Theological News On-Line

Theological Commission Makes Strong Progress on Contextualisation Project

A task force of the WEA Theological Commission met for three days at Wycliffe Hall Oxford in August 2008 to discuss and refine a series of papers on contextualization of exegesis and theology. Under the leadership of Dr Matt Cook, FATEAC, Cote d'Ivoire, and administrative help of Rob Haskell (USA), 14 scholars from eight countries, refined their papers and made plans for their publication and other ways of sharing their findings. Included in the group were two representatives of the WEA Mission Commission which is also working on the same subject and will also produce essays and other materials. Participants were enthusiastic about the quality of the work and sharing of insights.

Dr Cook said, "The process worked very smoothly with each person giving their prepared paper, followed by responses and interaction. The tremendous benefit was the interaction of different cultural backgrounds, different fields of study, and different perspectives. The formal and informal interaction was laced with life transformative conversation, personal development, as well as problem solving (on the theoretical level) of contextualization. At the end we worked together to list (and categorize) significant elements of contextualization. It may be that the greatest benefits of this conference, besides the book, will be the transformation of individuals (and our thinking about contextualization), the networking (an important goal of the TC), and this final listing of elements of contextualization."

Papers, which had been under preparation for many months prior to the consultation, covered topics such as culture, social settings, divine revelation and authority, globalisation, inerrancy, theological praxis, syncretism and others. The papers are now undergoing revision to ready them for publication. It is anticipated that the volume from this consultation will relate to the work being done by the Mission Commission. Consideration is also being given to the translation of the material into several different languages so that it can be used in many places around the world.
Dr Cook said that the next phase of the project involves preparing curriculum materials which will serve as practical guides to the process of contextualisation for use at local church and seminary level. Dr Cook added, I think this tremendous work will require another conference of about 10 individuals who would work on producing a single document of less than 20,000 words that would provide steps for contextualization, probing questions to assist the practitioner, areas where contextualization may be necessary in areas such as theological systems, folk religion and worship."
Other participants reported on the benefits of the consultation, mentioned especially positive cross cultural discussion, fruitful interchange between theological disciplines, sharing between scholars in an open and constructive manner, and in particular, "theological reflection for the practicing church, not so much the academy."

In summing up the consultation, he said, "This consultation was extremely beneficial for those able to attend, let us pray that its usefulness extends to the whole church through the published work and future projects."

Dr David Parker, Executive Director of the WEA TC, said, "We are extremely grateful to Dr Matt Cook who had the vision for this project and for his leadership in planning it. Rob Haskell's work on the administrative side has been invaluable, and Wycliffe Hall as a venue was ideal. We are also very thankful for those who provided funding for this consultation over and above our normal TC budget. We are now looking for ways to fund the later parts of the venture so its full benefit can be made available to churches around the world. It has been a milestone in our work and we look forward to the next stages of the project, including the association with the Mission Commission."

World Evangelical Alliance Theological Commission Task Force Issues Statement on Jewish Evangelism

A declaration calling for "Renewed commitment to the task of Jewish evangelism" and "Recognition of the uniqueness of Christ as the crucified, resurrected and divine Messiah who alone can save from death and bring eternal life" has been issued by the WEA Theological Commission. The "The Berlin Declaration on the Uniqueness of Christ and Jewish Evangelism in Europe Today" was developed by a task force of the Theological Commission at a consultation in Berlin, Germany August 18-22, 2008. The statement may be read at www.worldevangelicals.org/news/Berlin_2008_Statement_(1).pdf

The 1200 word document calls for reconciliation and unity amongst believers in Jesus, respect for religious conviction and liberty that allows frank discussion of religious claims and repentance from all expressions of anti-Semitism and all other forms of genocide, prejudice and discrimination.

The consultation, which was five years in planning, was called to address current concerns about the necessity and theological basis for Jewish evangelism especially in the setting of Germany and Europe as a whole. It involved 13 scholars from the Theological Commission, key seminaries and other organisations. It also included practitioners engaged in ministry amongst Jewish people, and Christians from Germany and Messianic Jews. A total of 13 papers were presented covering biblical, theological and practical matters which provided the background for the Declaration. A spokesman for the TC said that plans are in hand for the publication of the papers as an additional resource for those interested.

The Berlin Declaration 2008 follows in the wake of earlier documents produced by the WEA on Jewish evangelism. The first was the Willowbank Declaration of 1989 which was hailed at the time as a decisive statement and continues to be referred to as a landmark document. The second was a brief statement published and endorsed by the WEA reinforcing the validity and importance of Jewish evangelism which appeared in the New York Times in 2008, with 54 signatures (and more added later).

TC Executive Director, Dr David Parker, said, "With the background of Willowbank and the NYT statement, it is our prayer that the Berlin Declaration 2008, signed by the thirteen members of the Task Force, will prove to be equally useful in supporting the work of taking the gospel 'to the Jew first' and also the rest of the world. We believe the European setting of our statement is particularly significant. We hope that this declaration will encourage many Christians to see the importance and biblical warrant for this important ministry. We would like to see the Berlin Declaration 2008 circulated as widely as possible amongst those who are engaged in and interested in this ministry."

