DOCSLIB.ORG

In Defense of Doctrine

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
In Defense of Doctrine 1 Reading Scripture and Developing Doctrine For Christian believers, no one captivates the attention, moves the affections, or stirs the imagination like Jesus of Nazareth. He is the visible display—the perfect icon—of the inexhaustible love and power of an invisible God (Col. 1:15). What we know of this Jesus we have read in the writings of the New Testament. These first-century texts are the gateway to Christ, the “primary sources” on which we base our historical, theological, and practical beliefs about him. Through the theologically flavored biographies, ecclesial missives, and dream- like visions contained within, we can get to know him and get a glimpse of the impact he had on his earliest followers. Yet nowhere do the texts that reveal him reduce their description of him to a systematic description or an orderly set of facts. Nowhere does the New Testament resemble a question-and-answer catechism. New Testament writers attribute to him many names: “Messiah,” “Lord,” “Savior,” “Son of God,” “Son of Man,” “King,” “the image of the invisible God,” “the Head of the church,” “the firstborn from the dead,” “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” “the Good Shepherd,” 25 IN DEFENSE OF DOCTRINE “the True Vine,” and many others. But no one of these titles or metaphorical descriptions fully encompasses his significance for Christian belief and practice. While our words can never exhaust the embarrassment of riches that comes with knowing Christ, believers do need a shorthand way of describing him, a way of talking about him “on-the-go.” As an evangelical concerned with sharing the gospel or of Jesus evangel Christ, I want to tell everyone I can about his person and work in the most effective way I can. Whether I am preaching a sermon or engaged in personal evangelism, I need a concise way of talking about him that does not feel like an extended seminary curriculum on the historical Jesus and New Testament Christology. As invaluable as that kind of extended treatment may be, I don’t always have the time or the patient hearing that such a detailed description would require. I need to “cut to the chase,” to get to the main point. I need a way of expressing the historical and theological meaning of Jesus’ life and mission for those who do not have a comprehensive background in the religious and political history of early Judaism. In sharing the good news of Jesus, I need to get to the matter of Jesus is and who people should care. why So how do I give a contemporary and concise expression to the message of the Bible in terms that they can understand without oversimplifying the complexities and nuances of the historical record or without diminishing the theological richness of the biblical witness? The short answer is . Doctrine (from the Latin term doctrine , meaning “teaching”) is doctrīna the verbal articulation of Christian . Doctrine is an expression of “what we believe” in summary beliefs statements, most often appearing in the form of propositional statements. As New Testament scholar N. T. Wright aptly describes them, the doctrines expressed in Christian creeds and theology function like 26 READING SCRIPTURE AND DEVELOPING DOCTRINE “portable narratives.” Doctrines are like the biblical story packed in a suitcase, ready to go. They consciously tell the story—precisely the scriptural story!—from creation to new creation, focusing particularly, of course, on Jesus and summing up what Scripture says about him in a powerful, brief narrative (a process that we can already see happening within the New Testament itself). When the larger story needs to be put within a particular discourse, for argumentative, didactic, rhetorical, or whatever other purpose, it makes sense, and is not inimical to its own character, to telescope it together and allow it, suitably bagged up, to take its place in that new context—just as long as we realize that it will collect mildew if we leave it in its bag forever.1 As the portable expressions of biblical teaching, “doctrines” or “doctrinal formulations” are not synonymous with revealed ideas or the inspired teachings of the Bible. Biblical authors certainly model the practice of doctrine for us with . Doctrines, as I use the term in this book, are biblical doctrine primarily and postcanonical expressions of the content of Christian belief shaped by particular historical and interpretations of Scripture conceptual frameworks. Though they take their shape and substance from Scripture, doctrinal constructs are not necessarily semantically or conceptually identical to the particular teachings expressed by biblical authors. The Holy Spirit may have “fixed” the meaning or substance of biblical texts in the process of inspiring biblical authors, but the articulation of that substance in postcanonical Christian doctrine is an ongoing process. , a term derived from the Greek terms , meaning Theology theos “God,” and , meaning “word” or “reason,” describes the broad logos category of disciplines committed to explicating these Christian 1. N. T. Wright, “Reading Paul, Thinking Scripture,” in Scripture’s Doctrine and Theology’s , ed. Markus Bockmuehl and Alan J. Bible: How the New Testament Shapes Christian Dogmatics Torrance (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2008), 64. 