Wild Goose Theology Happy Hour with Joerg Rieger and Emilie Townes
Aug 3, 2016
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Join liberation theology expert Joerg Rieger and social justice scholar Emilie Townes as they dive into transformative themes from the Wild Goose Festival. Rieger discusses his new book and the grassroots significance of liberation theology, while Townes shares insights on womanist theology and the unique challenges faced by black women. The conversation explores intersectionality, embodied theology, and critiques of traditional narratives. They conclude with a lively round of theological questions, tackling topics like God’s identity and the value of diverse beliefs.
Joerg Rieger emphasizes liberation theology as a movement advocating for the oppressed, redefining the Gospel's understanding through praxis and social justice.
The podcast highlights intersectionality as crucial for comprehending the complexity of individual experiences shaped by intertwined forms of oppression.
Emilie Townes discusses the importance of embodiment in theology, urging that theological reflections must remain rooted in lived experiences and realities.
Deep dives
The Significance of Liberation Theology
Liberation theology, often associated with Gustavo Gutierrez, emphasizes the importance of evangelization and a preference for the poor. This theological approach suggests that true understanding of the Gospel involves actively engaging with the oppressed and marginalized, arguing that praxis shapes theology. Gutierrez’s insights question the traditional conservative notion that God sides with the powerful, instead advocating for a God who is present with the poor and oppressed. By framing liberation theology as a grassroots movement driven by real-life struggles, practitioners are called to redefine theological discourse to focus on social justice and radical love.
The Role of Jesus as an Organizer
The podcast discusses how historical Jesus research has evolved, highlighting Jesus not only as a radical preacher but also as an impactful organizer. This insight points to the recognition that Jesus's actions were deeply rooted in the socio-political context of his time, actively challenging the oppressive Roman regime. By understanding Jesus's dual role, the importance of organizing around shared struggles becomes clear, showcasing a model for modern activism and community-building. This comprehension invites a re-thinking of church missions and community engagements reflective of Jesus's proactive stance against injustice.
Intersectionality and Theological Discourse
Intersectionality is highlighted as essential for understanding how various forms of oppression intersect and impact lived experiences. By moving away from talking about issues in isolation, intersectionality encourages a holistic view that sees the complexity of identity and oppression. The podcast emphasizes that a genuine theological conversation cannot occur without acknowledging how race, gender, and class dynamics play vital roles in shaping individual narratives. Through this lens, theologians can foster a deeper understanding of collective struggles, leading to enriched discourse and community solidarity.
Embodiment and Materiality in Theology
The significance of embodiment and materiality in theological and ethical reflection is discussed, with the assertion that theology must be rooted in lived experiences. This suggests that theological constructs detached from real-world implications can perpetuate oppression or misrepresentation of marginalized groups. The hosts articulate the need for an integrated approach that not only acknowledges the physical body but also actively engages with the realities of oppression. By promoting theology that encompasses both spirit and matter, a more authentic and relatable faith practice emerges.
The Quest for Deep Solidarity
The concept of deep solidarity is explored as a way to unify diverse groups working toward justice while respecting individual identities. This notion transcends the idea of sameness, focusing instead on collective struggles and shared goals, even in the face of differences. The hosts illustrate the power of solidarity through examples of diverse faith communities collaborating on social justice issues, suggesting that real transformation occurs when groups prioritize the voices of the marginalized. By fostering this deep solidarity, theological and social movements can drive meaningful change and acknowledge the complexities of community organizing.
Mickey ScottBey Jones and Tripp interview Emilie Townes and Joerg Rieger for the Theology Happy Hour at the Wild Goose Festival.
And just like those who joined live, you can play along at home. Every time they say a word you haven't heard in the last 60 days, take a drink!
Joerg and Tripp are up first, talking about Joerg's new book, Unified We Are A Force. Plus, Joerg gives an intro to liberation theology and Gustavo Gutierrez, how Karl Barth was impacted by working class people in Switzerland, and how those with privilege can use it.
Then, Mickey and Emilie talk about Emilie's journey in womanist theology, if white dudes can do womanist theology and if not, what should they do with it, indigenous woman theology, health, and wellness.
Lastly, the Happy Hour ends with the softball game! Emilie and Joerg are lobbed theological softballs and knock them out of the park. Pitches include: intersectionality, emodiment, theological solidarity, God is black, polydoxy.