'Ordinary theology' characterizes the reflective God-talk of the great majority of churchgoers, and others who remain largely untouched by the assumptions, concepts and arguments that academic theology takes for granted. Jeff Astley coined the phrase in his innovative study, Ordinary Theology: Looking, Listening and Learning in Theology, arguing that 'speaking statistically ordinary theology is the theology of God's Church'. A number of scholars have responded to this and related conceptualizations, exploring their theological implications. Other researchers have adopted the perspective in examining a range of Church practices and contexts of Christian discipleship, using the tools of empirical study. Ordinary theology research has proved to be key in uncovering people's everyday lay theology or ordinary dogmatics. Exploring Ordinary Theology presents fresh contributions from a wide range of authors, who address the theological, empirical and practical dimensions of this central feature of ordinary Christian existence and the life of the Church.

'Ordinary theology' characterizes the reflective God-talk of the great majority of churchgoers, and others who remain largely untouched by the assumptions, concepts and arguments that academic theology takes for granted. Jeff Astley coined the phrase in his innovative study, Ordinary Theology: Looking, Listening and Learning in Theology, arguing that 'speaking statistically ordinary theology is the theology of God's Church'. A number of scholars have responded to this and related conceptualizations, exploring their theological implications. Other researchers have adopted the perspective in examining a range of Church practices and contexts of Christian discipleship, using the tools of empirical study. Ordinary theology research has proved to be key in uncovering people's everyday lay theology or ordinary dogmatics. Exploring Ordinary Theology presents fresh contributions from a wide range of authors, who address the theological, empirical and practical dimensions of this central feature of ordinary Christian existence and the life of the Church.

Every Sunday all over the world people rise up and claim to speak in the name of God. It is an astonishing thing to do and an astonishing claim to make. It is small wonder that the sermon has been the focus of debate, discussion and investigation. It has been dismissed as irrelevant in today's culture and has become the butt of numerous jokes and caricatures. Yet the claim persists that these human words in some way can become God's message to these hearers. This collection of twenty-nine articles by international experts in the area of homiletics coincides with the revival of interest in preaching over the last twenty-five years. It is practical without being merely tips for preachers; and it offers the necessary theoretical discussion for anyone who wants to take the art of preaching seriously. No important issue has been omitted and, taken as a whole, the book constitutes a first class introduction to the principles, processes, context and theology of preaching. Contributors include: Walter Brueggemann, David Buttrick, Fred Craddock, Edward Farley, John Killinger, Richard Lischer, Thomas Long, Elaine Lawless, Jolyon Mitchell, Cheryl Sanders and Thomas Troeger.

'Ordinary theology' is Jeff Astley's phrase for the theology and theologising of Christians who have received little or no theological education of a scholarly, academic or systematic kind. Astley argues that an in-depth study of ordinary theology, which should involve both empirical research and theological reflection, can help recover theology as a fundamental dimension of every Christian's vocation. Ordinary Theology analyses the problems and possibilities of research and reflection in this area. This book explores the philosophical, theological and educational dimensions of the concept of ordinary theology, its significance for the work of the theologian as well as for those engaged in the ministry of the church, and the criticisms that it faces. 'Ordinary theology' Astley writes, 'is the church's front line. Statistically speaking, it is the theology of God's church.'

The SCM Studyguide Christian Doctrine engages readers by developing theological conversations between his or her own 'ordinary theology', on the one hand, and the theological resources of ecclesiastical and academic theology, on the other. Students get a clear view of the wide canvas of Christian doctrine, including a range of different theological positions. This study of doctrine helps those who are seeking a form of Christian thinking and spirituality - and possibly ministry - that is true to their own lives, and takes their own hesitations and doubts seriously. Each chapter is broken up into sections and interspersed with boxes which introduce pertinent extracts from classical and contemporary theologians, together with short exercises or aids to reading these texts, or provide explanations of technical theological terms. Each chapter has questions for reflection and/or discussion, together with suggestions for further reading.

