A Popular Public Theology. Issues of Pluralism, Identity, and Justice

Smith, G. (2015) A Popular Public Theology. Issues of Pluralism, Identity, and Justice. Political Theology, 16 (1). pp. 20-32. ISSN 1462-317X

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Abstract

The article begins by exploring what is meant by a popular public theology drawing on the work of the missiologist Werner Ustorf. A popular public theology refers to the informal and unofficial theological speech of society, distinct from the more formal theology of the Church and academy. Such popular public theology is found in contemporary culture, albeit often in diffuse and incoherent form. It is then argued that a popular public theology has an inbuilt relevance to the concerns of society, avoids problems associated with public theologians needing to be fluent in more than one academic discourse, and is not in danger of being reliant on the social sciences. Finally, it is suggested that by discussing the implications of cultural theological statements, public theologians are able to contribute critically to social and political debates.

Publication Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: public theology, popular theology, ordinary theology, popular culture, post-secular
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Arts and Humanities > Theology, Philosophy and Religion
Depositing User: Graeme Smith
Date Deposited: 27 Nov 2015 14:26
Last Modified: 18 Sep 2017 14:17
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/1631

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