By: Chip Stapleton on January 27, 2017
As I was reading about contextual theology in our assigned works by Steven Garner and Stephen Bevans, I kept thinking about the ad campaign from Reese’s peanut butter cups. The ad (a picture from the commercial is on the left) was (in the most 80’s way possible) incredibly cheesy as it had two people, one…
By: Geoff Lee on January 27, 2017
Models of Contextual Theology This book deals with the three theological sources (loci theologici) of tradition, Scripture and culture and how these interact with each other in the formation of our theology. It offers us six models of contextual theology, each of which places different weight or emphasis on the three respective sources. It…
By: Kristin Hamilton on January 27, 2017
So this week I finally figured out my problem (okay, ONE of my problems)! In theological discussions, I have been expecting others to view theology contextually and, more to the point, to contextualize theology along the same model or lens which I use. I have to be honest, the idea that theology must always be…
By: Christal Jenkins Tanks on January 26, 2017
“Keeping it 100!” has become a very modern day phrase. It means keep it honest and speak the truth. In our society today there is a need and a longing for the Truth. As I read the article and reading for this week, I felt as though I was connected with my own personal narrative.…
By: Stu Cocanougher on January 26, 2017
As someone who coordinates cross-cultural partnerships for our church, including the leading of mission trips and providing support to missionaries, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the practical ramifications of contextual theology, especially as it relates to evangelism. This week’s readings by Stephen Garner and Stephen Bevans have given me great insight…
By: Lynda Gittens on January 26, 2017
BEVIN – MODELS OF CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY People today are pressured by world events, life events, and spiritual relations. A preacher today must be aware of all these events previously mentioned. These events affect the preacher as whereas their congregants. To spark their interest in the sermon or biblical lesson, one must address them at their…
By: Jim Sabella on January 26, 2017
Summary: Context is everything! The importance of a contextual expression of God’s love, grace, activity, and power is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, God would be the distant unknown, completely removed from our knowledge, understanding or experience. The fact that in the beginning God created and even dwelt among us compels us to…
By: Mary Walker on January 26, 2017
“Christ our Lord came and took upon Himself our humanity. … He suffered hunger and thirst and hard toil and temptation.… He emptied Himself and became a servant. He showed the way to true leadership by coming to minister, not ministered unto…. He set the example and we are supposed to imitate Him.” Dorothy…
By: Jennifer Dean-Hill on January 25, 2017
When working with people from different ethnicities, cultures or eras, contextual theology is critical to consider so we can propel people towards a relationship with God versus pushing them away from Him. Transforming theology into contextual theology not only makes sense but gives freedom for individuals to represent the nature of God in a way…
By: Katy Drage Lines on January 25, 2017
Contextual theology as a process is something I am quite familiar with (which you’ll know, if you’ve read my previous posts). Besides working in the context of northern Kenya and walking alongside church leaders to develop a contextual Turkana theology, both my undergrad and grad studies revolved around missiology—a blend of biblical studies and anthropology.…
By: Kristin Hamilton on January 20, 2017
In what may be one of the greatest understatements of our time, D. W. Bebbington notes, “Evangelical religion in Britain has changed immensely during the two and a half centuries of its existence” (269). Although Evangelicals may argue that they have remained consistent throughout history and have remained bearers of truth, the reality is that…
By: Lynda Gittens on January 19, 2017
Evangelism in Modern Britain by Bebbington Bebbington took on the task to share the history, or the growth of a movement in Britain. He stated that he wanted to present it in two-folds. “to consider the influence of Evangelicals on society; and explore the ways in which Evangelical religion has been molded by its…
By: Christal Jenkins Tanks on January 19, 2017
I have never taken to topic of history with fervor or excitement. Although, it is a subject matter that I deem very important, I am not stirred by diving deeper into it. I do however, have an appreciation and even an admiration for those who do like Dr. David Bebbington, who is a renowned historian.…
By: Jim Sabella on January 19, 2017
Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s Summary Since its beginning in the 1730’s Evangelicalism has been a force in Britain and in the world. According to Bebbington’s thesis, one of the reasons Evangelicalism has had such far-reaching impact is because it has been able to change with the times…
By: Chip Stapleton on January 19, 2017
As those of you that have read my posts before know, I almost always have some image at the top of my posts. There is something I like about giving a visual clue as to the point I am trying to make, and it helps me focus in on the direction I am trying…
By: Stu Cocanougher on January 19, 2017
Growing up as a Southern Baptist in the United States, church history was virtually absent from my Christian experience. Unlike Catholics, Anglicans, and even Methodists, Baptist churches concentrate their education almost exclusively on Bible Study—with the application being focused on evangelism and the Christian life. The only “heroes of the faith” (outside of the Bible) that…
By: Geoff Lee on January 19, 2017
I took the opportunity to read this book over Christmas and the New Year. I was taking some time off after the busy Christmas period and went away for a few days with family and friends. On New Year’s Day, we visited a small Anglican church in a Dartmoor village in the middle of Devon.…
By: Jennifer Dean-Hill on January 18, 2017
Culture and church appear to have a delicate dance, they move together and help define the characteristics and qualities of each. Their symbiotic relationship requires both to evolve so as to accommodate the development of the other. In reading about the evolution of the British evangelical church and the relationship it has with culture, the…
By: Katy Drage Lines on January 18, 2017
The way the story goes, the modern mission movement began with a refusal to listen to a command: “Young man, sit down. When God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid or mine.” Undaunted, William Carey (1761-1834)— shoemaker turned Baptist preacher and reader of adventure books— emerged as the Father…
By: Mary Walker on January 18, 2017
“The process of change can best be seen as a pattern of diffusion.”[1] Summary In this book, Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A history from the 1730s to the 1980s, historian D. W. Bebbington gives the history of evangelicalism in Britain from its beginnings in the early 18th century through the more ecumenical movement in the…