Spiritual, religious, sacred, or mystical experiences may be broadly defined as subjective human experiences that appear to the person undergoing them, or to others, to convey or imply contact with or knowledge about a transcendent power, presence, or superior reality beyond the realm of the physical. Research has shown that these forms of awareness of 'something beyond' are of considerable significance in the ordinary lives of very many people, as well as being elements of signal importance in the origin and development of religion: not least by deepening characteristically spiritual or religious attitudes, emotions, beliefs, values and practices, along with fundamental orientations of life and quests for meaning. This Studyguide provides a succinct and lucid introduction to the subject for those studying and teaching religion at both undergraduate and GCE AS/A level. By exploring the key areas of both the empirical and theoretical study of religious and spiritual experience, the Studyguide will serve as an accessible and nonpartisan guide to enable its readers to explore the range of challenging data, debates, approaches, and issues that relate to the study of this widespread and significant phenomenon.

Following the events of September 11th 2001, public focus has been on the power of religion in world politics. This book addresses the role of religious education in a polarised and globalised world where terrorism has impacted on western democracy. Through an analysis and evaluation of all the different models of religious education across the western world, the book considers if religion is part of the answer or part of the problem. Internationally, religious educators have been required to face the challenge of developing and justifying their subject matter in a world keen to combat terrorism and to promote peace. This book demonstrates that while some claim religious education inflames fundamentalist sensitivities and in some cases lead to sectarian violence, it also has the counterbalancing capacity to inform and enrich communal life.

Religious diversity, religious enthusiasm, and religious misunderstanding remain at the heart of so much social, economic and political conflict in the world today. Never before has religious education been so important. In this climate, religious educators have become increasingly aware of the significance of listening to the religious perceptions of adolescents, using the best research techniques pioneered by the empirical social sciences, including sociology, psychology, and anthropology. This collection of innovative and pioneering empirical studies, sponsored by the International Seminar of Religious Education and Values, draws together Christian, Islamic, and Jewish perspectives from England, Germany, Israel, Norway, Turkey and Wales.

Studying God: Doing Theology provides a general introductory text for theological study. It begins by focusing on the reader's own ways of experiencing and talking about God, before exploring the variety of theological voices associated with the Church and the academy, and the ways in which the texts and teachings of the Christian faith interact with our own theology. Topics include: *you and your theology *doing theology and studying theology *experience, belief, faith and practice *Bible and tradition *theological subjects, skills and methods *classic and contemporary models of theology *language about God *theology and the future.

This book is designed to meet the needs of today's teachers and students of Christian theology. Focusing on specific doctrines and themes, the book includes selected primary readings that track the development of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, including the important questions and debates surrounding it. Selections consider both the person and the work of Christ. Topics include the development of classic Christology from its biblical roots through patristic debates, responses to the modern distinction between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith, the understanding of incarnation as kenosis, and the critical and constructive developments of liberation and feminist theologies. The book includes a bibliography, and each chapter includes topics for further discussion.

At the dawn of the third millennium, Rowan Williams the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury faces the daunting challenge of leading the highly diversified and fragmented Church of England. The very essence of Anglicanism remains in the capability of embracing alternative perspectives in teaching and practice. "Fragmented Faith?" draws attention to three fault-lines within the Church of England: the continuing differences between evangelicals and Catholics, liberals and conservatives and charismatics and non-charismatics. But the fragmentation is more profound than these distinctions of church orientation. This well-informed and perceptive analysis shows that the real divisions are between the generations, between the sexes and between the laity and the clergy.

