On Being in the Middle: Doing Theology in the Face of Uncertainty
Ebook
In our world, there's a lack of clear middle ground. It's a divided place, with political affiliations drawing lines between the left and the right. Being in the middle is challenging; our allegiances are pulled in different directions, making it isolating and overwhelming to navigate life's complexities. But we live from the middle--between birth and death, between events, important dates, and between stability and change. In this uncertain space, we face existential questions about identity, the meaning of life, our purpose, and our place in the world. This is the domain of theology. Traditionally, theology attempts to answer these questions from the top down, declaring dogmas as absolute truths to remove the uncertainties. However, unexamined answers can become oppressive, stifling vitality, and can even become tyrannical--answers of the left or the right. This book suggests a different approach: doing theology from the inside out and from the bottom up, starting with sacred questions instead of rehearsed answers. We don't expect that the answers we come to will be final. However, we expect to find God in the middle. Theology is the practice of the presence of God, where we integrate our love and knowledge of God to live wisely in a divided world.
“In this beautifully penned book, W. J. de Kock guides us on an enchanting journey, urging us to uncover the ‘moved mover’ God residing within ourselves, permeating the in-between spaces. His is a theology within a theology, weaving the compelling narrative of theology as a practice of ‘being in the middle’ with an unmatched blend of thriller-like suspense, energy, empathy, and academic profundity. Rest assured, readers will find themselves enriched and invigorated by this book.”
—Chammah J. Kaunda, assistant professor of world Christianity and mission studies, Yonsei University
“In these wise and mature reflections, de Kock has given us nothing less than a sweeping, grand vision of how to be catalysts for liberation and justice as we live out our faith in a complex and challenging world. Anyone who seeks to live out a viable Christian faith in our current context needs to read this book.”
—Peter Enns, professor of biblical studies, Eastern University
“W. J. de Kock’s book takes us back to the heart. This book is at once a historical, theological, and deeply personal account of being in the middle. Knowledge and love combine in a way where ‘definitive knowledge and perfecting practices’ are subordinated to a life lived amidst liminality. De Kock succeeds in showing us both how to live and teach theology from a more generative and resilient place.”
—Brian Macallan, senior lecturer in theology, University of Divinity
- Title: On Being in the Middle: Doing Theology in the Face of Uncertainty
- Author: Wj de Kock
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666706185, 9781666706161, 1666706167, 9781666706178, 1666706175, 1666706183
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666706185
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-01T20:33:04Z
W. J. de Kock is a Professor of Practical Theology at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University. He is also the founder and director of Openseminary, an innovative educational approach employing inductive theological inquiry.