By: Kristin Hamilton on February 1, 2017
A free market society is good for everyone, right? In it, everyone has the same opportunity to succeed and make something of themselves. Or as my high school economics teacher put it, “Capitalism and free markets allow us to succeed or fail on our own efforts and merits.” That statement made total sense to a…
By: Jennifer Dean-Hill on February 1, 2017
When progress comes at the price of people and their well-being, we are all in danger of not living with security, freedom, and respect. My mind wandered back to my education on the Industrial Revolution in America, when Polanyi said, “pauperism and progress are inseparable”(Kindle, 2875). To this day, it still disturbs me the price…
By: Pablo Morales on January 28, 2017
When Sofia, my first daughter was born, Baylor hospital showed us the latest technology they had implemented in their new facilities. The room had an HD camera connected to the Internet. With a simple private code we could connect through video with anybody around the world who wanted to see us. A year later, a…
By: Garfield Harvey on January 27, 2017
It is time that we at least entertain the idea that communication technology is the new nervous system. Entertaining such a thought is merely helping Christians respond with theological discernment to our culture that continues to evolve technologically. We often use the term “Old School” loosely to define those unwilling to conform to the new…
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: Kevin Norwood on January 26, 2017
In 2011, I had an opportunity as a youth pastor to do something extraordinary. I could provide a complete Bible school education on an electronic device called a Kindle. I have raised money for all kinds of things, sound systems, computers, buses, a bicycle, a Land Rover (that cost a pretty penny) and…
By: Phil Goldsberry on January 26, 2017
Introduction By nature, I am a techy! I was mesmerized the first time I saw a computer (I think it was a Commodore or a TRS-80). But I remember asking, “What does it do?” The only project that the guy knew was to run paper through a dot-matrix printer and make banners with it. Boring,…
By: Aaron Peterson on January 26, 2017
One day when Jesus was teaching in an over crowded home a network of guys forced Jesus to friend them by using technology to lower a member of their network down through the roof. Seeing the faith of this network, Jesus treated them like neighbors and full of justice, mercy, and humility, Jesus healed the…
By: Marc Andresen on January 26, 2017
For several months I have been contemplating the question, “Is individualism killing America?” This question arises from studying various cultures for our D Min essays. It has become clear that America is very individualistic, while many world cultures are collectivistic, wherein the community matters more than the individual. As I read Networked Theology: Negotiating Faith…
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: Claire Appiah on January 26, 2017
Heidi Campbell and Stephen Garner – Networked Theology: Negotiating Faith In Digital Culture Introduction According to Heidi Campbell, a media studies scholar and Stephen Garner, a theologian, “A central goal of this book is to bring new media studies and theory into conversation with theology in a new way,” [1] utilizing the combined expertise…
By: Aaron Cole on January 26, 2017
Summary: The book: Networked Theology, Negotiating Faith in Digital Culture by Heidi A. Campbell and Stephen Garner is a fresh look at the ever changing intersection of faith and technology. This book is about cultural engagement of the church and religion through digital technology and media. As clergy views digital technological and media in a…
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: Jason Kennedy on January 26, 2017
In Stephen Garner and Heidi Campbell’s fascinating book, Network Theology: Negotiating Faith in a Digital Culture, the authors brilliantly discuss how Christians need to reflect on technological advances and consume these advances with a theological framework. In five concise and structured chapters, the authors aim to influence readers in the development of a theology of…
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…