27 IN DEFENSE OF DOCTRINE doctrines or teachings. One such discipline, —the biblical theology study of the particular expressions of biblical doctrine found in the Old and New Testaments that gives specific attention to the arguments, historical situations, and nuances of individual units of text—has a crucial and proper role in the church and academy.2 In addition to biblical theology, there is also a need for systematic . Systematic theology or constructive theology is a discipline theology committed to articulating the message of the Christian faith in such a way that it addresses the particular questions and concerns that contemporary hearers may have along the way. Whenever we try to explain a biblical doctrine in our own words or relate it to a new situation, we have moved from biblical doctrine toward postcanonical doctrinal formulation. While the formal, academic discipline of systematic theology is a later historical development, the habit of developing doctrine in a way that is both orderly and germane to its context is an ancient practice. With their liturgical functions, creeds are by no means “systematic theologies” in the academic sense, but they did emerge as postcanonical attempts to articulate and express the meaning of Scripture for their contemporary audiences. For example, the fathers who penned the Nicene Creed (325/381) and the Chalcedonian Creed (451) proffered their own confessions or “portable narratives” in the fourth and fifth centuries in order to address particular questions pertinent the internal conflicts of the church. These developments were more than products of insatiable intellectual curiosity; they emerged in a context of devotion and prayer. As Thomas F. Torrance observes, “We have found in these centuries 2. The definitions of “biblical theology” are legion. Where two or three biblical scholars have gathered, there are probably five or six different ways to conceive of the nebulous task that is “biblical theology.” A recent, helpful introduction to these various models of biblical theology comes in Edward Klink III and Darian R. Lockett, Understanding Biblical Theology: A (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012). Comparison of Theory and Practice 28 READING SCRIPTURE AND DEVELOPING DOCTRINE a continuing tradition characterised by a deep intertwining of faith and godliness, understanding and worship, under the creative impact of the primary evangelical convictions imprinted upon the mind of the Church in its commitment to God’s self-revelation through the incarnate Son and in the Holy Spirit.”3 Yet in order to develop these creedal formulations, the theologians of the fourth and fifth centuries did take on the task of constructive doctrinal development in order to give fuller expression to their understanding of Christian revelation. As R. P. C. Hanson observes in his magisterial study on the Arian controversy of the fourth century, the “theologians of the Christian Church were slowly driven to a realization that the deepest questions which face Christianity cannot be answered in purely biblical language, because the questions .”4 While much of the are about the meaning of biblical language itself language of these creeds is puzzling to contemporary hearers with little or no interest in Greco-Roman metaphysics, these portable narratives were quite fitting to the particular intellectual climate in which they grew (a place so culturally saturated with Platonist and Neo-Platonist philosophical presuppositions that it could have been called “the Platonic belt”). The Nicene bishops describe Christ as being God, having the “same essence as the Father” ( ). They insisted that Jesus is homoousios not merely similar to God in his essence ( ). Christ is not homoiousios 3. Thomas F. Torrance, The Trinitarian Faith: The Evangelical Theology of the Ancient Catholic (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1988), 44. Church 4. See R. P. C. Hanson, The Search for the Christian Doctrine of God: The Arian Controversy, (London/New York: T&T Clark, 1988), xxi. Hanson does distinguish between 318-381 genuine doctrinal development and doctrinal distortion. See R. P. C. Hanson and Reginald Fuller, The (London: SCM, 1948), 102. Hanson and Fuller (1915–2007) Church of Rome: A Dissuasive write, “Genuine development of Christian doctrine . has taken place only in the enunciation of certain formulae necessary to protect the original tradition of the Church from error. These formulae are only , necessary to salvation, in as far as points of controversy have been de fide raised to which they could be the only answer if the witness of the Bible to God’s revelation in Jesus Christ was to be maintained in its truth.” 29 IN DEFENSE OF DOCTRINE a created being who has “God-like” qualities.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Capper 1998 Phd Karl Barth's Theology Of
    Karl Barth’s Theology of Joy John Mark Capper Selwyn College Submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy University of Cambridge April 1998 Karl Barth’s Theology of Joy John Mark Capper, Selwyn College Cambridge, April 1998 Joy is a recurrent theme in the Church Dogmatics of Karl Barth but it is one which is under-explored. In order to ascertain reasons for this lack, the work of six scholars is explored with regard to the theme of joy, employing the useful though limited “motifs” suggested by Hunsinger. That the revelation of God has a trinitarian framework, as demonstrated by Barth in CD I, and that God as Trinity is joyful, helps to explain Barth’s understanding of theology as a “joyful science”. By close attention to Barth’s treatment of the perfections of God (CD II.1), the link which Barth makes with glory and eternity is explored, noting the far-reaching sweep which joy is allowed by contrast with the related theme of beauty. Divine joy is discerned as the response to glory in the inner life of the Trinity, and as such is the quality of God being truly Godself. Joy is seen to be “more than a perfection” and is basic to God’s self-revelation and human response. A dialogue with Jonathan Edwards challenges Barth’s restricted use of beauty in his theology, and highlights the innovation Barth makes by including election in his doctrine of God. In the context of Barth’s anthropology, paying close attention to his treatment of “being in encounter” (CD III.2), there is an examination of the significance of gladness as the response to divine glory in the life of humanity, and as the crowning of full and free humanness.
