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Right across denominational boundaries lay theology is dominated by negatives: the laity simply defined as the non-ordained, the alleged exclusion of the laity from full participation, the sole focus on what they cannot or should not do, and, above all, the total absence of an ecumenical lay theology.
In a unique approach, this volume sets out to find ways of overcoming these negatives so predominant in current lay theology. The author explores positions and perspectives put forward in Roman Catholic theology from Vatican II up to the present. These are compared and contrasted with concepts and suggestions of present-day Anglican Theology as well as with those of liberative theologies in Latin America and Asia. Rethinking the content, language, and metaphors of lay theology, in the final part of this volume the author proposes a new image for discussing the Church, a model focusing on the interdependence and collaboration of all the people in the Church. This is then used to sketch out the framework for a new type of lay theology. Imbedded in ecclesiology, in the concept of all believers together being the Church, the author endeavours to suggest a lay theology that is indeed positive, ecumenical and universal.
Sommario
Contents: Point of Departure, General Perspective and Framework - A Theology of the Laity in the Light of Scripture - Some Key Aspects - Laity and the C(o)urse of History - Questions and Perspectives - First Results - The Laity in the Documents of Vatican II - Paul VI - John Paul II - Unofficial Positions - 'Non-Roman' Roman Catholic Views - An Anglican Perspective on the Laity - Anglicanism and Laity: Individual Positions and Perspectives - Anglicans and Roman Catholics in Dialogue - The Perspectives and Challenges of Latin America, Africa and Asia to Lay Theology - Ecclesiological Aspects of the Laity in Liberative Theologies - The People of God: Towards a Positive Definition of the Laity - Some Suggestions for a Different Theology of the Laity - Consequences: Some Perspectives - A Biblical Vision of Being the Church.
Info autore
The Author: Thomas Hoebel studied English and Roman Catholic Theology at the university of Augsburg (Germany). He completed his studies for a M.A. and a Ph.D. in systematic and ecumenical theology at the university of Durham (GB). He currently works as a teacher in Bavaria.
