Hate is unveiled on our streets. Politics is polarized and the cohesion of communities is under stress and threat. Religious and theological leaders appear compromised or paralyzed. Robert S. Heaney grew up in a Northern Ireland where enmity paraded itself and policed the boundaries between segregated identities and aspirations. Such conflict, with deep historic roots, is inextricably linked to religion and colonization. The theologizing of colonialism, and the ongoing implications of colonialism, cannot be ignored by those who wish to understand the most intractable of human conflicts. Religious adherents and scholars are increasingly seeking to understand colonialism and decolonization in theological terms. The field of post-colonial studies, across a range of contexts and in a complex network of inter-disciplinary analyses, has emerged as a major scholarly movement seeking to provide resources for such a task. Theologians have increasingly seen the field as a resource and have made their own contributions to its development. However, depending as it does on a series of theoretical and technical commitments, post-colonialism remains inaccessible to the uninitiated. Beginning with his own particular context of formation, in this book Heaney provides an accessible introduction to post-colonial theology.
Anglicanism is one of the largest and most widely dispersed of all religious traditions. How it reached this status is replete with irony and with conflict. The origins of Anglicanism lie in the Church of England, still its largest branch and arguably its defining center. But the majority of Anglicans now reside in sub-Saharan Africa and do not speak English as their primary language. Given Anglicanism’s roots, and its integration into British colonialism, the expansion of this branch of Christianity seems puzzling. Moreover, intramural Anglican conflict, from the end of colonialism onward, seemingly has torn the fabric of Anglican life. It seems problematic that this tradition, and the church bodies that represent it, will remain intact. By looking at the Church through the lens of the biblical theme of promise, this book seeks to offer neither lament for a tattered tradition nor facile hope for an expanding one. It considers the key phases of Anglican history, each defined by clear intentions, from securing English national life, to mission, to finding contextual roots in various locales. Whilst not denying that the ongoing contestation about the proper shape of Anglican faith and practice has become central, the book highlights the emergence of fresh consensus among Anglicans, centered on grassroots initiative and innovation, creating informal patterns of collaboration that can transcend context and overlook divergence.
What is post-colonial theology? How does it relate to theology that emerged in historically colonial situations? These are two questions that get to the heart of Robert S. Heaney's work as he considers the extent to which theologians predating the emergence of post-colonial theology might be considered as precursors to this theological movement. Heaney argues that the work of innovative theologians John S. Mbiti and Jesse N.K. Mugambi, important in their own right, must now also be considered in relation to the continued emergence of post-colonial theology. When this is done, fresh perspectives on both the nature of post-colonial theology and contextual theology emerge. Through a sympathetic and critical reading of Mbiti and Mugambi, Heaney offers a series of constructive moves that counter the ongoing temptation toward acontextualism that continues to haunt theology both in the North and in the South.
From 2017 to 2020, ten seminarians from five different Anglican seminaries met to discuss the difficult topics that have caused division and conflict in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Representing the Anglican Church in North America, The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Continuum, these seminarians desired to humanize the conflict by pursuing embodied experiences of disagreement and reconciliation, even while recognizing that resolution in the form of agreement would be virtually impossible. Reconciling Practices recounts their journey in the hope that the experiences of these seminarians might serve as a model for the Anglican Communion. In the words of the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, this book shows us "how it is indeed possible to encounter one another not as opposition or other, but as beloved children of God." Praise for Reconciling Practices "Intentional reconciliation amidst deep disagreement is hard work. It is also necessary work for all who choose to follow Jesus in his Way of Love. But what does this look like? Outlining the interactions of a cohort of very different students from five seminaries, Reconciling Practices shows how it is indeed possible to encounter one another not as opposition or other, but as beloved children of God." -The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and Author of Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times "Through an experiential lens this text shares the commitment, pain and surprising trajectory of practicing reconciliation, rooted in Christ, that is the call of every Christian (2 Cor 5:20). As both the church and the world face increasing and polarizing divisions, formation in these practices of reconciliation will be essential. This book offers us a way into that work with honesty and with the hope that remains rooted in the reconciling love of God." -The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada "This is the honest account of a brave project, which under other leadership might have been a facile account of a cosmetic project. Kudos to Robert Heaney and his team for having the courage to invite strangers to the same table and, perhaps even more to the seminarians for being willing to stay there when any other choice would have been easier-a parable and a path for a broken church." -Garwood P. Anderson, Ph.D., Dean of Nashotah House and Professor of New Testament "This book is a testimony to what is possible when people of faith take risks for the sake of pursuing the kind of Christian unity that values each human person. It is a refreshingly honest account of listening to and learning from diverse theological perspectives-and the challenges this listening brings. A must read for anyone wanting to engage more deeply with difference for the good of the Church." -The Rev. Dr. Gabrielle Thomas, Assistant Professor of Early Christianity and Anglican Studies, Candler School of Theology, Emory University ABOUT THE EDITORS Robert S. Heaney is Professor of Theology and Mission, Virginia Theological Seminary. He is author of Post-Colonial Theology: Finding God and Each Other Amidst the Hate (2019) and, with William L. Sachs, The Promise of Anglicanism (2019). Jacques Hadler, Jr., retired from Virginia Theological Seminary where he served as Director of Field Education and taught courses in Practical Theology and Cross-Cultural reflection, currently provides spiritual direction and coaching and consults on multicultural ministry and reconciliation. Hartley Wensing serves as Associate Director of the Virginia Theological Seminary Center for Anglican Communion Studies where she provides leadership to projects supporting cross-cultural and reconciliation ministries.