    [Show full text]
  • B50FF03 Introduction to Contextual Theology
    B50FF03 Introduction to Contextual Theology Bachelor of Divinity Degree Pacific Theological College Semester 1A, 2018 Course Lecturer: Dr Richard Davis, [email protected] Course Description This course aims to provide students with an introduction to the study and practice of theology. It will look at what theology is, who does theology, where it is done, and for what purpose. The traditional sources of theological reflection, such as the Bible, traditions, experience and reason will be examined. The contextuality of all theologies will be stressed, and the relativity of traditional Western theology will be exposed, and newer approaches to theology will be explored, including liberation theologies of the two-thirds world. Students will be encouraged to bring a Pacific focus to their own work, drawing on various models of contextual theology with a view to identifying, describing and critically analysing the methods that undergird such models. Objectives By the end of the course students should be able to: Be aware of and describe the context in which they do theology Define what theology is and understand the role of the theologian Describe several sources for doing theology Appreciate several different models of doing contextual theology See how key doctrines have been interpreted through contextual methods Method of Teaching A combination of lectures, readings, writing and discussion. Assessment Assessment will be as set out below, with one essay, class participation, and an exam. All assessment must engage with the class materials, readings, and additional scholarly materials (books, journal articles, and generally not online materials). Every effort should be made to write correct English in the essay and exam.
    [Show full text]
  • Divinity School 2013–2014
    BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY BULLETIN OF YALE BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY Periodicals postage paid New Haven ct 06520-8227 New Haven, Connecticut Divinity School 2013–2014 Divinity School Divinity 2013–2014 BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY Series 109 Number 3 June 20, 2013 BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY Series 109 Number 3 June 20, 2013 (USPS 078-500) The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, is published seventeen times a year (one time in May and October; three times in June and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and a∞rmatively and September; four times in July; five times in August) by Yale University, 2 Whitney seeks to attract to its faculty, sta≠, and student body qualified persons of diverse back- Avenue, New Haven CT 0651o. Periodicals postage paid at New Haven, Connecticut. grounds. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against Postmaster: Send address changes to Bulletin of Yale University, any individual on account of that individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, or PO Box 208227, New Haven CT 06520-8227 national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Managing Editor: Kimberly M. Go≠-Crews University policy is committed to a∞rmative action under law in employment of Editor: Lesley K. Baier women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. PO Box 208230, New Haven CT 06520-8230 Inquiries concerning these policies may be referred to the Director of the O∞ce for Equal Opportunity Programs, 221 Whitney Avenue, 203.432.0849.
    [Show full text]
  • North Carrick Newsletter Summer 2021
    Summer issue 2021 www.nccbc.org FREE With Summer upon us and lockdown easing, we are all looking forward to a better year Published by Produced with funding provided from ScottishPower Renewables View ALL newsletters online The ‘Newsletters’ section is where there will be copies of all of the North Carrick Community Newsletters (past and present). This will be useful for people who like to read things on screen or who want to send electronic copies to friends. www.nccbc.org.uk North Carrick Community Benefit Your voice matters... Company We would like all communities in North Carrick and individuals to get involved with the Funding is available for a wide production of this publication. This is YOUR range of projects and to find out newsletter, so please use it to your benefit. more or to apply to this fund please contact Marion Young on 01292 612626 or your The North Carrick Community Newsletter is produced with community council representatives. You funding provided from ScottishPower Renewables can also contact the company directly on [email protected] We want to encourage everyone to contribute. We also welcome your comments and thoughts on the newsletter as well as any Copies of the newsletter are delivered to ideas on what you would like to see more of (or less). This is every house in Maybole and the North our thirteenth issue and we want to ensure the newsletter Carrick villages. If, for any reason,you grows from strength to strength but we cannot achieve this don’t receive a copy please let your without the participation of our readers and advertisers.
