Seditious Theology explores the much analysed British punk movement of the 1970s from a theological perspective. Imaginatively engaging with subjects such as subversion, deconstruction, confrontation and sedition, this book highlights the stark contrasts between the punk genre and the ministry of Jesus while revealing surprising similarities and, in so doing, demonstrates how we may look at both subjects in fresh and unusual ways. Johnson looks at both punk and Jesus and their challenges to symbols, gestures of revolt, constructive use of conflict and the shattering of relational norms. He then points to the seditious pattern in Jesus' life and the way it can be discerned in some recent trends in theology. The imaginative images that he creates provide a challenging image of Jesus and of those who have relooked radically in recent years at what being a ’seditious’ follower of Christ means for the church. Introducing both a new partner for theological conversation and a fresh way of how to go about the task, this book presents a powerful approach to exploring the life of Christ and a new way of engaging with both recent theological trends and the more challenging expressions of popular culture.

Advancing Practical Theology argues that the practical theology as a discipline does not at present fulfil its radical potential and addresses some directions that the discipline needs to take in order to respond adequately to changing social, ecclesial and global circumstances. This book will generate debate as a polemic contending for a future of the discipline that features an enhanced role for the lay (i.e. non-professional) practical theologian who is radicalized with respect to the discipline’s preferential option for the broken in which practical theology addresses and is addressed by postcolonial concerns.

The Hanoverian Succession of 1714 has not attracted the scholarly attention that it deserves. This is partly because the idea of the ‘long eighteenth century’, stretching from 1688 to 1832, has tended to treat the period as one without breaks. However, 1714 was in some respects as significant a date as 1688. It was the last time in British history that there was a dynastic change and one in which religious issues were at the forefront in people’s minds. This collection of essays were among the papers delivered at conferences in 2014 to mark the tercentenary of the Hanoverian Succession of 1714, held at Oxford Brookes University and Bath Spa University. They reflect some of the major issues that were evident in the period before, during and after 1714. In particular, they deal with how disloyalty was managed by the government and by individuals. They also demonstrate how central religion was to the process of securing the Hanoverian Succession and to the identity of the new regime established by George I. Disloyalty – real or imagined – was apparent in legal suits, in sermons and preaching, and in the material culture of the period. And once the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 had been overcome, the need to secure the loyalty of the Church and clergy was a key objective of the government.

The anthology '50 Christian Books: Scripture, History, Theology, Spirituality and Fiction' represents an unprecedented assembly of philosophical, theological, and literary genius spanning centuries of Christian thought and storytelling. It binds together an eclectic mixture of genresfrom theological treatises and spiritual autobiographies to allegorical fiction and philosophical discourse. The diversity present within this collection allows for a comprehensive exploration of Christian ideals, ethics, and spiritual struggles. Among these pages, readers will find seminal works that have shaped Christian thought and influenced global literary movements, providing insights into the perennial questions of faith, good and evil, and human destiny. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from early church fathers like Saint Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa to Renaissance luminaries such as John Milton, up to modern philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and G.K. Chesterton, embody a wide spectrum of theological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. This diversity reflects the anthology's commitment to displaying the rich tapestry of Christian literature, encompassing various epochs, cultures, and doctrinal viewpoints. Their collective works chart the development of Christian theology and philosophy, engage with the socio-political challenges of their times, and continue to provoke thoughtful reflection on moral and spiritual questions today. This collection is essential reading for anyone interested in the depth and diversity of Christian literary tradition. It offers readers the unique opportunity to engage with a myriad of perspectives and voices, all united by the theme of exploring the Christian faith but varied in their approaches and conclusions. Whether one approaches these works with scholarly intent, spiritual seeking, or mere curiosity about the influence of Christianity on world literature, there is much to be gleaned from the dialogue these texts provoke. '50 Christian Books' invites a journey through history, thought, and beliefa journey well worth taking for the richness of its scenery and the company of its guides.

The anthology '50 Christian Books - Scripture, Theology, Philosophy and Spirituality (Including Christian Novels)' emerges as a seminal collection that traverses the vast expanse of Christian thought and literary expression. Capturing the complexity and diversity of Christian theology, philosophy, and spirituality, it seamlessly integrates seminal works ranging from the foundational texts of early Christian doctrine to modern philosophical treatises and spiritually enlightening novels. The collection distinguishes itself by offering a panoramic view of Christianity's rich literary tapestry, with standout pieces that span genres, centuries, and philosophical debates, thus serving as a crucial bridge between historical religious thought and contemporary spiritual exploration. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from a vibrant spectrum of historical periods and philosophical backgrounds, bring an unparalleled depth of insight to the anthology's overarching theme. From the transformative religious reforms of Martin Luther to the existential inquiries of Friedrich Nietzsche, and from the spiritual storytelling of Leo Tolstoy to the theological reflections of Saint Augustine, this collection embodies a convergence of varied voices that have shaped, challenged, and deepened the understanding of Christianity across ages. Their collective works not only reflect the historical and cultural contexts from which they emerged but also demonstrate the dynamic interplay between Christian belief and the evolving human condition. This anthology offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with a collection that spans the breadth of Christian thought and literary form. It is an essential volume for those seeking to explore the depths of Christian philosophy, theology, and spirituality through the lens of literature. Beyond its educational value, the book fosters a dialogue between different epochs and perspectives, enriching the reader's comprehension of Christianity's multifaceted legacy. It is a must-read for anyone desiring to delve into the heart of Christian literary and intellectual tradition, offering a gateway to the profound and often transformative insights that these works encapsulate.

Seditious Theology explores the much analysed British punk movement of the 1970s from a theological perspective. Imaginatively engaging with subjects such as subversion, deconstruction, confrontation and sedition, this book highlights the stark contrasts between the punk genre and the ministry of Jesus while revealing surprising similarities and, in so doing, demonstrates how we may look at both subjects in fresh and unusual ways. Johnson looks at both punk and Jesus and their challenges to symbols, gestures of revolt, constructive use of conflict and the shattering of relational norms. He then points to the seditious pattern in Jesus' life and the way it can be discerned in some recent trends in theology. The imaginative images that he creates provide a challenging image of Jesus and of those who have relooked radically in recent years at what being a ‘seditious’ follower of Christ means for the church. Introducing both a new partner for theological conversation and a fresh way of how to go about the task, this book presents a powerful approach to exploring the life of Christ and a new way of engaging with both recent theological trends and the more challenging expressions of popular culture.

Until his untimely death in 2018, Vitor Westhelle's incisive and probing thought on the church, Luther, and theology shaped a generation. As a continuation of that rich legacy, presented here for the first time in English, is a collection of Westhelle's finest Portuguese-language essays. As a dedicated theologian of the cross, he was committed to saying things as they are, and that meant fearlessly cutting to the heart of complex matters. In this collection, Westhelle addresses important issues such as the cross of Jesus and its relation to death today; the difficulty (even impossibility) of human communication; the ecological crisis as a fundamentally religious problem; the ecumenical movement and its complicity with class interests; the church's misuse of mission and power; Lutheranism's misunderstanding of Lutherås law-gospel dialectic; and the role of European theology in making the conquest of the Americas such a disaster.