Many surely know that Doug is a great fan of my speaking. In fact, sometimes when we are co-presenting a seminar at some conference or other, he becomes so entranced with my melifluous tones, my impeccable grammar, and my indisputible reasoning, that he forgets to get up and give his part of the presentation. Well, now it has become clear that he is just as fond of my writing. Right back at ya, Duke. I think you’re a helluva writer,... Read more

Wanna talk about Emergent? Meet me for dinner at 8pm!!! [this is an update!!!] in the lobby of the Comfort Inn in Mt. Vernon on Friday, October 7. If you’re involved in youth ministry, you can also register for SkillQuest at MVNU — it’d be great to see you there! Read more

1. Explicate the developmental psychological theory of Erik H. Erikson, paying special attention to the feminist critique of his work in the late 20th century. Why has Erikson’s lifecycle theory been so extraordinarily influential to practical theologians? What are the limitations of his theory for practical theology? 2. Some have argued that the postmodern life cycle challenges the developmental theory of Erikson and other stage theorists. Evaluate the work of Friedrich Schweitzer in this regard, and address whether these postmodern... Read more

…for Bob Carlton whose father died unexpectedly last night. Read more

Join us for lunch on October 3 to connect with other people in the San Francisco Bay Area interested in Emergent Conversations. The goal of this lunch is to cultivate friendships and perhaps “reimagine” what exactly“Emergent” is. Lunch will be hosted by Mark Scandrette with special guest Tony Jones, recently designated national coordinator for Emergent. WHEN? Monday October 3, 2005 12:30 P.M. WHERE? Naan N’ Curry, 398 Eddy St., San Francisco, CA 94102 (in the Tenderloin District at the Northeast... Read more

Wanna talk about Emergent while you’re there? If so, meet me at these times/places — we’ll go grab a meal: Sacramento: Saturday, October 1, Hyatt Regency Lobby, 12:30pm Pittsburgh: Sunday, October 16, Westin Lobby, 12:30pm Nashville: Saturday, November 19, Renaissance Lobby, 5pm All are welcome!!! Read more

1. Contemporary social theorists approach culture and the relationship between culture and popular culture quite differently. These definitions span the range of social disciplines and philosophical perspectives. Imagine (and explain to us) where your understanding of culture and popular culture “fits” in this disciplinary and philosophical maze, describing in detail one cultural theory (and theorist) you consider especially important to practical theology. How do your own normative (theological) commitments as a practical theologian help you appreciate and critique this cultural... Read more

3. At dinner one night, you, Jürgen Moltmann, and an “organic intellectual” from the Emergent church network (pick one) fall into a discussion about an issue or a situation that is problematic for the Emergent church in 2005. Track the dinner conversation in dialogue form: How do each of you assess this situation, especially in terms of ecclesiology? What sort of assistance does Moltmann offer you, as practical theologians, in addressing the normative (theological) dimensions of this issue? What advice... Read more

So, yesterday I was locked in a room for 6 hours in order to answer these three questions (written by the inimitable Kenda Dean): 1. One of the most important dogmatic theologians to develop a workable ecclesiology for practical theology is Jürgen Moltmann. Provide an overview of some of the most important themes in Moltmann’s understanding of the church. 2. How would you evaluate Jürgen Moltmann as a practical theologian? What does he offer practical theology in terms of method... Read more

1. The religious education movement exerted great influence on American Protestant Christian education during the twentieth century. Drawing on the central writings of two or three key figures in this movement, identify the core features of the “religious education paradigm.” Offer a critical assessment of this paradigm from your perspective as a Christian educator and practical theologian situated at the beginning of the twenty-first century. 2. Some argue that a theological appropriation of the contemporary discussion of practices in philosophy... Read more