Steven R. Guthrie – författare

Resonant Witness gathers together a wide, harmonious chorus of voices from across the musical and theological spectrum to show that music and theology can each learn much from the other -- and that the majesty and power of both are profoundly amplified when they do.  With essays touching on J. S. Bach, Hildegard of Bingen, Martin Luther, Karl Barth, Olivier Messiaen, jazz improvisation, South African freedom songs, and more, this volume encourages musicians and theologians to pursue a more fruitful and sustained engagement with one another. Contributors:Jeremy S. BegbieBruce Ellis BensonAlastair BorthwickDaniel K. L. ChuaNancy van DeusenMargot FasslerSteven R. GuthrieCarol HarrisonTrevor HartC. Michael HawnJoyce IrwinJohn Paul ItoAnthony MontiDavid J. R. S. MoseleyMichael O'ConnorCatherine PickstockRichard J. PlantingaRobert ShollNancy van DeusenJohn D. Witvliet

The metaphor of performance has been applied fruitfully by anthropologists and other social theorists to different aspects of human social existence, and furnishes a potentially helpful model in terms of which to think theologically about Christian life. After an introductory editorial chapter reflecting on the nature of artistic performance and its relationship to the notions of tradition and identity, Part One of this book attends specifically to the phenomenon of dramatic performance and possible theological applications of it. Part Two considers various aspects of the performance of Christian identity, looking at worship, the interpretation of the Bible, Christian response to elements in the contemporary media, the shape of Christian moral life, and ending with a theological reflection on the shape of personal identity, correlating it with the theatrical metaphors of 'character' and 'performing a part' in a scripted drama. Part Three demonstrates how art forms (including some technically non-performative ones - literature, poetry, painting) may constitute faithful Christian practices in which the tradition is authentically 'performed', producing works which break open its meaning in profound new ways for a constantly shifting context.

Art is often viewed as being inherently spiritual. But what does it mean to describe an experience of art or beauty as "spiritual"? Is there a relationship between the spiritual experience a person has in the presence of a work of art and the Holy Spirit of Christian faith? Skilled theologian, musician, and educator Steven Guthrie examines areas of overlap between spirituality, human creativity, and the arts with the goal of sharpening and refining how we speak and think about the Holy Spirit. By exploring various connections between art and spirituality, he helps Christians better understand the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and offers a clear, engaging theology of the arts. The book includes a foreword by renowned theologian and musician Jeremy Begbie.

The metaphor of performance has been applied fruitfully by anthropologists and other social theorists to different aspects of human social existence, and furnishes a potentially helpful model in terms of which to think theologically about Christian life. After an introductory editorial chapter reflecting on the nature of artistic performance and its relationship to the notions of tradition and identity, Part One of this book attends specifically to the phenomenon of dramatic performance and possible theological applications of it. Part Two considers various aspects of the performance of Christian identity, looking at worship, the interpretation of the Bible, Christian response to elements in the contemporary media, the shape of Christian moral life, and ending with a theological reflection on the shape of personal identity, correlating it with the theatrical metaphors of 'character' and 'performing a part' in a scripted drama. Part Three demonstrates how art forms (including some technically non-performative ones - literature, poetry, painting) may constitute faithful Christian practices in which the tradition is authentically 'performed', producing works which break open its meaning in profound new ways for a constantly shifting context.

The metaphor of performance has been applied fruitfully by anthropologists and other social theorists to different aspects of human social existence, and furnishes a potentially helpful model in terms of which to think theologically about Christian life. After an introductory editorial chapter reflecting on the nature of artistic performance and its relationship to the notions of tradition and identity, Part One of this book attends specifically to the phenomenon of dramatic performance and possible theological applications of it. Part Two considers various aspects of the performance of Christian identity, looking at worship, the interpretation of the Bible, Christian response to elements in the contemporary media, the shape of Christian moral life, and ending with a theological reflection on the shape of personal identity, correlating it with the theatrical metaphors of ''character'' and ''performing a part'' in a scripted drama. Part Three demonstrates how art forms (including some technically non-performative ones - literature, poetry, painting) may constitute faithful Christian practices in which the tradition is authentically ''performed'', producing works which break open its meaning in profound new ways for a constantly shifting context.

