Catherine Keller: God-ish?:Logos of Theos in a (Seriously) Uncertain Time
Mar 14, 2016
auto_awesome
Catherine Keller, a Professor of Constructive Theology, dives into profound topics about the nature of God and spirituality. She challenges reductionist views of the divine, advocating for a multi-dimensional understanding of God as love. The conversation explores themes like healing, justice, and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the relationality in faith. Keller engages with concepts of theopoetics and affect theory, highlighting how personal narratives shape our experiences of the divine, urging a fresh approach to theology in uncertain times.
Catherine Keller emphasizes that God is fundamentally about love and justice, challenging reductionistic definitions that fail to resonate in a modern context.
The theological concepts of Creation, Incarnation, and Eschaton illustrate a dynamic relationship with the universe, focusing on ongoing processes rather than static doctrines.
The integration of affect theory highlights the importance of emotions in theology, enhancing our understanding of divine presence in daily community interactions.
Deep dives
Theopoetics and the Nature of God
Theopoetics addresses the complexities of discussing God, especially in modern society where traditional notions may seem inadequate. The concept centers around the idea that God symbolizes a relationship to all that exists, emphasizing that this relationship should be defined by love and justice. The challenge lies in articulating this notion in a way that resonates with contemporary individuals, particularly those outside religious institutions, where God is often perceived with skepticism. Recognizing this dynamic can pave the way for reinterpreting God’s duality as both love and the relational essence of being.
The Interconnection of Creation, Incarnation, and Eschaton
Creation, Incarnation, and Eschaton are frameworks that not only describe theological doctrines but also highlight the continuous process at work in the universe. The idea of Creatio ex profundus suggests that creation emerges from a depth of potentiality rather than nothingness, allowing us to comprehend our relationship with the world on multiple levels. Incarnation extends beyond the singular historical figure of Christ, recognizing the divine nature in the collective human experience. Eschaton reflects the dynamic potential for transformation and renewal, emphasizing an open-ended future influenced by human actions and relationships.
The Impact of Language on Theology and Ethics
The relationship between language, theology, and ethics fuels discussions about how to approach divine matters responsibly. Unsaying and Respeaking God's nature shapes the ethical frameworks through which people engage with their faith. This not only involves deconstructing traditional narratives but also constructing new theological expressions that reflect current realities and ethical responsibilities. Thus, theological discourse can empower communities to recognize their roles in promoting love and justice within an intertwined existence.
Affect Theory and Its Theological Implications
Affect theory explores the significance of emotions and feelings in understanding human experience and relationships, integrating them into theological discussions. The theory underscores the interconnectedness of feelings and their effects on ethical behavior, encouraging a comprehensive view of how spirituality intertwines with human dynamics. The upcoming interdisciplinary conference at Drew Theological School aims to examine these themes, fostering dialogue between affective experience and theological inquiry. Such engagements can ultimately enhance our understanding of divine presence in everyday interactions and enhance communal solidarity.
Convergence of Theology and Community Practices
The intersection of theology and community practices reflects on how faith can be enacted in practical, transformative ways. By reevaluating traditions, theology can emerge in spontaneous, inclusive forms, such as communal meals or gatherings designed to eliminate social barriers. These practices not only foster a sense of belonging but also challenge societal norms related to economic disparities and exclusivity. Theology thus transforms into a lived experience where divine love and justice manifest through actionable community engagement.
Keller will tackle that question and more on the podcast! Over the course of the conversation the relationship of language to theology, the problem of reductionistic accounts of God, Creation, Incarnation, Eschatology, process, atheism, radical theology, jazz, fireworks, micro-theology, and more. It was a super zesty conversation that will leave you wanting more. Luckily that can be arranged.
Catherine Keller is Professor of Constructive Theology at the Theological School of Drew University. In her teaching, lecturing and writing, she develops the relational potential of a theology of becoming. Her books reconfigure ancient symbols of divinity for the sake of a planetary conviviality—a life together, across vast webs of difference.