While the Berlin Declaration 2008 is not an official document of WEA, the Theological Commission is distributing it for study and consideration. Comments and responses are welcome and can be directed to the Theological Commission at the addresses shown above.

TC-08 Bangkok

Plans are being finalised for the annual Theological Commission event to be held October 22-25 in Bangkok, Thailand in association with World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly which follows at Pattaya. An important part of TC-08 will be a consultation topic, "Holistic Gospel in a developing community." The TC will contribute two plenary papers on the biblical/theological foundations and historical developments. They will be presented by Dr James Nkansah (NEGST, Kenya) and Dr Justin Thacker (Head of Theology, EA UK). These presentations will be followed by in-depth discussion on several areas of application of this theme in relation to the practical work of churches in Thailand covering topics such as ministries relating to children, prostitution, HIV/AIDs and the issues of politics and corruption.

In addition there will be another English language discussion group which will focus on international aspects of the topic. It will include contributions from theologians present at the consultation as well as input from participants in an on-line discussion group recently set up by the TC with the intention of gathering insights, experiences and resources from people around the world who are not able to attend in person. Findings from both the Thai language discussions and the international group (including the e-group) will be compiled into a document to be available from the TC display at the WEA General Assembly which follows TC-08 in Pattaya, Oct 25-30.

The annual TC gathering is open to TC commissioners, Global Members and invited guests and observers and other interested friends by arrangement. The Global membership scheme enables anyone interested in the work of international evangelical theological activity to participate fully in the annual gathering of the TC and the rest of its activities. Membership and annual subscription details are available on request and those interested in TC-08 are invited to contact the TC office for more information. tc@worldevangelicalalliance.com

Plans are also progressing for the 2009 annual meeting and consultation to be held in a Latin American venue (to be announced), probably in the third quarter of the year.

How is the TC funded?

The World Evangelical Alliance Theological Commission (TC) has a range of activities including publications (especially Evangelical Review of Theology and Theological News), study projects, conferences, and consultations with theologians and theological associations around the world. It is led by a widely representative group of 12-15 international theologians, with a chairman and an Executive Director. There is also a Global Membership scheme for individuals and institutions who can share at their own expense in the work of TC by means of an annual subscription.

Although the TC is a commission of the WEA, its work is funded separately by interested supporters. One group has faithfully provided enough funds annually over many years for the basic operations to continue. Some additional funding comes from the sale of the Theological Resource Library CD-ROM, but otherwise the TC does not gain anything from its publishing activities. Some of the study projects have attracted designated funding from interested parties to enable them to take place, and other donations are received occasionally. Some organsiations have taken up particular parts of the overall program for support. The Global Membership scheme is self-funding, and it is not intended as revenue source. In addition, people involved in the TC activities contribute their time and, many cases, take care of their own expenses for travel and conference costs.

Our work is limited by the funding available, and there are many activities and projects that the TC would like to develop if funds were funds and personnel were available. We are actively seeking partners who can fund various aspects of the work on a one-off or continuing basis. Please contact the TC Executive Director if you are interested in partnering with us or have ideas that would help.

Baptist Theologians Meet in Prague

Leading Baptist theologians and scholars from around the world issued a statement following the seventh Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE). BICTE, an international conference planned by the Baptist World Alliance, and normally held every five years, which took place at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague from July 26-29.

The 121 participants from 34 countries listened to 15 papers on a range of historical, educational, theological, and spiritual topics from speakers representing many parts of the world. Some of those present were younger leaders from a special program inaugurated recently by the Baptist World Alliance. The overall theme reflected the forthcoming 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement with the title, "Probing the Theological Boundaries: The Baptist Story from Amsterdam to Tomorrow." Presenters included Ian Randall, Daniel Carro, Brian Harris, David Gushee, Louise Kretzschmar and Edna Grenz. There were also significant presentations made by official responders to the papers.

The program began with a session tracing Baptist theological footprints over the past 400 years. Subsequent sessions explored topics relating to ministerial formation and heard reports from member regions about the status of theological education around the globe. Participants were particularly challenged to consider how their institutions could address the contemporary ecological crisis; the exploitation of women and children; the changing forms of worship in the church; greater utilization of art, film, and other media in the classroom; and a radical spirituality that is open to fresh winds of the Spirit.

