What thresholds of theology would we cross if we engage the aches and despairs, wisdoms and hopes in and of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the neighboring sea of islands? What thresholds need to be jarred or moved (threshold as opening), probed and raised (threshold as limit, ceiling)? This book engages these questions, over two vaults: (1) "(re)Locating theological studies" contains essays that interrogate the purposes of theological studies (locally and globally), identify gaps due to the Western heritage and blind spots of "traditional theology," and provide examples of how those gaps may be bridged when local concerns are engaged; (2) "Nativizing theological studies" contains essays that present and engage the heritage and wisdom of tangata whenua (indigenous, native people) of Aotearoa and Pasifika. These essays reaffirm the "native" rhetoric with pride. Overall, this collection of essays affirms that theological studies have a future, and that there is a role for theologians in and from Aotearoa New Zealand and Pasifika to play in navigating (into) that future.
Jione Havea is research fellow with Trinity Methodist Theological College (Aotearoa New Zealand) and with the Centre for Religion, Ethics, and Society (Charles Sturt University, Australia). Emily Colgan is a lecturer in theology at Trinity Methodist Theological College in Auckland, New Zealand. Nasili Vaka'uta is the current Principal & Ranston Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Trinity Methodist Theological College, Auckland, New Zealand.
1. Nau mai, Haere mai: Welcome Jione Havea, Emily Colgan, Nasili Vaka'uta (re)Locating theological studies 2. Margins as Thresholds Nasili Vaka'uta 3. Early Christian Networking and Overcoming Isolation and Competition in Theological Studies in Aotearoa Paul Trebilco 4. Gift exchange and pae nekeneke: Learnings for theological education from the history of becoming Presbyterian in Aoteoroa New Zealand Steve Taylor 5. Whakawhanaungatanga (doing right relationship), Beyond a Failure of Nerve and Imagination Kathleen P. Rushton 6. Tough Conversations: Engaging with Biblical "Texts of Terror" in Aotearoa New Zealand Emily Colgan and Caroline Blyth 7. Asking the Right Questions: Noticing and Naming Sexual Abuse David Tombs 8. Thresholds of Alternatives: Re-imagining the Vocation of Theological Educators George Zachariah 9. Digital Technologies and Theological Education Stephen Garner Nativizing theological studies 10. Maori Theology: Unavoidable, Priority Arapera Ngaha 11. Biculturalism and Democratic Decision-making: Models for Theological Education Moeawa Callaghan 12. Once was Colonised: Jesus Christ Te Aroha Rountree 13. Taniwha, Guardians in Creation: Thresholds for Maori Theology Keita Hotere 14. Wheiao, a Threshold: Where Maori and Pakeha meet Beverly Moana Hall-Smith and Rosemary Dewerse 15. Moana and Qoheleth: Futility in Diaspora? Brian Fiu Kolia 16. Calling for CONversion Jione Havea
