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Bonhoeffer, Formation, and Education

Submitted to Program Units
1: Bonhoeffer: Theology and Social Analysis Unit

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Matthew Puffer, Valparaiso University, Presiding

Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

The papers in this session explore Bonhoeffer's theological legacy in relation to various aspects of theological education, including decolonial methods, theological formation, and pastoral care.

Papers

  • Dianne Rayson, Pacific Theological College

    Teaching (With) Bonhoeffer: Decolonising and Contextualising Theologies from the Otherside

    Abstract

    This paper describes the experience of teaching Bonhoeffer in Oceania from the perspective of Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji, and in turn, the influence of Bonhoeffer on pedagogy and methodology. The paper uses this context to interrogate contemporary issues in contextual theology, dialoguing with Jione Havea’s important chapter, “The Cons of Contextuality…Kontextuality” (2011). It then describes some emerging Pasifika theologies that centre relationality with land and ocean, identifying some resonances with Bonhoeffer’s key notions of sociality, Christocentrism, and ethics of responsibility.

  • Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Other

    Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Theological Formation, and Learning at the Margins

    Abstract

    Writing about the “changing landscape of theological education” is nothing new; in fact, it has constantly been changing through various stages over the past millennia. While his context was different, Dietrich Bonhoeffer also experienced a highly structured system on one side and rapid (and deadly) change on the other. His book Life Together details his experiment in intentional communal theological education, and his writings on theology and spiritual care demonstrate what is at stake for the Church in contemporary society, especially among those at the margins. This paper traces Bonhoeffer’s theological and pedagogical insights to offer proposals for the future of theological education, focusing on embracing innovation with humility, prioritizing relational pedagogy, engaging contextually and prophetically, and fostering lifelong learning and vocational discernment.

  • Aaron Klink, Duke University

    Theology’s Primacy in the Care of Souls: Bonhoeffer on Formation for the Ministry of Pastoral Care

    Abstract

    Bonhoeffer's seminary at Finkenwalde has sometimes been referred to as an experiment in Protestant monasticism.  His lectures on Pastoral Care, reconstructed from his outlines and surviving student notes make clear that he believes that Gospel-centered pastoral care requires both intellectual and spiritual formation to achieve its task.  For Bonhoeffer, psychological distress comes from a human sin that prevents an individual from hearing the Gospel, and identifying this sin is the primary task of pastoral care. Bonhoeffer also attempts to differentiate pastoral care based on what seems to be a polemical portrait of psychoanalysis. This paper explores the usefulness and limitations of Bonhoeffer's focus on theology and how it might be enriched by greater dialouge with psychological sciences and medicine.

Audiovisual Requirements

Resources

LCD Projector and Screen
Play Audio from Laptop Computer
Podium microphone

Sabbath Observance

Sunday morning

Full Papers Available

No
Program Unit Options

Session Length

2 Hours

Schedule Preference

Sunday, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Tags

#ecotheology
#Bonhoeffer
#decolonization
#contextual theology