    [Show full text]
  • Minister's Letter
    L e a f l e t Greenbank Parish Church Minister’s Letter Braidburn Terrace, EH10 6ES No 644 June–August 2015 Dear Friends Pulpit Diary As I write this letter I So it is with a mixture am looking forward to of excitement and trepi- Jun 5 (Friday) beginning a course of dation and also a real 7.30pm Pre-Communion Service part-time study towards sense of privilege at a Doctorate in Ministry. hav ing this opportunity Jun 7 The Church of Scotland that I am embarking on 9.00am Communion encourages its Ministers this course. But then that 10.30am Communion (Springboard and to take study leave and excitement, trepidation Spectrum meet as normal) offers them two weeks and sense of privilege 3.00pm Communion (Braid Room) a year for this purpose. are always characteristic You can save these weeks of the role of minister. Jun 14 and take a more intensive There is the excitement 10.30am Morning Worship course of study and this over the changing face of Jun 21 is what I have chosen to the Church, the develop- do. With the support of Session I have now ment of new aspects of ministry – like our 10.30am ‘Moving on’ Service, followed by registered for the DMin programme. YACHT project. There is the trepidation that Congregational Picnic in This course in Reformed Theology is taught comes as you mount the pulpit steps every Braidburn Valley Park by Edinburgh University School of Divinity Sunday. There is the privilege of being in- Jun 28 – Aug 9 inclusive and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and vited into people’s lives and homes and jour- 9.30am Summer Early Service lasts for 3 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Theology Today
    Theology Today volume 67, N u m b e r 2 j u l y 2 0 1 0 EDITORIAL Christmas in July 123 JAMES F. KAY ARTICLES American Scriptures 127 C. CLIFTON BLACK Christian Spirituality in a Time of Ecological Awareness 169 KATHLEEN FISCHER The “New Monasticism” as Ancient-Future Belonging 182 PHILIP HARROLD Sexuality as Sacrament: An Evangelical Reads Andrew Greeley 194 ANTHONY L. BLAIR THEOLOGICAL TABLE TALK The Difference Calvin Made 205 R. BRUCE DOUGLASS CRITIC’S CORNER Thinking beyond Easy Tribalism 216 WALTER BRUEGGEMANN BOOK REVIEWS The Ten Commandments, by Patrick Miller 220 STANLEY HAUERWAS An Introduction to the New Testament Manuscripts and Their Texts, by D. C. Parker 224 SHANE BERG TT-67-2-pages.indb 1 4/21/10 12:45 PM Incarnation: The Person and Life of Christ by Thomas F. Torrance, edited by Robert T. Walker 225 PAUL D. MOLNAR Religion after Postmodernism: Retheorizing Myth and Literature by Victor E. Taylor 231 TOM BEAUDOIN Practical Theology: An Introduction, by Richard R. Osmer 234 JOYCE ANN MERCER Boundless Faith: The Global Outreach of American Churches by Robert Wuthnow 241 RICHARD FOX YOUNG The Hand and the Road: The Life and Times of John A. Mackay by John Mackay Metzger 244 JOHN H. SINCLAIR The Child in the Bible, Marcia J. Bunge, general editor; Terence E. Fretheim and Beverly Roberts Gaventa, coeditors 248 KAREN-MARIE YUST TT-67-2-pages.indb 2 4/21/10 12:45 PM James F. Kay, Editor Gordon S. Mikoski, Reviews Editor Blair D. Bertrand, Editorial Assistant EDITORIAL COUNCIL Iain R.
