Vulnerability and Glory: A Theological Account

by Kristine A. Culp

Overview

Disasters indicate the complex peril of earthly existence. Suffering and risk are global realities. Yet, the biblical depiction of persons and communities as "earthen vessels" also suggests that vulnerable creatures can be strengthened to receive and bear the grace and glory of God. Culp demonstrates how vulnerability to devastation and to transformation is the very basis for life before God. The glory of God may be witnessed in resistance to inhumanity and idolatry, and expressed in delight and gratitude for the good gifts of life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664235222
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	10/28/2010
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Kristine Culp is associate professor of theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School. She works in constructive theology, especially in relation to feminist theologies and theology in North America. She has written on protest and resistance as theological themes, the use of fiction in theological thinking, a theology of Christian community, feminist and womanist theologies, and "experience" in contemporary theology. She is the editor of the LTE book The Responsibility of the Church for Society and Other Essays by H. Richard Niebuhr.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction: Vulnerable to Devastation and Transformation 1

Vulnerability

Life before God

Overview

Part 1 Vulnerability and Community

Chapter 1 From Paul's Earthen Vessel to Augustine's Mixed Body 13

Paul: Vulnerable Vessels, Glorious Treasure

Irenaeus: Reliability and Renewal

Second and Third Centuries: "The Pivot of Salvation"

The Problem of Ambiguity within Churches

Cyprian's Spiritual-Structural Unity

Changing Circumstances

The Visible and Invisible Church in Augustine

Dynamic Complexity or Stability and Mastery?

Chapter 2 Assembled under the Cross: Martin Luther's Christendom 35

The Sign of the Cross

Captivity

The Treasure of the Gospel

The Creative Power of the Word

Paradox: The Visible and the Hidden Church

Multiple Strategies

Chapter 3 Calvin on Corruption and Transformation 53

"How God's Glory May Be Kept Safe on Earth"

Idolatry and Corruption

Divine Accommodation

Advancing toward Holiness

The Face of the Church Becomes Visible

Outward Marks

Patterning the Christian Life

Vulnerability, Ambiguity, and Transformation

Chapter 4 Modern Treasure? 73

An Inadequate Approach: The Antithesis of Visible and Invisible Church

Brunner's Communicating Communion

Gustafson's Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Ruether, Reformation, and Redemption

Beyond Strategies of Invulnerability

Part 2 Transformation and Devastation

Chapter 5 A Field of Tensions and Conversions 93

Calling and Sending

"Whoever Welcomes?"

Situated in the Midst of Life

Turned toward the Glory of God

Christianity as Converting Movement

Chapter 6 Vulnerability in a World Marked by Suffering 113

A World Marked by Suffering

Reengaging the Sign of the Cross

Going through Suffering

Calvin on Bearing the Cross

Alternative Pedagogies?

Ways of Living before God

Part 3 Living before God

Chapter 7 Always Reforming, Always Resisting 135

Marie Durand: "Résister" as Testimony

A Call to Resist Idolatry

A Call to Resist the Denial of Human Dignity and the Degradation of Life

A Call to Critique Theology's Own Idolatries

Struggle and a Via Negativa

Always Reforming, Always Resisting

Chapter 8 An Itinerary of Delight and Gratitude 159

Dissatisfaction

Walking in Faith

Reorientation

Delight in God and in Life

A Corporate Via Affirmativa

Notes 183

Index 223