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The use of apocalyptic language in political speech, particularly in the current presidential campaign, is causing concern among political watchers and religious scholars. This language, which draws on religious imagery and evokes fears and archetypal images, can be divisive and dangerous in an already polarized society. Apocalyptic beliefs are not limited to evangelical Christians, as many Catholics also hold these beliefs. While apocalyptic thinking has a long history in the United States and is often used during times of crisis, it is important to distinguish between legitimate concerns and the misuse of religious texts for political gain. The article discusses how politicians manipulate biblical stories to mobilize mass movements and control narratives, and the dangers of using apocalyptic beliefs to justify violence and promote Christian supremacy. Scholars and religious experts emphasize the importance of promoting love, inclusivity, and problem-solving in politics, and encourage critical thinking and accountability within Christian communities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of friendship, play, and laughter in the spiritual relationship with God, highlighting how these elements have been neglected in traditional Christian teachings. It emphasizes the shift from servanthood to friendship in the relationship with God, and the significance of a playful and joyful connection with the divine. The author argues that laughter is an essential part of the spiritual life, reflecting the grace of God and enhancing the relationship with the divine. The text also explores the theological implications of humor in scripture and the teachings of Jesus, advocating for a more playful and joyful approach to spirituality. [Extracted from the article]

Rosemary Carbine, a professor of religious studies at Whittier College, explores the intersection of faith and social movements in her book "Nevertheless, We Persist." She argues that traditional views of religion in public life are limited and exclusionary, and instead proposes a new vision of public theology that emphasizes solidarity and prophetic truth-telling. Carbine highlights various social justice movements, such as the civil rights movement and the Catholic Worker, as examples of how faith-based activism can transform public life. She envisions a more just and inclusive society that is shaped by diverse religious perspectives and practices. [Extracted from the article]

A study from North-West University explores the role of public theology in addressing challenges such as COVID-19, political unrest, and natural disasters in sub-Saharan Africa. The research emphasizes the importance of public theology and public pastoral care in fostering resilience and providing support to communities facing adversity. By integrating spiritual and social dimensions, public theology offers hope and purpose to those affected by crises, ultimately promoting human flourishing in the region. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Universidad San Sebastian discusses research findings on public theology. The study explores the relationship between communities and institutions, drawing on Christian social ethics, political philosophy, and social sciences. The research proposes the concept of binding citizenship as a bridge between communities and institutions, emphasizing the integration of solidarity and liberty in both. The study provides insights into the connections between citizenship, democratic culture, and community building. [Extracted from the article]

In the article, the author discusses the developments in teaching and research in homiletics in South Africa. Topics include the declining church membership in some urban areas due to secularisation, the religious groups in the country like Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and the Christian churches like the African Independent Churches (AIC), Charismatic churches, and neo-Pentecostal churches.

In the sense of public theology, this article defines historic church buildings as places of the public. Thus they belong to all and all are responsible for their preservation. This community character is developed using the concept of cultural heritage:What people have created and interpreted in a meaningful way must be re-appropriated by each generation. Finally, three pastoral-theological potentials – multiperspectivity, participation and transformation – are elaborated on the basis of practical examples from the church's cultural heritage work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in Zadok Paper discusses the work of Dr. Brian Edgar, focusing on his theology of everyday life grounded in God's trinitarian character, particularly emphasizing friendship, play, and laughter. Various contributors honor and engage with Edgar's work, highlighting the importance of friendship in shaping and sustaining individuals, fostering mental wellness and spiritual health. The article also explores the connection between friendship and neighborliness, the fear of informality in viewing God as a friend, and the creative link between friendship and work in horizontal ways. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the joy and laughter that God's friendship brings, encouraging readers to embrace a more light-hearted and joyful approach to faith and life. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses emerging trends in North American homiletics, as of May 2022. Topics discussed include Interdisciplinary engagement which reminds preachers and scholars that preaching needs to engage the world, ways ethical tasks are performed in the center of the practice of preaching in many pulpits, and number of preachers that have increased from minority communities.

Christian engagement in philanthropy is one of the legal rights of Christians in China. At the same time, Christians' philanthropic activities are supposed to be conducted in accordance with corresponding laws and regulations. This paper examines the theological rationale for Christian engagement in charity and proposes approaches to effective philanthropic work for the churches in China to make their due contributions to the public welfare of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new study from Cardiff University explores the connection between public theology and the protocols used to manage pandemics, such as handwashing, social distancing, and face-covering. The research argues that these protocols have biblical antecedents, citing examples from the Hebrew Bible where priests were commanded to wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting, and isolation or quarantine was imposed on individuals with suspected skin diseases. While these protocols were originally for religious purposes, they may have inadvertently helped to halt the spread of infectious diseases. The study provides an analysis of specific biblical passages to support this argument. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the notion of public theology in the U.S. in relation to the career of Jesuit theologian John Courtney Murray. Topics include the thought of theologian David Tracy on the publics that are audiences for theology, problems with theology in university contexts, and the significance of theology from people in marginalized groups. The responses of theologians including Eric Martin to the August 2017 Unite the Right Rally of far-right extremists in Charlottesville, Virginia are addressed.

Philipp Alexander David (1730–1808), the son of the prominent court Jew Alexander David (1687–1765) in Braunschweig, expressed his wish to convert to Christianity in 1752. This triggered a complex, fast-paced discourse among and between Christians and Jews about conversion, divorce, custody of children, and the status of minorities. An intense public theological discourse between Lutheran and Pietist Protestant theologians in Halle and Helmstedt revealed a clash of religious ideals with natural parental rights. Traditional patriarchic views of marriage and family contrasted with an emerging enlightened perspective of the rights of the mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a review of the biography "Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation" by Collin Hansen. The biography explores the life and ministry of Timothy Keller, a prominent pastor and missionary known for his work in New York City. The book focuses on the influences that shaped Keller's spiritual journey and pastoral approach, highlighting his commitment to bridge-building, intellectual eclecticism, and generous orthodoxy. The reviewer praises Keller's impact and recommends the biography as a valuable resource for those interested in Keller's life and ministry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses 4 theological frameworks that can help in the task of offering African-American gang girls an alternative hope and future. These include a practical theology that models Jesus' ministry to the marginalized, the public theology that calls for common sense gun laws and a ban on assault weapons and a proposed womanist eco-theology to start project for African-American girls that includes creating community gardens and green spaces on devastated urban land.

The article presents the author's views on public theology which refers to presenting the message of Christianity in public spaces that include nonbelievers. The author quotes blogger Dwight Longenecker, who described two different churches in the U.S., of which one group is composed of Catholics who believe the Catholic Church is here to change the world. The author says people can dissolve the differences between Catholics when they focus their attention on the core essentials of beliefs.

Several letters to the editors are presented in response to article in the previous issue, which includes the article "The American Housing Massacre," in the March 12, 2015 issue, "Beyond -Creation' and Natural Law: An Evangelical Public Theology," and "The Ennobling Constraints of the Everyday."

The article offers the author's insights on the writing of Jesuit priest Andrew Hamilton on public theology. He mentions that he admires Hamilton's ability to bridge the separation of secular and religious realms as well as allow readers to enter the world of Catholic theology. He also comments on Hamilton's article in June 2010 wherein Hamilton explained the rationale behind his writing and the priest's message during the centenary conference of the Melbourne College of Divinity in July 2010.