A Pastoral Proposal for an Evangelical Theology of Freedom

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Albert J.D. Walsh. A Pastoral Proposal for an Evangelical Theology of Freedom

A Pastoral Proposal for an Evangelical Theology of Freedom

Preface

Introduction

1 / The Foundation and Fundamental Problem

2 / Israel: Dialectic of Obedience-Disobedience

3 / The New Testament Witness to Graced Freedom

4 / The Testimony of Paul to Graced Freedom

5 / The Book of Revelation: Freedom for Humanity

6 / The Ecumenical Characteristics of Graced Freedom

Conclusion

Bibliography

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A Respectful Response to the Expressed Hope

of Dr. Karl Barth

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The freedom for humanity incarnate in Christ Jesus and given witness to in his gospel must always be seen as the form of graced freedom that transcends all humanly fabricated forms of freedom—regardless of their merit! The pastor in his or her study, pulpit, and lectern is called to proclaim this form of graced freedom with all the wisdom, insight, and integrity at his or her command (and let us never forget, under the presence and power of the Holy Spirit). Whether in the seminary classroom or holding pastoral office in the local ekklēsia, this is the audience we would hope to address and engage in open and constructive conversation.

We suppose someone could raise the question as to what makes this a theological expression distinctive to the context of North America, as it would seem from all that has been stated thus far, this same proposal could have been drafted on almost any continent and in almost any country in the world. And we would respond that what makes this proposal unique is that it derives from the context of the local church/Church in the United States, and not merely as a theological exploration of some cultural issue endemic to North America; it is a proposal for a critically constructive way in which theology can be done—from a pastoral perspective—and in relation to the current crises facing the church/Church in the United States. We have attempted, in this introduction, to address (even if only in a tentative fashion) one aspect of the crises, by making reference to the numerous ways in which a particular and limited understanding of liberty has adversely affected the identity, worship life, concept of discipleship, overall discernment, and theological self-understanding of the local church/Church.

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