This paper aims to offer a "liveable" theology for the Christian teacher; that is, it seeks to articulate a theology of teaching in contemporary contexts which can serve the spiritual and faith development of Christian teachers in their vocation. A first section gives some brief account of "teaching" in the Christian theological tradition,…

Explains a course designed to develop student skills to rethink the concept of ministry in a culture dominated by technological structures. An assignment involving national and local news events is described. Also presents lecture topics, guidelines for class discussions, and references. (DH)

Maintains that contemporary theology of creation is concerned with social, ecological, and nuclear crises, pointing out that many theologians assume responsibility for offering values needed for earth's survival. Reports on the perspectives of four theologians on creation: Gibson Winter; John Haught; A. R. Peacocke; and Sallie McFague. Suggest…

Maintains that interreligious learning takes place most beneficially among people who are reasonably secure in their own relationship with God and also are comfortable with the mystery of that relationship. Argues that people with little tolerance for mystery and ambiguity will become uncomfortable with other religious experiences. (MJP)

Observes the philosophical and methodological aspects of Religious Studies. Considers the limitations of approaching religious thought and experience from a rationalist-scientific perspective. Includes a historical overview of the phenomenology of religious education with brief summations of leading theorists. (MJP)

Provides a personal perspective on the three-year Catholic-Jewish Colloquium through anecdotes of sharing and personal growth. Discusses this process in terms of a constant attempt to fit together the pieces of a puzzle. Includes a copy of a poem by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. (MJP)

Formulates a pedagogical position that articulates religious experience as complementary to formal-rational thought. Recent postmodernist criticism has located secular thinking as a coequal position to subjective religious experience on the now-leveled philosophical playing field. Explores what this newfound (academic) respectability means for…

Defines evangelization as a cooperative religious educational experience regarding the efficacy of the gospel. Considers its role in the lives of young people. Concludes that evangelization must incorporate and address current social concerns as well as questions of belief and unbelief. (MJP)

Provides a brief historical overview regarding the development of a religious identity. Explicates a number of questions that both guide and complicate this effort in modern times. Argues that traditional texts should be evaluated more in terms of their positive contributions than their dated elements. (MJP)

Criticizes the notion that secular humanists and religious educators can equitably agree on a common or middle ground. Maintains that the so-called middle ground is often primarily secular ideology with a token acknowledgment of the validity of religious thought. Argues for a more open discussion with both positions receiving equal consideration.…

Provides a concise historical overview of theological thinking concerning fundamentalism, absolutism, and relativism. Considers corresponding responses to issues regarding multiculturalism. Concludes that a diversity of viewpoints is necessary for society to learn from its mistakes and progress in a positive fashion. (MJP)

Identifies authenticity as the idea that there exists an innate and knowable self. Discusses this concept and how it relates to social, philosophical, and religious thought. Compares the Western concept of self, autonomous and individualistic, with the more interdependent and enigmatic Eastern ideal. (MJP)

Maintains that neither postmodernism nor cultural pluralism are antithetical to biblical texts. Locates postmodernist open-ended thinking in many of the enigmatic proverbs and other wisdom texts. Reveals similarities, and at times historical connections, between much of the Bible and various Mediterranean cultures. (MJP)

Examines the philosophical dichotomy between liberal conceptions of social integration and secular culture and the rights and demands of religious cultural groups. Finds an acceptable middle ground in the ideas of tolerance and respect. Recommends educational objectives promoting democratic citizenship, cross-cultural understanding, and specific…

Describes the efforts to incorporate and represent Hindu and Muslim theology in Australia's secondary schools' Religious Studies curriculum. These efforts included literature reviews as well as historical and ethnographic research. Argues that the current incorporation represents merely a first step and advocates further expansion and research.…