Hate is unveiled on our streets. Politics is polarized and the cohesion of communities is under stress and threat. Religious and theological leaders appear compromised or paralyzed. Robert S. Heaney grew up in a Northern Ireland where enmity paraded itself and policed the boundaries between segregated identities and aspirations. Such conflict, with deep historic roots, is inextricably linked to religion and colonization. The theologizing of colonialism, and the ongoing implications of colonialism, cannot be ignored by those who wish to understand the most intractable of human conflicts. Religious adherents and scholars are increasingly seeking to understand colonialism and decolonization in theological terms. The field of post-colonial studies, across a range of contexts and in a complex network of inter-disciplinary analyses, has emerged as a major scholarly movement seeking to provide resources for such a task. Theologians have increasingly seen the field as a resource and have made their own contributions to its development. However, depending as it does on a series of theoretical and technical commitments, post-colonialism remains inaccessible to the uninitiated. Beginning with his own particular context of formation, in this book Heaney provides an accessible introduction to post-colonial theology.
What is post-colonial theology? How does it relate to theology that emerged in historically colonial situations? These are two questions that get to the heart of Robert S. Heaney's work as he considers the extent to which theologians predating the emergence of post-colonial theology might be considered as precursors to this theological movement. Heaney argues that the work of innovative theologians John S. Mbiti and Jesse N.K. Mugambi, important in their own right, must now also be considered in relation to the continued emergence of post-colonial theology. When this is done, fresh perspectives on both the nature of post-colonial theology and contextual theology emerge. Through a sympathetic and critical reading of Mbiti and Mugambi, Heaney offers a series of constructive moves that counter the ongoing temptation toward acontextualism that continues to haunt theology both in the North and in the South.
Faithful Neighbors outlines an introduction to the rationale for interfaith work through both theological and practical viewpoints, using stories from real experiences of interfaith cooperation to offer encouragement, inspiration, and practical steps to do the same. The book has eight chapters in three main sections. Section one provides a Christian and Muslim rationale for engaging with the Other. Section two outlines stories of those involved in interfaith work in a series of contexts: academic research, intercultural, pastoral care, youth work, and peace work. The concluding section details recommendations and resources for best practice. Faithful Neighbors exhorts both Muslims and Christians to be faithful neighbors drawing on their traditions and real life practice for the sake of life-giving community.
Anglicanism is one of the largest and most widely dispersed of all religious traditions. How it reached this status is replete with irony and with conflict. The origins of Anglicanism lie in the Church of England, still its largest branch and arguably its defining center. But the majority of Anglicans now reside in sub-Saharan Africa and do not speak English as their primary language. Given Anglicanism’s roots, and its integration into British colonialism, the expansion of this branch of Christianity seems puzzling. Moreover, intramural Anglican conflict, from the end of colonialism onward, seemingly has torn the fabric of Anglican life. It seems problematic that this tradition, and the church bodies that represent it, will remain intact. By looking at the Church through the lens of the biblical theme of promise, this book seeks to offer neither lament for a tattered tradition nor facile hope for an expanding one. It considers the key phases of Anglican history, each defined by clear intentions, from securing English national life, to mission, to finding contextual roots in various locales. Whilst not denying that the ongoing contestation about the proper shape of Anglican faith and practice has become central, the book highlights the emergence of fresh consensus among Anglicans, centered on grassroots initiative and innovation, creating informal patterns of collaboration that can transcend context and overlook divergence.
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