What is it about?
We live in fearful times with many threats and horrors. We've seen a pandemic, systemic racism and violence, resurgent nationalism and tribalism, polarization and mutual suspicion, insurrection, environmental peril due to climate change, and on and on. There are unexpected things we can't predict or control. We can feel helpless. But these threats give impetus for reflection on what faith has to say in challenging times, in any time. Where do we turn in real need? What makes a difference? What do we really believe? Fearful times bring the reality of ur connectedness with each other into sharp focus. What does our faith mean and what does it offer now for grace, comfort, and transformation. Can we speak in Christ's name against dishonesty, cruelty, and neglect of the most needy and vulnerable in a time of crisis? The pandemic and other horrors provide the catalyst, the jumping-off point for theology that lives today and in the future, in fearful times and whatever comes next.
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Why is it important?
As Christians, as people of faith, how do we find God alive in us and present in our turmoil? How may we discover ourselves already found by amazing grace? And how do we share that hope with others? What empowers us to speak truth, call out lies, seek justice, and respect others? As we face unanticipated challenges and unexpected horrors, we must also find new shapes of Christian belief, hope, and practice. This volume presents a variety of perspectives and shared answers for fearful times and living faith (submitted from summer 2020 to spring 2021).
Perspectives
Where do we turn when overwhelmed by threats and uncertainty? Austin Farrer (1904-1968) uses the image of a person deciding whether a plank makes a safe step. It's a judgment call, an interesting question, but the outcome can be existential if the plank doesn't hold. The question is no longer abstract when the person puts weight on the plank. If the plank holds, the question has an answer. The moment of decision forecloses an agnostic suspension of judgment. We may know God as we act in faith. Farrer states it's often in the moment of particular action that we discover whether we really believe something or not. Where do you put your foot for the next step? it can be a vital choice in a perilous dilemma, in fearful times. We must consider what are the solid planks that uphold us and how we may share them with others in need.
Dr Robert Boak Slocum
University of Kentucky
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Book Review: Robert Boak Slocum and Martyn Percy, Fearful Times; Living Faith, Anglican Theological Review, October 2022, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/00033286221130285.
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