By exploring the key areas of both the empirical and theoretical study of religious and spiritual experience, the Studyguide will serve as an accessible and nonpartisan guide to enable its readers to explore the range of challenging data, debates, approaches, and issues that relate to the study of this widespread and significant phenomenon
This volume brings together three key and contested areas facing educationalists within schools, colleges and universities: values education, religious education and human rights education. Challenges and opportunities within each of these three areas may be illuminated and explored by bringing them into creative dialogue. These core constructs were explored in a recent seminar convened by the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, the leading international association for religious educators and values educators across the world. This volume presents twenty-one key contributions made to the seminar, spanning both conceptual and empirical perspectives and rooted in both religious and secular traditions. It draws together a unique collection of international perspectives on the interlocking themes of values, human rights and religious education.
Exploring the core beliefs of Christian theology, this book delves into their importance for worship, daily living, and intellectual engagement. It offers insights into how these theological concepts shape the Christian faith and practice, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their implications for both personal and communal life. Through a comprehensive approach, it highlights the interplay between belief and action within the Christian tradition.
This volume brings together two core concepts that are central to understanding the social and public significance of religions and theologies within the contemporary world and are therefore of key importance to the discipline of religious education: diversity and intersectionality. Religious diversity requires an understanding of religions and theologies and their roles within a plural society. However, the effect of the intersectionality of multiple social identities on a person’s flourishing illuminates the ways in which the broader complexity of diversity must be viewed from different perspectives. These core constructs were brought together in a recent conference convened by the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, the leading international association for religious educators across the world. This volume presents twelve key contributions made to the seminar, spanning both conceptual and empirical approaches, and represents a unique collection of international perspectives on the interlocking themes of intersectionality and diversity.
Key themes of Christian theology, life, and discipleship are explored in this series, providing concise introductions that cater to those seeking to deepen their understanding. Each installment focuses on essential concepts, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for readers interested in enhancing their spiritual journey.
Religious educators today must help young people develop as well-rounded individuals in a multicultural and multifaith context. Teaching the history of religions alone is insufficient; religion is a living aspect of life, not just a relic of the past. Educators must also explore the beliefs that religions hold about themselves and each other. Religions engage with the concept of truth, which can foster harmony or lead to conflict. The critical issue is how different truth-claims interact with one another. Thus, teaching religion necessitates grappling with the theology of religions. This collection of original essays features contributions from educators influenced by both Christian and Islamic perspectives, addressing the challenges and opportunities in teaching religion and truth. The discussions, stemming from the sixteenth conference of the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, aim to encourage deeper reflection and inform effective local practices.
Are you a fan of Reflections for Daily Prayer? Would you like to share it with others or use it with a group? This special, shortened version of the liturgy-based Bible notes covers Lent and Holy Week 2011and is an ideal taster for those considering the annual version, or for churches or home groups wishing to study the Bible together during Lent.For each day of the season (excluding Sundays) it offers full references and a quotation from the day's set of Scripture readings, a challenging commentary on the readings and a collect.
Exploring the transformative journey of faith, this book emphasizes that true conversion involves perceiving the familiar aspects of life—solitude, suffering, friendship, and joy—in a new light. Through these everyday experiences, readers can deepen their understanding of the gospel and cultivate a personal relationship with Christ. The author encourages finding significance in the ordinary, suggesting that authentic faith emerges from recognizing the profound meaning within our daily lives.
Exploring God-talk maps the contours of religious language. It surveys the variety of ways in which religious believers both speak to God and speak about God, and tries to respond to the serious criticisms that have been raised of different aspects of our 'God-talk'. Beginning with an overview of the variety of ways in which language is used in faith and religion, the book moves on to consider the functions of language in religious experience and the religious life, particularly in prayer and worship. Two chapters are the devoted to a consideration of the important area of 'descriptive' God-talk, both figurative and literal. Problems relating to the meaningfulness of religious language and the interpretation of the Scripture are also addressed, and the pastoral and ethical significance of God-talk explored. Illustrations are drawn throughout from both everyday speech and the Christian tradition.
Focusing on the concept of "ordinary theology," Jeff Astley examines the theological insights of Christians without formal theological training. He emphasizes the importance of both empirical research and theological reflection to reclaim theology as essential to every Christian's vocation. The book delves into the philosophical, theological, and educational implications of ordinary theology, highlighting its significance for theologians and church ministry while addressing various criticisms. Astley asserts that this form of theology represents the church's frontline engagement with faith.