Bodies Inhabiting the World: Scandinavian Creation Theology and the Question of Home offers a multidimensional investigation of how houses, bodies, communities and the whole universe may be conceived and refigured as places where we belong--where we are at home in God's creation. In this way, revisiting the tradition of Scandinavian creation theology provides profound resources to make theological affirmations of God's omnipresence in the human condition we all share. The emergence here of an exciting new theological program can be recognized--beyond the limitations of other contemporary agendas' cul-de-sacs, blind spots and diffidence. What it is to have a home is a universal question closely connected to what it means to be human and to live a good, flourishing, life. But the negative experiences of homelessness, broken homes, statelessness and alienation always lurk in the background of the universal quest to find one's home in the world. This book contains fourteen essays exploring the dynamics of the human experience of finding, losing and finding again a home.
Derek R. Nelson is professor of religion and liberal arts at Wabash College. Niels Henrik Gregersen is professor of systematic theology at the University of Copenhagen. Bengt Kristensson Uggla is professor of philosophy, culture, and management at Abo Akademi University.
In the spirit of the Scandinavian Creation Theology, the international authors of this delightful book address theologically the meaning of 'home'. Considering the human need to 'belong' as universal, the chapters shed light on the multifarious experiences of connections and dis-connections, comfort and discomfort, from one's bodily existence and human relations to dynamics in one's world and religiosity. With eyes on the big picture of the creatures' space in the cosmos, central Christian concepts are open for re-examination. This inspiring book is inviting and gives hope for the future of Christian theology.--Kirsi Stjerna, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Scandinavian Creation theology is a dynamic and significant contribution to contemporary constructive theology. The name should not mislead you, though: The volume shows the international relevance its resources represents, and contains insights that can be employed in a profound manner by scholars in other parts of the world, as well. Thus, SCT it is part of a wider web of theological work that goes on in the present in order to enhance our understanding of the depths of human existence and experience--Jan-Olav Henriksen, MF Norwegian School of Theology