    [Show full text]
  • The Trinitarian Ecclesiology of Thomas F. Torrance
    The Trinitarian Ecclesiology of Thomas F. Torrance Kate Helen Dugdale Submitted to fulfil the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Otago, November 2016. 1 2 ABSTRACT This thesis argues that rather than focusing on the Church as an institution, social grouping, or volunteer society, the study of ecclesiology must begin with a robust investigation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Utilising the work of Thomas F. Torrance, it proposes that the Church is to be understood as an empirical community in space and time that is primarily shaped by the perichoretic communion of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, revealed by the economic work of the Son and the Spirit. The Church’s historical existence is thus subordinate to the Church’s relation to the Triune God, which is why the doctrine of the Trinity is assigned a regulative influence in Torrance’s work. This does not exclude the essential nature of other doctrines, but gives pre-eminence to the doctrine of the Trinity as the foundational article for ecclesiology. The methodology of this thesis is one of constructive analysis, involving a critical and constructive appreciation of Torrance’s work, and then exploring how further dialogue with Torrance’s work can be fruitfully undertaken. Part A (Chapters 1-5) focuses on the theological architectonics of Torrance’s ecclesiology, emphasising that the doctrine of the Trinity has precedence over ecclesiology. While the doctrine of the Church is the immediate object of our consideration, we cannot begin by considering the Church as a spatiotemporal institution, but rather must look ‘through the Church’ to find its dimension of depth, which is the Holy Trinity.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Theology in Evolution: a Review of Critiques and Changes
    This is the author’s preprint version of the article. The definitive version is published in the European Journal for Philosophy of Religion, Vol.9. No. 2. 83-117. Natural Theology in Evolution: A Review of Critiques and Changes Dr. Erkki Vesa Rope Kojonen University of Helsinki, Faculty of Theology Abstract The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview and analysis of the evolution of natural theology in response to influential criticiques raised against it. I identify eight main lines of critique against natural theology, and analyze how defenders of different types of natural theology differ in their responses to these critiques, leading into several very different forms of natural theology. Based on the amount and quality of discussion that exists, I argue that simply referring to the critiques of Hume, Kant, Darwin and Barth should no longer be regarded as sufficient to settle the debate over natural theology. Introduction Adam, Lord Gifford (1820-1887), who in his will sponsored the ongoing Gifford Lectures on natural theology, defined natural theology quite broadly as “The Knowledge of God, the Infinite, the All, the First and Only Cause, the One and the Sole Substance, the Sole Being, the Sole Reality, and the Sole Existence, the Knowledge of His Nature and Attributes, the Knowledge of the Relations which men and the whole universe bear to Him, the Knowledge of the Nature and Foundation of Ethics or Morals, and of all Obligations and Duties thence arising.” Furthermore, Gifford wanted his lecturers to treat this natural knowledge of God and all of these matters “as a strictly natural science, the greatest of all possible sciences, indeed, in one sense, the only science, that of Infinite Being, without reference to or reliance upon any supposed special exceptional or so- 1 called miraculous revelation.
    [Show full text]
  • Original Print
    Published by the American Academy of Religion October 2004 Vol. 19, No. 4 www.aarweb.org Annual Meeting News Annual Meeting Countdown ! . 3 AAR Officer Election . 4 Six Weeks and Counting Candidates for Vice President and Secretary Featured Speakers . 3 Wimbush, Ramadan, Elizondo, Cisneros, and Ellis Regional Meetings and Calls for Papers . 9 New Program Units . 3 Regional Groups Meet in Spring 2005 Islamic Mysticism, Scriptural Reasoning, Foucault, Open and Relational Theologies, and Sacred JAAR Focus Issue . 10 Space in Contemporary Asia. Chairs Workshop . 6 Religion and Secrecy Being a Chair in Today’s Consumer Culture American Academy of Religion Awards . 10-11 Reel Religion . 6 Six Influential Films to be Shown Excellence in Teaching, Book Awards, Best In-Depth Reporting, Latin American Focus of and Martin E. Marty Award the Annual Meeting Twenty Sessions . 7 Tribute to Lonnie Kliever . 12 Sylvia Marcos and Latin American Scholarship . 7 Wiggins, Courtright, and Cooey Eulogize Their Colleague Maldonado-Torres and the Study of Religion in Latin America Today . 7 Is There a Place for “Scientific” Studies Where to Eat in San Antonio . 8 of Religion?. 13 Refreshment Wuthnow Discusses the Scientific Method Things to Do in San Antonio . 8 Cultural Opportunities Online and in Person at the Annual Meeting Performances . 8 Art Video, Music, and Dance Library of Congress . 14 Pike Visits the World’s Largest Library FEATURES Theorizing Scriptures Conference. 15 Department Meeting . .17 Claremont Institute’s Inaugural Conference An Interview with William Harman, Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the Religion and Humanities Doctorates University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Granted in 2002 .
