Faith speaking understanding
Subtitle: Performing the drama of doctrine
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Louisville, KY
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 298
ISBN-13: 9780664234485
Description: In this volume, highly esteemed scholar Kevin Vanhoozer introduces readers to a way of thinking about Christian theology that takes the work he began in the groundbreaking 2005 book, The Drama of Doctrine, to its next level. Vanhoozer argues that theology is not merely a set of cognitive beliefs, but is also something we do that involves speech and action alike. He uses a theatrical model to explain the ways in which doctrine shapes Christian understanding and forms disciples. The church, Vanhoozer posits, is the preeminent theater where the gospel is "performed," with doctrine directing this performance. Doctrines are not simply truths to be stored, shelved, and stacked, but indications and directions to be followed, practiced, and enacted. In "performing" doctrine, Christians are shaped into active disciples of Jesus Christ. He goes on to examine the state of the church in today's world and explores how disciples can do or perform doctrine. Written in an accessible and engaging style, Faith Speaking Understanding sets forth a compelling vision of what the church is and what it should be doing, and demonstrates the importance of Christian doctrine for this mission. Disciples who want to follow Christ in all situations need doctrinal direction as they walk onto the social stage in the great theater of the world. The Christian faith is about acknowledging, and participating in, the great thing God is doing in our world: making all things new in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Doctrine ministers understanding: of God, of the drama of redemption, of the church as a company of faithful players, and of individual actors, all of whom have important roles to play. In an age where things fall apart and centers fail to hold, doctrine centers us in Jesus Christ, in whom all things hold together.
Table of contents: title: Introduction : "In accordance with the scriptures" : local church as "living Bible"; title: Part 1 : Before the curtain rises : on theology and theater.; title: Doing the Word "on earth as it is in heaven" : introducing the theater of the Gospel; title: Audience participation : loving God, doing truth, being church; title: Part 2 : Faith showing understanding : how doctrine makes disciples and how disciples do doctrine.; title: The great theater of the world : setting the twenty-first-century stage; title: Gospel theater : the triune drama of redemption; title: Learning (and becoming) the part : "little Christs"; title: Forming the company, doing church : doctrinal directions for acting out life together in Christ; title: Staging the play in ten thousand places : how the company of the Gospel enacts parables of the kingdom; title: (Torn) curtain : on earth as He is in heaven; title: Conclusion : Tell and show : exhibiting the Gospel in company with Christ; title: Appendix : What has Broadway to do with Jerusalem?