Good Theology
I think there should be a “Bad Theology” column, along the lines of Ben Goldacre’s “Bad Science” column in the Guardian. There would be no shortage of candidates and, while some atheists would qualify, so would many theologians. But to refer to bad theology implies that there’s also good theology – a suggestion which would be ridiculed by those who regard all theology as being on a par with studying tooth fairies and orbiting teapots. So what is good theology?
read the rest here. Tina Beattie in the Guardian
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Maggi has kept a blog since September 2003, writing about theology and faith, the arts and literature, and a little about life and random nonsense...
In an increasingly secularised society few people have a good working knowledge of the Bible. Yet a great deal of our culture is built on stories or ideas that come from the Bible. Literature, art, music, language and even the fabric of our society - such as our justice system - are built on Christian concepts and biblical references. The Writing on the Wall provides a fascinating introduction to the Bible's best-known, and most influential, stories. Each chapter gives some background to the text of the Bible, and shows how the stories have become enmeshed in Western culture. Adam and Eve, the ten plagues of Egypt, The Prodigal Son and Mary Magdalene all feature - along with how the Bible has influenced everyone from Shakespeare to Monty Python, and Caravaggio to Banksy. 
Giving It Up explores the Lenten idea of 'giving up', taking it beyond the traditional idea of simply abstaining from something, and suggesting instead that what we need to give up is our existing ideas about God. With a daily readings for each day of Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, it follows the heroes of the Bible who had to give up their own too-small ideas about God.
This is Maggi’s bestselling book of daily readings for each day of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Advent is the beginning of the Church year, and marks the anticipation of the coming Messiah. These readings explore how beginnings and endings in our own lives are illuminated by the different Gospel narratives of Christ's coming.
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what a fantastic idea!!
I seem to recall one of the long-standing theology blogs (name escapes me at the moment) having an annual “worst theology book” post but yes “Bat Theology” would be a great idea.
I’m aware this is totally inadequate, but I would start by saying “good theology” has to start from an honest recognition of our inability to fully understand what we are struggling to understand.
> “Bat Theology” would be a great idea.
“Can’t argue with that, Batman”
Robin
Try http://marikablogs.blogspot.com/ for regular updates on theological themes, and occasional debunkment of bad theology… It’s a cracking read!
Jim, I like Marika’s blog, just as I used to like supervising her work when she was a student here. She has a sparkling mind!
> “Bat Theology” would be a great idea.
“Can’t argue with that, Batman”
Robin