Miroslav Volf on Christian Witness in Turbulent Places
Nov 2, 2020
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Renowned theologian Miroslav Volf discusses his emergence as a theologian, the power of the gospel for healing in turbulent times, and the importance of Christian witness in promoting unity amidst diversity. Topics include forgiveness, reconciliation, and the challenges of embodying Jesus' teachings in today's society.
Volf's upbringing in Croatia under communist rule shaped his perspective on faith, emphasizing unity amidst persecution.
Volf's academic work highlights the transformative power of relational faith in reconciliation to prevent divisions.
Deep dives
Holiness Pentecostalism in Croatia Under Communist Rule
Miroslav Volf discusses his upbringing in Croatia as a member of a small group of Pentecostals living under communist rule. Describing Pentecostals as a minority within a minority, he emphasizes the influence of holiness Pentecostalism, attributing his spiritual journey to his parents' honest and spiritually driven approach to faith. He shares poignant stories of his father's survival in a labor camp, highlighting the transformative power of faith amidst desperate circumstances.
Inspiration for Reconciliation Through Minority Experience
Volf reflects on how his minority experience growing up inspired him to bridge into the wider world, emphasizing the importance of reaching out beyond their community. He credits his family for instilling a sense of evangelism and outreach to Orthodox and Catholic Churches despite persecution, leading to a desire for unity among the persecuted.
Journey from Rebellion to Faith and Theology
As a preacher's kid, Volf initially rebelled against his parents' faith, viewing their ministry to marginalized individuals with skepticism. However, a transformative experience during missionary work in former Yugoslavia led him to embrace faith and pursue a path in philosophy, theology, and teaching. Guided by family influences and a passion for study, he found his calling early on.
Integration of Faith and Public Engagement
Volf's academic journey, from Zagreb to Fuller Seminary, culminated in his influential work 'Exclusion and Embrace'. Motivated by the war in former Yugoslavia, he explores identity negotiation through the lens of the prodigal son's embrace. Emphasizing the father's transformative identity shift towards reconciliation, Volf advocates for a relational approach in faith to prevent hardened divisions and promote communal forgiveness.
Miroslav Volf’s writing is considered some of the most significant theological work of the last century. He was born into a family of Pentecostal Christians in Croatia, under oppressive Communist rule, and a “minority of a minority” (as he would later describe it). For almost four decades, his writing has been a testament to the power of the gospel for reunification and healing in the aftermath of war and political turmoil, as well as a vision for human flourishing in an experience of Trinitarian love.
On this episode, we talk about his emergence as a theologian, the development of his work, and his perspective on the turbulent times we’re experiencing today.