Chalice Introduction to Disciples Theology
edited by Peter Goodwin Heltzel
The Chalice Introduction to Disciples Theology is a contemporary and inclusive exploration of the beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) theology, while embracing ecumenism and a global outlook. It serves as a critical introduction to the sources, nature, contexts, and major doctrines of Disciples theology, serving pastors, theological students, and Christian leaders across different denominations.
Although the authors share a common Disciples theological tradition, they engage with the broader church and its global context. Their reflections are influenced by diverse cultural settings and theological perspectives. Authors write from non-North American cultural contexts, such as Paraguay, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa, while those in the European-American tradition contribute to a larger conversation within the worldwide church. Aiming to foster a comprehensive discussion of global theology, the book emphasizes cultural and gender diversity.
The current global situation necessitates a prophetic, intercultural theology. Multicultural ministry and theology often fall short in addressing the enduring effects of colonialism and white supremacy on communities of color. Intercultural theology recognizes cultural uniqueness and embraces the conflicts arising from historical and interpretive struggles within distinct cultural realities. By promoting intercultural conversation, marginalized voices can be recentered, fostering new possibilities for theological dialogue. This approach holds hope for collective participation in the gospel's pursuit of peace, love, and justice, encouraging us to sing new songs together.
Table of Contents and Contributors:
Preface, by D. Newell Williams
SECTION I—The Task and Sources of Theology
- Theology as Intercultural Conversation in an Age of Globalization: Peter Goodwin Heltzel, James O. Duke, Verity A. Jones, and William J. Nottingham
- Disciples Theology in the Twenty-first Century: Peter Goodwin Heltzel, James O. Duke, Verity A. Jones, and William J. Nottingham
- Theology and the Bible: Choi Hee An
- Theology and Tradition: William Tabbernee
- Theological Reasoning in a Pluralistic Context: W. Clark Gilpin
- What Do We Learn from Experience?: Kristine A. Culp
- Practicing Reconciliation: Peter Goodwin Heltzel and Don S. Browning
SECTION II—God in Creation
- Singing the Trinity: Peter Goodwin Heltzel
- Confessing Christ in Empire and Colony: Clark M. Williamson
- Who Do We Say He Is?: Rita Nakashima Brock
- Under the Influence: Dyron Daughrity
- Creation: Victor L. Hunter
SECTION III—The Church
- The Church as Sacrament of Human Wholeness: Sharon E. Watkins and Harold Keith Watkins
- Baptism and the Disciples of Christ: Thomas F. Best
- The Lord’s Supper: Belva Brown Jordan and Stephanie A. Paulsell
- Operative Theologies of Disciples Preaching: Kay Lynn Northcutt
- Ministry: Mark Miller-McLemore
SECTION IV—Reconciliation
- The Problem of Social Sin for Twenty-first–Century Christians: Darryl Trimiew
- Salvation: Joe R. Jones
- Faith and Justification: Bosela Eale and William A. Wright
- Sanctification: Karen Marie Yust
- Spirituality and the Disciples of Christ: Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore and Joseph D. Driskill
- Facing the Mark of the Beast: Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto
SECTION V—Mission
- Theology of Prophetic Witness: Michael Kinnamon
- Mission in Africa: Bosela Eale
- Mission in Pluralistic Contexts: Michael St. A. Miller
- Ecumenism of the Spirit and Mission: Carmelo Alvarez
- “Glocal” Chalice of Blessing: Cristobal Mareco Lird
- Toward a Disciples Theology of Religions: Don A. Pittman
- The Future of Christian Mission in an Age of World Christianity: Carlos F. Cardoza-Orlandi
- Mongrels, Outlaws, and Sodbusters: Serene Jones
Endorsements
“At a moment when eco-egalitarian Christians are seeking ways to engage the predations of globalization with our own planetary heritage, this volume offers a luminous chorus of witnesses. Delightfully readable, not preachy but prophetic, it advances the postcolonial transformation of the church and its world.”
—Catherine Keller, Drew School of Theology, author of God & Power
“Inclusive and wide-ranging in scope, this important anthology showcases the best scholarship from the Disciples of Christ tradition and significantly advances intercultural, ecumenical, and global theological discourse in the twenty-first century. No one will think about theology in the same old way after reading this forward-looking text.”
—Kwok Pui-lan, author of Postcolonial Imagination and Feminist Theology
“For the Disciples of Christ to flourish, two things are required: creative reclaiming of its dynamic heritage within the Christian faith, and transformed understandings of faith as the church encounters the motions of God's future. The Chalice Introduction to Disciples Theology is a window on the future. Its essayists represent some of the most esteemed and some of the newest voices among Disciples around the world. They both interpret our history of theology and practice, and dare to imagine how we may be receiving our inheritance yet again, in a global spirit of crisis, challenge, and surprise.”
—Larry D. Bouchard, University of Virginia