At the end of the conference, participants endorsed a report and statement which emphasised the principle concerns of the group. The statement says:

"As a gathering of Baptist theological educators open to God's self-disclosure, expectantly awaiting God's coming reign in both time and space, we commit ourselves to:

1. Enact convictions and practices evident in the historic walk of early Baptists: reading the Bible, living the life, nurturing the community, redeeming the powers, and telling the story.
2. Welcome from our many cultures and contexts new insights in the form of diverse enactments of our common Baptist way of life.
3. Pursue theological education that involves a life-long process of learning for both students and teachers to be carried out in joint partnership with local churches.
4. Uphold the sacredness of all life, actively demonstrating our faith by respecting and caring for God's creation.
5. Seek repentance for our failure to advocate for those who are abused, impoverished, and marginalized.
6. Prepare leaders who will equip local communities to live the Christian life, share the gospel, and engage in works of justice as expressions of Christian love.
7. Glorify the Triune God through holistic practices of worship, work, and witness in which our Lord Jesus Christ summons us through the power of the Holy Spirit to join in God's mission to all the world."

"Theologians Without Borders"

One of many innovations reported during the seventh Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE) held at Prague, July 26-29, 2008, was the program being developed by Dr Geoff Pound known as "Theologians Without Borders". Pound, a former New Zealander now serving as an itinerant theologian based in the United Arab Emirates, said, "Theologians Without Borders (TWB) is a ministry of the Baptist World Alliance that brings together seminaries that need short-term teachers and conventions that need preachers with people who are equipped and available to serve. While it has commenced among Baptists it is not exclusively a Baptist venture. Already expressions of interest and requests for help have come from people and seminaries representing different branches of the church."

A former Principal of Whitley College, Melbourne, Pound said, "The vision emerged out of my experience when I commenced in early 2006 as a volunteer seminary teacher and conference speaker. When my availability became known I not only received more requests than I could handle but many opportunities were in areas that were not my primary expertise. As we talked, we envisaged a flexible coordination group that could act as a clearing house for requests, various ways we could sound the Macedonian call, ‘Come over and Help Us!’, a matchmaking service that could bring together people with the right skill and theological shade and a resource centre that prepares both teachers and the institutions that will receive them."

Theologians Without Borders is based on the biblical concepts of partnership and mutual encouragement. Teachers who teach at a seminary for a week or a month or preachers who speak at a Pastor’s Conference generally come at their own expense or are supported by their seminary, convention or local church. The onus is on the receiving partner to meet the costs of food and accommodation.

TWB commenced in a small way, but requests have been received from a wide range of countries. The types of need vary considerably including teaching, administration, and leadership development. Offers of teachers are also increasing. Those who would like to be involved are invited to submit an expression of interest. Similarly, those who can assist with funding are welcome to contact Dr Pound. Further information is available at the TWB website http://theologianswithoutborders.blogspot.com/

Other innovations in theological education are also reported on the TWB website  http://theologianswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2008/08/creativity-in-theological-education.html

On-Line Library Resources Available Globally from Latourette Library, Pasadena

Latourette Library of William Carey International University offers resources for people around the world in Bible, theology, missions, international development, and practical tools, according to an announcement by the Director of Library Services, Laura Raab. She explains, "The home page (www.wciu.edu/library) links to non-password protected resources such as the Theological Journals Search of open-access journals and to our catalog. To find academic-level e-books that are open to anyone, scroll down our home page to Find Books. Click on our catalog link, then in the Location box type the word "open" and add any other search terms in the appropriate fields. Currently the catalog lists 1447 open-access books, but more are frequently added.

The reference page (www.wciu.edu/library/reference.html) provides links in many different categories and the web links database (http://library.wciu.edu/links/) has over 8500 links covering number of subjects.

The William Carey International University (associated with the U.S. Center for World Mission) is a small private university focusing on international development and offering MA and PhD degrees. These programs are field-based and may be taken in most regions of the world. Applicants must be affiliated with or aiming toward work with specific voluntary agencies (NGOs, non governmental organizations) involved in cross-cultural development, many of which are faith-based. Most WCIU students study in the location where they currently live and work.

Notice to Readers

Thank you for interest our work and newsletter through the year.

Subscriptions: May we remind those who take the printed version that subscriptions for 2008 are now due. The details are at the foot of this letter. There is no need to renew subscriptions for the TN On-Line.

Change of Address: It helps us a great deal if you can update us on changes of address (email and/or postal) or cancellations. Please provide name and address as shown on the mailing label. These details can be emailed. If you subscribe to our electronic Forum or receive TN On-Line, please advise us of changes of email address. We have quite a number of 'dead' addresses now which we would like to revive!

Global Membership: You may be involved directly in the activities and work of the Theological Commission by taking out Global Membership (individual, institutional or National Evangelical Alliance/Fellowship) so that by an annual subscription you can receive our publications and be part of our conferences and consultations. For further information, see below and contact the TC Office - tc@worldevangelicalalliance.com 

**Participate with the TC - Global Membership

Join the TC's Global Membership-categories for individual theologians; seminaries, missions churches and other institutions; and National Evangelical fellowships and their theological units. Annual membership brings subscriptions to TC publications (ERT and TN) and the ability to share in the TC's annual conferences, networking and planning sessions, TC study units and task forces. For more information, contact tc@worldevangelicalalliance.com