Description
A Convergent Model of Renewal addresses a perceived crisis for faith traditions. How do we continue to value tradition while allowing for innovative and contextual expressions of faith to emerge? How do we foster deeper participation and decentralisation of power rather than entrenched institutionalism? Drawing on insights from contemporary philosophy, contextual theology, and participatory culture, C. Wess Daniels calls for a revitalisation of faith traditions. Here he proposes a model that holds together both tradition and innovation in ways that foster participatory change. This convergent model of renewal is then applied to two case studies based in the Quaker tradition: one from the early part of the tradition and the second from an innovative community today. The model, however, is capable of being implemented and adapted by communities with various faith backgrounds.
About the Author
C. Wess Daniels has a PhD from the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and is a released minister (pastor) of Camas Friends Church. He taught courses at George Fox Seminary and Earlham School of Religion.
Contents
Foreword by Ben Pink Dandelion
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Alasdair MacIntyre and the Ongoing Nature of Tradition
2. Stephen Bevans and Mission: Developing the Synthetic Model
3. Henry Jenkins and Participatory Culture
4. A Convergent Model for Participatory Renewal
5. The Convergent Model and Early Quakerism
6. The Convergent Model and Freedom Friends Church
Conclusion
Afterword
Bibliography
Endorsements and Reviews
One of Quakers’ great contributions to the Christian faith is their historical willingness to challenge tradition when justice is in question. By explaining Quaker reliance on the Holy Spirit and group discernment processes, Daniels details a way forward for any church when culture wars disrupt our unity and tarnish our hopes.
MaryKate Morse, author of Making Room for Leadership
In this fine book, C. Wess Daniels locates hope for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in an open and convergent future, in which the best of its evangelical, liberal, and conservative traditions are blended with new energy and revelation. Daniels offers an impressive number of theories and case studies from 350 years of history that will provide much inspiration for those who are wanting to strengthen their Friends meetings or churches, or to start new ones. Highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to revitalize their local church!
Stephen W. Angell, Leatherock Professor of Quaker Studies, Earlham School of Religion, Richmond, Indiana