Exploring God-talk maps the contours of religious language. It surveys the variety of ways in which religious believers both speak to God and speak about God, and tries to respond to the serious criticisms that have been raised of different aspects of our 'God-talk'. Beginning with an overview of the variety of ways in which language is used in faith and religion, the book moves on to consider the functions of language in religious experience and the religious life, particularly in prayer and worship. Two chapters are the devoted to a consideration of the important area of 'descriptive' God-talk, both figurative and literal. Problems relating to the meaningfulness of religious language and the interpretation of the Scripture are also addressed, and the pastoral and ethical significance of God-talk explored. Illustrations are drawn throughout from both everyday speech and the Christian tradition.

Jeff Astley helps readers reflect on critical issues in personal and social morality using the resources of Christian tradition and their own insights and reasoning. Moral issies dicussed include abortion and euthanasia, war and punishment, work and health, sex and society.

Adult Christian learning is central to the life of the Christian church, and is essential for its health, outreach and very survival. Leading Christian educators here apply the principles of Christian education to adult learning in the churches, and present the results and methods of empirical research relevant to the church's ministry of adult Christian education. This book will be of interest to all who are concerned for the ways in which adults learn to be Christian. The editor, Jeff Astley, is Director of the North of England Institute for Christian Education and Honorary Professorial Fellow in Practical Theology and Christian Education in the University of Durham.

This collection of papers provides a synoptic view of the relationship between music, theology and Christian learning. It includes theological reflections on the nature and power of the musical experience, together with psychological, philosophical and educational perspectives; and draws on practical experience and empirical research. Topics covered include: Composing, performing and listening; worship and hymnody; classical music and jazz; Christian theology and spirituality; aesthetics, education and learning, and the psychology of music. Contributors include: James MacMillan, Martin Haselbock, Jeremy Begbie, John Sloboda, Bill Hall, Ian Ground, Michael Sadgrove

Reflections for Daily Prayer has nourished thousands of Christians for a decade with its inspiring and informed weekday Bible reflections. Now, in response to demand, Reflections for Sundays combines material from over the years with new writing to provide high-quality reflections on the Principal Readings for Sundays and major Holy Days. Contributors include some of the very best writers from across the Anglican tradition who have helped to establish it as one of the leading daily devotional volumes today. For each Sunday and major Holy Day in Year B, Reflections for Sundays offers: * full lectionary details for the Principle Service * a reflection on the Old Testament reading * a reflection on the Epistle * a reflection on the Gospel It also contains a substantial introduction to the Gospels of Mark and John, written by renowned Bible teacher Paula Gooder.

In this exciting and thought-provoking collection of essays, key Christian religious educators from America, Australia, Britain and Europe address the crucial role of education in religion and values for critiquing and shaping the major social, political and moral issues facing us in the third millennium.Professor Jeff Astley (UK) examines the challenges posed by science. He demonstrates how religious education is crucial to the proper shaping of scientific progress.Professor Friedrich Schweitzer (Germany) confronts the challenges of supranational and global developments. He argues that education in inter-religious dialogue is essential for international co-operation and for our future society.Professor Mary Elizabeth Moore (US) tackles the challenges of ethnic diversity and biodiversity. She argues that religious education holds the key to releasing the world from ethnic oppression and ecological destruction.Professor Brian V. Hill (Australia) analyses the challenges confronting young people in the global village. He maintains that religious education can enfranchise young people in their personal search for meaning.Other contributors include Dr J. Mark Halstead (UK), Dr Eleanor Nesbitt (UK), Dr Heinz Streib (Germany), Dr Andrew Wright (UK), and Professor Hans-Georg Zieberz (Germany).ABOUT THE EDITORSThe Rev. Professor Astley is Director of the North of England Institute for Christian Education. The Rev. Professor Leslie J. Francis is Director for the Welsh National Centre for Religious Education at the University of Wales, Bangor. Mandy Robins is Teaching and Research Fellow in the Welsh National Centre for Religious Education at the University of Wales, Bangor.

