Political Formation
Being Formed by the Spirit in Church and World
Published on 31. January 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-334-06303-2 (ISBN)
Description
What might it mean us to be formed as disciples not only by the church but also by the world? In Political Formation: Being Formed by the Spirit in Church and World, Jenny Leith argues that ethical and political formation of Christians takes place through the work of the Spirit both in the church and in civic life, and the church, too, has something to learn from wider political practices and movements. This account of formation places centre stage a reckoning with the forms of exclusion and marginalisation that mar the church, and yields an understanding of the church as not only ethically formative but also in constant need of being formed itself.
Offering a fresh vision for ecclesiology, which grapples with the ethical failings of the church and takes seriously the need for the church to keep on recognising and repenting of its sins, the book offers a major new contribution to discussions around Christian formation and the relationship between discipleship and ethics.
Offering a fresh vision for ecclesiology, which grapples with the ethical failings of the church and takes seriously the need for the church to keep on recognising and repenting of its sins, the book offers a major new contribution to discussions around Christian formation and the relationship between discipleship and ethics.
Reviews / Votes
"Jenny Leith's account of Christian formation is insightful, original, and timely. She shows that formation happens both in the church and in the wider world, and that we shouldn't accept any monochrome picture of where good formation takes place. And she out a rich and exciting vision of humble but determined Christian participation in practical politics, and of the transformations that such participation can bring in its wake. This is an important book, and an urgent one, for anyone interested in the church's place in the contemporary world." -- Mike Higton "We can gain some important insights from this .... book. The questions that it raises about the changing sources of our moral as well as spiritual formation are important" Rural Theology "This brilliant book develops a perceptive vision of Christian life, grounded in real experience. Rather than defending the church from all criticism, Leith is bold enough to acknowledge that Christians can learn from the civic life of democratic societies. By refusing false certainties, Political Formation demonstrates the expansive potential of political theology, inspired by the possibility of surprise. It's the best work of theology I've read for some time." -- David NewheiserMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
369 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-334-06303-2 (9780334063032)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
01/2023
1st Edition
SCM Press
€46.99
Available for download
Person
Dr Jenny Leith is a political theologian, with a particular interest in Christian formation. Her research interests bring together negative theology, spirituality, political theory, and ecclesiology - interests which grew out of several years spent working as a parliamentary researcher and in social policy.