Ready, Teddy God Ready, Teddy God theology and practice theology and practice of of Christian Education Christian Education with with Leslie J Francis Leslie J Francis
Dec 30, 2015
Ready, Teddy GodReady, Teddy Godtheology and practicetheology and practice
ofofChristian EducationChristian Education
withwithLeslie J FrancisLeslie J Francis
A presentation in three A presentation in three partsparts
Part onePart one
The child as theologianThe child as theologian
The Windy DayTeddy Horsley and the Holy Spirit
It is a windy day, and Teddy Horsley is a puzzled bear.
The Windy Day
Teddy Horsley tries to make sense of what adults are talking about and he uses all his available tools as a young bear.
The Windy Day
He opens his eyes to look for the wind and cannot see it, yet he sees all the activities of the wind all around him.
The Windy Day
He stretches out his paws to touch the wind, and cannot feel it. Yet he feels the power of the wind all around him.
The Windy Day
He pricks up his ears to listen to the wind, and cannot hear it. Yet he hears the impact of the wind on things all around him.
Teddy Horsley knows that the wind is there, all around him.
The church is celebrating Pentecost, and Teddy Horsley is a puzzled bear.
The Windy Day
Teddy Horsley tries to make sense of what adults are talking about and he uses all his available tools as a young theologian.
The Windy Day
He opens his eyes to look for the Holy Spirit and cannot see it. Ye he sees all the activities of the Holy Spirit all around him.
The Windy Day
He stretches out his paws to touch the Holy Spirit but cannot feel it. Yet he feels the Holy Spirit making him safe and loved.
The Windy Day
He pricks up his ears to listen to the Holy Spirit, but cannot hear it. Yet he hears the Holy Spirit making people sing and laugh.
Teddy Horsley knows that the Holy Spirit is there, all around him.
So what is theology?So what is theology?
How is theology How is theology done?done?
The classic bookWhat is Theology?
Maurice WilesOxford University Press, 1976
Geology
Subject matter Tools
Theology
Subject matter Tools
Experience of God
Experience Reflection Examination Language
Sources of revelation
Sources of revelation
Sources of revelation
Feasts with Jesus
Teddy Horsley’s church helps him to understand how the stories of Jesus illuminate the experiences of the young hear who comes to worship on a Sunday.
Feasts with Jesus
Teddy Horsley discovers the links between:
the feeding of the 5,000; the Last Supper in Jerusalem; the house in Emmaus; the bread and wine shared in his
own church.
So what is theology?So what is theology?
How is theology How is theology done?done?
The new bookOrdinary Theology
Jeff AstleyAshgate, 2002
Ordinary theology
Looking Listening Learning
Sources of revelation
Experience Scripture Church
Child as theologian
Daily experience Exposure to scripture Exposure to church
Mark 10:13-16
They brought children for him to touch; and the disciples scolded them for it. But when Jesus saw this he was indignant, and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ And he put his arms round them, laid his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Getting to know you
The Lord be with you
Ways with water
Collect for purity
Barrier builders
Confession
The mender
Absolution
Making music
Glory to God
Your clergy
Collect
Hear all about it
Ministry of the word
Follow the signs
We believe in God