I also seek to interest future professional leaders in the importance of nurturing laity to become theologically literate. As Associate Dean for Graduate Education, I believe that lifelong learning is vital for rostered leaders. Graduate skills developed beyond the first professional degree program can make a real difference in honing one's ability and in relating theological knowledge to real parish practice. Finally, I have a book forthcoming in September 2000 from Hendrickson Publishers, Youth Ministry in Modern America. I'm delighted to be joining the LTSP community, after teaching for twelve years at Valparaiso University.
Theology is an act of faith.
Studying and teaching theology today involves addressing a number of challenges facing our practice of the Christian faith. It includes challenges emerging out of our context of religious and cultural pluralism, post modernism, and our scientific and technological worldview. How to relate appropriately and intelligibly the core theological convictions of our faith in relation to our post-modern and pluralistic culture is the most demanding task of theology and for all prospective theologians today. Personally, I have been grappling with issues of religious pluralism in our society for many years in order to articulate a relevant and responsible theology that is true to my Lutheran convictions and is at the same time open to insights and values of other faiths in dialogue. A number of my publications reflect that commitment.