The metaphor of performance has been applied fruitfully by anthropologists and other social theorists to different aspects of human social existence, and furnishes a potentially helpful model in terms of which to think theologically about Christian life. After an introductory editorial chapter reflecting on the nature of artistic performance and its relationship to the notions of tradition and identity, Part One of this book attends specifically to the phenomenon of dramatic performance and possible theological applications of it. Part Two considers various aspects of the performance of Christian identity, looking at worship, the interpretation of the Bible, Christian response to elements in the contemporary media, the shape of Christian moral life, and ending with a theological reflection on the shape of personal identity, correlating it with the theatrical metaphors of ''character'' and ''performing a part'' in a scripted drama. Part Three demonstrates how art forms (including some technically non-performative ones - literature, poetry, painting) may constitute faithful Christian practices in which the tradition is authentically ''performed'', producing works which break open its meaning in profound new ways for a constantly shifting context.

A groundbreaking collection showcasing women's voices in Christian theology across time and tradition The Women's Christian Theology Reader offers a transformative approach to theological study by centering the voices of women from across the centuries and around the world. Featuring primary sources from the second century to the present, this singular collection brings together writings from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions—presenting theology through poetry, sermons, hymns, and visual art as well as traditional theological prose. Organized around core theological topics, the Reader introduces key doctrines while allowing women's perspectives to shape the discussion. Each chapter includes introductory reflections, commentary on selected excerpts, and discussion questions that encourage deeper engagement. Newly commissioned essays from contemporary women theologians provide insight into how these historical writings continue to shape and challenge Christian thought today. The only theological reader that presents core Christian doctrines exclusively through the writings of women, The Women's Christian Theology Reader: Features writings from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions, highlighting the broad range of women's theological perspectives.Concludes each chapter with contemporary essays that connect historical voices to modern theological discourse.Incorporates perspectives from feminist, womanist, and other theological frameworks while respecting historical contexts.Expands the theological canon by including lesser-known but significant women theologians.Thoughtfully designed as both a standalone textbook and a supplementary resource, the Women's Christian Theology Reader is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in Christian theology, church history, or women in the Christian tradition within degree programs in theology, religious studies, and divinity. It is also a must-have for general readers seeking to understand theology through a wider and more generous lens—one that acknowledges the contributions of women as integral to the Christian tradition.

A groundbreaking collection showcasing women's voices in Christian theology across time and tradition The Women's Christian Theology Reader offers a transformative approach to theological study by centering the voices of women from across the centuries and around the world. Featuring primary sources from the second century to the present, this singular collection brings together writings from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions presenting theology through poetry, sermons, hymns, and visual art as well as traditional theological prose. Organized around core theological topics, the Reader introduces key doctrines while allowing women's perspectives to shape the discussion. Each chapter includes introductory reflections, commentary on selected excerpts, and discussion questions that encourage deeper engagement. Newly commissioned essays from contemporary women theologians provide insight into how these historical writings continue to shape and challenge Christian thought today. The only theological reader that presents core Christian doctrines exclusively through the writings of women, The Women's Christian Theology Reader: Features writings from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions, highlighting the broad range of women's theological perspectives. Concludes each chapter with contemporary essays that connect historical voices to modern theological discourse. Incorporates perspectives from feminist, womanist, and other theological frameworks while respecting historical contexts. Expands the theological canon by including lesser-known but significant women theologians. Thoughtfully designed as both a standalone textbook and a supplementary resource, the Women's Christian Theology Reader is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in Christian theology, church history, or women in the Christian tradition within degree programs in theology, religious studies, and divinity. It is also a must-have for general readers seeking to understand theology through a wider and more generous lens one that acknowledges the contributions of women as integral to the Christian tradition.