This volume brings together three key and contested areas facing educationalists within schools, colleges and universities: values education, religious education and human rights education. Challenges and opportunities within each of these three areas may be illuminated and explored by bringing them into creative dialogue. These core constructs were explored in a recent seminar convened by the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, the leading international association for religious educators and values educators across the world. This volume presents twenty-one key contributions made to the seminar, spanning both conceptual and empirical perspectives and rooted in both religious and secular traditions. It draws together a unique collection of international perspectives on the interlocking themes of values, human rights and religious education.

This volume brings together two core concepts that are central to understanding the social and public significance of religions and theologies within the contemporary world and are therefore of key importance to the discipline of religious education: diversity and intersectionality. Religious diversity requires an understanding of religions and theologies and their roles within a plural society. However, the effect of the intersectionality of multiple social identities on a person's flourishing illuminates the ways in which the broader complexity of diversity must be viewed from different perspectives. These core constructs were brought together in a recent conference convened by the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, the leading international association for religious educators across the world. This volume presents twelve key contributions made to the seminar, spanning both conceptual and empirical approaches, and represents a unique collection of international perspectives on the interlocking themes of intersectionality and diversity.

What do We Believe? Why Does it Matter? provides a general introduction to the basic beliefs of Christian theology; together with their significance for Christian worship, living and thinking, and the intellectual problems they raise.

This reader brings together carefully selected material from a wide range of authors on the meaning and status of divine action. It samples the recent literature on providence, miracle, prayer and grace together with some relevant classical texts. Topics include locating God's action, images of divine control, human freedom in relation to providence and grace, the nature of and evidence of miracle, prayer and pain, answers to prayer, and the experience of grace. Contributors include Peter Baelz, Karl Barth, Vincent Brummer, David Hume, David Jenkins, C. S. Lewis, Helen Oppenheimer, D. Z. Phillips, Karl Rahner, Paul Tillich, Thomas Tracy, Victor White and Maurice Wiles.

This reader brings together carefully selected material from a wide range of authors on the relationships between science, religion, and theology. It samples the recent literature on the challenges to religion posed by both modern physics and evolutionary biology, as well as exploring the relationship between scientific and theological approaches. Topics include models of interaction between science and religion, historical reflections on the 'conflict thesis', scientific and theological methods, creation and modern cosmology, uncertainty and chaos, creationism and evolutionary theory, the anthropic principle and design, and the challenge of reductionism.

This reader brings together modern material from a wide range of Christian theologians on the meaning and status of the doctrine of creation; its relation to scientific theories, our understanding of God and the theology of redemption; and its implications for our proper attitude to the world of nature. Process theology, the Gaia hypothesis, New Age spirituality and pantheism are among the range of topics that are introduced and critiqued. Contributors include Carol Adams, Karl Barth, Teilhard de Chardin, Celia Deane-Drummond, Colin Gunton, Jurgen Moltmann, Schubert Ogden and John Polkinghorne.

A selection of key writings on the problem of war and peace. Introduces students to general issues in ethics and moral theology. Key contributors from around the world. This reader samples a wide range of modern moral and religious discussions on the subject of war and peace. In addition to providing material on pacifism, the just war debate, the nuclear option, genocide, and the concept of a holy war, it introduces students to general issues in ethics and moral theology, using the morality of war as a powerful and pertinent worked example. Contributors include Elizabeth Anscombe, George Bell, Charles Curran, Y. Harkabi, Richard Harries, Stanley Hauerwas, Paul Ramsey, W. Montgomery Watt, Rowan Williams.

This reader samples a wide range of modern theological, religious and philosophical discussion on the problem of evil, understood both in terms of the practical or spiritual problem of coping with evil, and the theological problem of explaining its presence in God's world. Topics include protest atheism, responses to the Holocaust, Buddhist spirituality, the freewill defence, the vale of soul-making Theodicy, and the "cost-effectiveness" of evil. Contributors include Roy Eckardt, Austin Farrer, John Hick, Soren Kierkegaard, John Mackie, Jurgen Moltmann, Kenneth Surin and Ellie Wiesel.