Theology

Science-engaged theology has become all the rage lately. But what is ‘science-engaged theology’ and how does it relate to the pre-existing field of science-and-religion? This article argues that the field of science-and-religion and science-engaged theology seek to answer quite different questions. Science-and-religion asks about the relationship between separate disciplines or beliefs. Science-engaged theology asks how scientific research can be a source for Christian thought and practice. In so doing, science-engaged theology destabilizes the concepts ‘science’, ‘religion’ and ‘theology’ upon which both these approaches depend.

A pastoral reflection inspired by a prayer often attributed to St Theresa of Ávila, ‘Christ has no body but yours’. It recalls an occasion when a couple in need were found by the author sitting in her church porch.

We examine two examples of managerialism, in a Church of England parish reorganization and in a hospice. After reflecting on New Testament management concepts, we analyse the negative consequences of managerialism in these examples and the regulatory changes that made it possible. The article ends by suggesting how trust lost through poor management could be rebuilt through a holistic pastoral sensitivity to the whole community served by the organization, including the staff.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in the USA, churches were faced with a question of medical and metaphysical importance: can Christianity’s rite of Holy Communion spread Covid-19? This article examines Christian responses to Covid-19 through a case study of five of Christianity’s multifaceted Covid eucharistic policies, arguing that the responses of churches in times of crisis reflect a nuanced understanding of the metaphysical theories surrounding the Eucharist. The goal of this article is to serve as a primer on the relationships between beliefs of the Eucharist and Covid-19 in American churches, seeking to provide an overview and facilitate further inquiry into modern concerns of Christianity’s holiest rite and the spread of disease.

A mother in Israel invited other mothers to cook and eat their children? The story in full appears in 2 Kings 6.24—7.20. The passage is essentially about the siege of Samaria by the Syrian army. It includes tales about the siege of Samaria, cannibalism, the unbelief of a centurion, and four lepers. Although the section on cannibalism is mentioned only momentarily, it has become controversial and has captured the attention of Bible readers.