Toward a Reformed Praxis of Living by the Spirit: Practical Pneumatology for 21st Century Queensland Presbyterians. Roland James Lowther Bachelor of Theology Master of Arts (Theology) A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2012 School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics. i Abstract For Christians, life in the 21st century presents many ethical challenges. Queensland Presbyterians are among those who need an ethical model capable of addressing the challenges of modern life. Presbyterians stand in the Reformed tradition; a tradition that has formally emphasized the role of Old Testament Law as the foundation of ethical life. The 17th century doctrinal standard of the Presbyterian Church, The Westminster Confession of Faith sets forth its position on Christian ethics by appealing to the “binding authority” of the Old Testament Law. However, in the light of the Apostle Paul’s comprehensive emphasis on the Holy Spirit within ethics, this thesis will argue that the Law-orientated model, formally advocated in the Presbyterian doctrinal standards should be reconsidered. For Paul, Christian ethics was not predicated on the “letter” of the Mosaic Law (albeit, empowered by the Spirit), but a new comprehensive understanding of the Spirit. Using Paul’s concept of “Living by the Spirit” as a point of departure, this thesis seeks to move towards the development of a practical pneumatology that will provide Reformed/Presbyterian Christians with a theological framework for understanding ethical life within this new modality of the Spirit. Whilst challenging some formal beliefs, the proposed practical pneumatology respectfully seeks to uphold The Westminster Confession’s position on the authoritative primacy of Scripture. After establishing the foundational role of the Spirit in epistemology, the thesis develops a model which argues that the Holy Spirit enables Christians to interpret truth though multiple media: personal spirituality, corporate church life, Scripture interpretation and life in the world. Moreover, the model constructed, also argues for a dynamic integration of these Spirit “media”; an integration that is necessary to account for a realistic understanding of “Living by the Spirit” as it relates to ethics. Being more than a purely theoretical project, this thesis draws on the “broad spectrum” discipline of Practical Theology. As such, the thesis methodology moves in a practice-theory- practice orientation. Following a description of the factors that have influenced the Queensland Presbyterian view of the Holy Spirit, a reappraisal of Letter/Spirit relationship will be considered by reflecting on Paul’s ethical perspective in Romans. From this point a model of ‘Living by the Spirit” is developed and then subjected to empirical testing via case studies among selected Queensland Presbyterians. An analysis of the data will provide insights into the usefulness of this model for the ethical lives of Queensland Presbyterians, and its value for ongoing theological reflection in the Reformed tradition. ii Declaration by author This thesis is composed of my original work, and contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference has been made in the text. I have clearly stated the contribution by others to jointly authored works that I have included in my thesis. I have clearly stated the contribution of others to my thesis as a whole, including statistical assistance, survey design, data analysis, significant technical procedures, professional editorial advice, and any other original research work used or reported in my thesis. The content of my thesis is the result of work I have carried out since the commencement of my research higher degree candidature and does not include a substantial part of work that has been submitted to qualify for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other tertiary institution. I have clearly stated which parts of my thesis, if any, have been submitted to qualify for another award. I acknowledge that an electronic copy of my thesis must be lodged with the University Library and, subject to the General Award Rules of The University of Queensland, immediately made available for research and study in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. I acknowledge that copyright of all material contained in my thesis resides with the copyright holder(s) of that material. Where appropriate I have obtained copyright permission from the copyright holder to reproduce material in this thesis. Roland Lowther iii Publications during candidature No publications. Publications included in this thesis None Contributions by others to the thesis No contributions by others. Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree Chapter three: Section 3.3.2, paragraphs 2-6 (portions); Section 3.3.3, paragraphs 1-2 (portions). Submitted for MA (theology) project, Australian College of Theology, 2008, degree awarded 11th March 2009. iv Acknowledgements Firstly, I want to acknowledge the valued support and encouragement of my principal advisor Dr Ray Reddicliffe. I am immensely thankful for his willingness to assist with, not only the details of the thesis, but his willingness to offer wise and timely advice at crucial junctures in the course of the project. His counsel regarding the practical direction of the thesis, and considered guidance regarding an overseas research trip made a tangible difference to the thesis direction. His kindness, punctuality and hospitality were always greatly appreciated. Secondly, I would like to offer special thanks to my second advisor, Rev Dr Geoff Thompson. Notwithstanding his theological prowess, Dr Thompson would offer his keen theological insights in such a gracious manner that it would simultaneously engender encouragement and inspiration. His willingness to take time out of his sabbatical to assist in chapter revisions exemplifies his genuine concern, and for this I owe him a debt of gratitude. Thirdly, I would like to express my appreciation to my third advisor Dr Neil Pembroke. I am particularly thankful to Dr Pembroke for his empathy and encouragement following a significant setback in the early stages of the thesis. I will always be appreciative of the gracious way he inspired hope in the midst of doubt. I am also grateful to him for introducing the discipline of Practical Theology to me. Fourthly, to the staff of UQ’s HPRC School I would like to offer a word of thanks for the courteous manner with which they addressed my concerns. Also, I am grateful to the academic panel at the various milestone presentations, for their valued input. Special thanks go to case study participants for sharing their lives that others may benefit, and Carl Smith for his generous assistance in proof-reading and formatting. Finally, to my wife Joanne I am deeply thankful. Without her willingness to become the primary breadwinner I would not have been able to complete this project within the time limits. I am especially thankful to God for her encouragement from the early days of my Christian life until the present; for seeing God’s leading in my life when I couldn’t and encouraging me to walk in that way. And last but by no means least; I would like to thank God for his leading and guiding, for the insights given for this thesis through the circumstances of life and the lessons learned in the process of completing it. v Keywords Presbyterian, Paul, law, spirit, ethics, reformed, pneumatology, living, practical. Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classifications (ANZSRC) ANZSRC code: 220401, Christian Studies (incl. Biblical Studies and Church History) 100% Fields of Research (FoR) Classification FoR code: 2204 Religion and Religious Studies 100% vi CONTENTS Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. iv Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................... x INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 1: Methodology .................................................................................................... 8 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 8 1.1 Practical Theology ................................................................................................ 8 1.2 Practical Theology and Philosophical Hermeneutics ......................................... 10 1.3 Relating theology and philosophy (a necessary consideration) .......................... 14 1.4 Thesis Method .................................................................................................... 20 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 25 CHAPTER 2: Factors Shaping the Pneumatology of Queensland Presbyterians .... 26 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 26 2.1 Practical Pneumatology: A General Overview ................................................... 27 2.2 Practical