Author L. Juliana M. Claassens et al (eds.)
Publisher SCM £45
Format pbk
ISBN 9780334065135
The reviewer’s task is sometimes difficult. Here is a well-written book, a series of essays, full of academic insight, probably (so far as I can judge) at the cutting edge of theological research. And yet, hand on heart, I am unable to recommend it to readers of Transforming Ministry, for it seems relatively remote from their day-to-day work, in preaching and teaching the gospel, in encouraging local congregations to understand Christian life, and in pastoral ministry. It is also very expensive: a book for libraries and university academic bookshelves.
My overall judgement became clear from the outset but as I read, I became quite sympathetic to the book’s ideas and concepts, although I suspect these will only widely appeal to relatively progressive ministers and theologians. Subtitled, ‘On Jonah, and Other Activists’, this is a series of learned papers on ‘queer theology’, based around new and radical interpretations of the prophets, especially the eponymous Jonah. If there is a unifying motive, it is to provide encouragement to minority groups who feel themselves excluded or under prejudice within some churches. That said, I could not help wondering how many churches would be able to deploy the precise theological ideas presented here, as opposed to pastoral love and practical policies for inclusion.
There is a full international flavour to these essays, with authors from Europe, North America, Africa and Australia. The main authorship and editorial input come from Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape. Part 1 is a series of papers based on ‘queer’ interpretations of Jonah – unusual but powerful ideas, often linked to active protest, exemplified perhaps by a silent, peaceful demonstration by LGBTIQA+ people at a synod of the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa. Part 2 is much more general and presents examples of ‘prophetic’ work – in the broadest sense of the word – to promote the cause of inclusion. I found the paper on Desmond Tutu, and his commitment to speaking out for LGBTIQA+ equality, particularly interesting – a relatively rare example of an African church leader speaking against the prevailing cultural climate in his continent.
In summary, this is an interesting book, which is certainly at the radical end of the spectrum. It shows the modern direction of travel for liberation theology. Unfortunately, it cannot be recommended for parish ministry, and it will probably upset some traditionalists from page one. Nonetheless, it is strongly recommended for all good theological libraries, especially those in ministerial training institutions.
Reviewed by MALCOLM DAWSON
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