation The Interdependent Light: A Quaker Theology of Reconciliation by Daniel Christopher Randazzo A thesis submitted to The University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY School of Theology and Religion College of Arts and Law The University of Birmingham May 2017 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. Abstract This thesis brings the fields of Christian theologies of atonement and reconciliation and Liberal Quaker theology into dialogue, and lays the foundation for developing an original Liberal Quaker reconciliation theology. This dialogue focuses specifically on the metaphorical language employed to describe the relationship of interdependence between humans and God, which both traditions hold as integral to their conceptions of human and divine existence. Towards this pursuit, I provide an outline of the forms of reconciliation and Liberal Quaker theology used for the dialogue. This includes two main elements: a definition of the core concepts of each theology, including the main structural elements; and, a model of the human and their relationship with other humans, including the human person’s relationship with God and the ways which these relationships are both broken and healed. This is necessary as Liberal Quaker theology is a diverse tradition, with numerous perspectives on the major concepts and how they are expressed and interpreted. This unique approach develops an original model of reconciliatory interdependence between humans and God that is rooted in both Christological and Universalist Liberal Quaker metaphorical and theological categories and utilises the Liberal Quaker language of God as interdependent Light towards a new theology. Dedication This thesis is dedicated to Megan, my spouse, my bulwark, my best friend. Of all earthly joys, thou art my choice. Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one's house, it would be utterly scorned. Song of Solomon, 8:6-7 Acknowledgements The process to complete this doctoral thesis has transformed me; in fact, my entire eleven-year sojourn in graduate education has seen me question every certainty and re-imagine the entire focus and intent of my life. I have been blessed with the care, compassion, and honesty of several people who have been gracious and generous, walking beside me as I explored, stumbled, and soared on my path towards this point. These include: - My academic and ministry colleagues: you offered me your time, your ideas, and most importantly your friendship as I slowly shifted into a way of thinking, living, and working which I would have never imagined possible before. Most especially my partner in 'dissertation bootcamp', Dan McClain: you encouraged me when I needed it most, and supported me when I was ready to give up. You have been a true friend. - My teachers and supervisors: you have shown me the very limit of your patience with my abundant capacity to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and have always gently shown me a vision of who I could be, and what I could do, a vision which has strengthened my spirit during my times of greatest struggle. I am forever indebted to the friendship and mentorship of Dr. Dennis Edwards and Professor 'Ben' Pink Dandelion: I would have never reached this point with your consistent guidance and encouragement, your pastoral way of always keeping me focused on what is possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you. - My chosen family: you know who you are, and what you've done. From the depths of my soul, I offer my endless gratitude. You have shown, always, what love means. - Rebecca: I see the future in your eyes. In ways I may never be able to express, you are the reason why I began this journey, and why I persisted for so long. You have allowed me to see the possibility for a different world, a new way of being. You have the strength to overcome every obstacle, and the compassion to never lose your humanity in the process. - Megan: You are everything. - God: I love you. Amen. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 – Argument .......................................................................................................................1 1.2 – Context ..........................................................................................................................4 1.2.a – Nature of Theologies of Atonement and Reconciliation ..............................5 1.2.a.1 – Historical Overview of Atonement Theologies ........................................5 1.2.a.2 – Theologies of Interdependence in Response to Conflict .........................13 1.2.b – Nature of British Liberal Quaker Theology ...............................................19 1.2.b.1 – 'Continuing Revelation' ...........................................................................23 1.2.b.2 – Experiential Theology .............................................................................32 1.2.b.3 – Metaphorical Theology ...........................................................................38 1.3 – Literature Review ........................................................................................................41 1.4 – Sources: The Swarthmore Lectures .............................................................................48 1.4.a – Liberal Quaker Theological Diversity: Christianity and Universalism .....54 1.5 – Thesis Outline ..............................................................................................................66 1.6 – Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................67 Chapter 2: Christian Theologies of Interdependence and Division 2.1 – Chapter Introduction ....................................................................................................69 2.2 – The Role of Violence in the Atonement ......................................................................70 2.2.a – Critiquing the Necessity of Violence for the Atonement ...........................71 2.2.b – The Scapegoat Mechanism and Redemptive Violence ..............................76 2.3 – Hamartiologies of Division .........................................................................................84 2.3.a – The Domination System and Systemic Division .......................................86 2.3.b – Exclusion of the Other ...............................................................................89 2.3.c – Exclusion based on Racism ........................................................................94 2.3.d – Exclusion based on Sectarianism .............................................................106 2.3.e – Section Summary .....................................................................................115 2.4 – Divine/Human Interdependence ................................................................................117 2.4.a – Relationship Between the Spirit and Christ .............................................119 2.4.b – The Holy Spirit and Christ as Dyad .........................................................122 2.4.c – Spirit Christology .....................................................................................127 2.4.d – Bonhoeffer's Vision of Interdependence ..................................................135 2.4.e – Ubuntu and the Interdependent God ........................................................139 2.4.f – Section Summary ......................................................................................149 2.5 – A Spirituality of Reconciliation .................................................................................150 2.6 – Chapter Summary ......................................................................................................158 Chapter 3: Liberal Quaker Theologies of Interdependence and Division 3.1 – Chapter Introduction ..................................................................................................159 3.2 – Theologies of the Atonement ....................................................................................161 3.3 – Hamartiologies of Division .......................................................................................165 3.3.a – Modern Quaker Perspectives on Sin in Early Quaker Theology .............166 3.3.b – Sin and Goodness in Modern Liberal Quaker Theology .........................169 3.3.c – Critique .....................................................................................................175 3.4 – Liberal Quaker Christologies .....................................................................................176 3.4.a – Jesus as Incarnation ..................................................................................179 3.4.b – Spirit Christologies ..................................................................................189
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