Artisanal Theology

by Hess, Lisa M.

• ISBN13: 9781556358753
• ISBN10: 155635875X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-15
• Publisher: Cascade Books

Summary

Paradox and surprise face those who pursue deeper spiritual practice, theological wisdom, and even a religious calling into the ministry. Unbeknownst to incoming students, the pursuit of theological education in established institutions today furthers a faith that is recognizable in delight and compassion, even as it may just as easily deform it into a moral duty and autonomous professionalism so divisive in today's religious ecology. How may those drawn into ministry formation today receive its deep theological treasures and sustain a vibrant faith with a theologically expressive delight able to companion the suffering of self and others? Artisanal Theology explores the paradoxes and surprises that await those walking in the worlds of theological education--the local congregation, the academy, the tradition/denomination. Part handbook, part witness, it offers guidance for the path of intentional formation within contemporary institutions of theological education, whose riches may be mined in a disciplined spiritual stewardship and grounded in radically covenantal companionship. Just like artisanal bread blends the classical methods of bread-baking with modern conveniences, so an artisanal theology relies upon the personal and communal touch of human relationship amidst the contemporary forms of programmatic theological education. An artisanal theology offers an articulate and traditionally-rooted faith perspective grounded in covenantal companionships sustained in contexts of church, tradition, and, most importantly, practice. Ultimately, an artisanal theology witnesses beyond the anticipated political divides to the Triune God-among-us, known in a theologically expressive delight, able to companion the suffering of self and others.

Author Biography

Lisa M. Hess is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Contextual Ministries at United Theological Seminary. She is Word Sacrament minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the author of numerous articles on the contemporary challenges of spiritual practice.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Mary Elizabeth Mullino Moore	p. vii
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Introduction	p. xv
Intentional Formation toward an Artisanal Theology	p. 1
Community and Knowledge for an Intentional Formation	p. 20
Practicing Into Wisdom-Knowing: Personal and Communal Stories in Covenantal Community	p. 39
Shaped by God's Story: Becoming a Seasoned Apprentice-Artisan	p. 68
An Artisanal Theological Loaf	p. 86
Epilogue	p. 101
Appendices	p. 107
Bibliography	p. 121
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.