    [Show full text]
  • Curriculum Vitae
    1 CURRICULUM VITAE The Very Rev Ian Markham Dean and President Virginia Theological Seminary 3737 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA 22304 CONTACT INFORMATION: EMAIL: [email protected]; TELEPHONE: (703) 461 1701 DATE OF BIRTH: 19.9.62. MARITAL STATUS: Lesley 1987 STATUS: American Citizen ORDINATION: June 9 2007 (as Deacon in the Episcopal Church) ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in Christian Ethics - University of Exeter.(1995) M.Litt. in Philosophy and Ethics - University of Cambridge. (1986-1989) B.D. in Theology - University of London. (1982-1985) APPOINTMENTS: August 2007 to Present: Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary August 2001 to 2007: Dean of Hartford Seminary and Professor of Theology and Ethics December 1998-July 2001: Foundation Dean and Liverpool Professor of Theology and Public Life at Liverpool Hope University (then called Liverpool Hope University College). September 1996-December 1998: Liverpool Professor of Theology and Public Life at Liverpool Hope University. September 1989-August 1996: Lecturer in Theology at University of Exeter. OTHER POSITIONS Associate Priest, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria, 2007 to Present Visiting Professor of Globalization, Ethics, and Islam at Leeds Metropolitan University September 2005 – 2008. Editor of Conversations in Religion and Theology May 2003 – May 2008. Editor of Reviews in Religion and Theology January 2006 – January 2008. Member of an Accreditation Visiting Team for NEASC at Holy Apostles College and Seminary October 2005 Taskforce on the Integrity Standard for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. 2004 Management Committee of the Interfaith Foundation. Active patrons (i.e. attend most meetings) Prince Hussan, Prince Philip, and Sir Evelyn Rothschild.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Minutes of the General Synod 2017
    DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH HELD AT ST PAUL'S & ST GEORGE'S CHURCH EDINBURGH FROM 8-10 JUNE 2017 Freshers’ Meeting A meeting was held prior to the start of Synod to introduce new members to the programme and to the Synod's business procedures. Opening Eucharist The Synod was constituted at the celebration of the Eucharist in St Paul's & St George's Church, Edinburgh at 10.30am on Thursday 8 June 2017. The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Primus, delivered his charge to the Synod during the Eucharist. Referring to recent terrorist attacks in London, Manchester and abroad, he suggested that the current period through which people were living was particularly challenging. In all these locations, people had been living ordinary lives and the partition between trustworthy ordinariness and the most unimaginable horror had been dissolved in an instant. In the midst of that horror, ordinary people had acted with self- sacrificing heroism. Religiously motivated violence was one of the greatest challenges of the current period, as was the rise of the politics of populist nationalism, driven by a combination of anger and fear. In such times, he turned to the Scriptures, with relief. They were a challenge to enter a greater humanity rather than a lesser one; a heart of flesh rather than a heart of stone. Referring to the debate which Synod would have later in the day about the Church's understanding of marriage, he suggested that the matter was one which had stressed and threatened to divide the Church almost as no other in current times.
    [Show full text]
  • Divinity School 2010–2011
    BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY Periodicals postage paid New Haven ct 06520-8227 New Haven, Connecticut Divinity School 2010–2011 Divinity School Divinity 2010–2011 BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY Series 106 Number 3 June 20, 2010 BULLETIN OF YALE UNIVERSITY Series 106 Number 3 June 20, 2010 (USPS 078-500) The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, is published seventeen times a year (one time in May and October; three times in June and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and a∞rmatively and September; four times in July; five times in August) by Yale University, 2 Whitney seeks to attract to its faculty, sta≠, and student body qualified persons of diverse back- Avenue, New Haven CT 0651o. Periodicals postage paid at New Haven, Connecticut. grounds. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against Postmaster: Send address changes to Bulletin of Yale University, any individual on account of that individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, PO Box 208227, New Haven CT 06520-8227 status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, or other covered veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation Managing Editor: Linda Koch Lorimer or gender identity or expression. Editor: Lesley K. Baier University policy is committed to a∞rmative action under law in employment of PO Box 208230, New Haven CT 06520-8230 women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other covered veterans.
    [Show full text]