Troubling (Public) Theologies: Spaces, Bodies, Technologies

Theologies require reimagining and relocating to embrace fresh insights and energies, particularly in spaces, bodies, and technologies in Africa, Asia, Black America, the Caribbean, and Pasifika. This collection is troubling as it challenges the notion of what theology is not public and takes theologies to be inherently troubling.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Theologies, regardless of their specific designations, are inherently public measures that reveal and assess the broader publics to which they pertain, whether they are situated, resting, lying, or collapsing. As publics evolve and intermingle, theologies necessitate reimagining and repositioning, actively embracing new insights and energies. This work focuses on three clusters of insights and energies: spaces, bodies, and technologies. The highlighted spaces encompass regions such as Africa, Asia, Black America, the Caribbean, and Pasifika, which are often overlooked by mainstream theologies. The privileged bodies have endured the consequences of empire and missionary positioning, bearing the scars of these historical experiences. Additionally, the welcomed technologies include Dalit, indigenous, art, poetry, cyborg, and the novel, representing diverse and innovative perspectives.

This collection is particularly troubling in several ways. Firstly, the act of reimagining and relocating public theologies is a challenging endeavor that requires careful consideration. Secondly, this work extends the concept of public theologies beyond those explicitly labeled as such, recognizing that all theologies possess a public dimension. Thirdly, this work posits that theologies, in their essence, are inherently troubling, as they challenge and interrogate established beliefs and norms. In other words, theologies that fail to provoke thought and discomfort are not sufficiently public in their scope.

By exploring these themes, this collection offers a fresh perspective on the role of theologies in shaping public discourse and understanding. It challenges the boundaries of traditional theological discourse and encourages a broader exploration of the complexities and nuances of religious beliefs and practices. Through its interdisciplinary approach, this work seeks to bridge the gap between academia and the broader public, promoting dialogue and understanding between different communities and cultures.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978714403