Thursday, October 13, 2005
NZ Metaphors in Theology
Another post from the futurechurch conference. Tonight's subject matter was "NZ Metaphors in Theology".
I had dinner with some friends beforehand and we were running a little late so unfortunately I missed the start. however, I did manage to hear a lot of what the three keynote speakers had to say. I won't break down the discussion in as much detail as yesterday, instead I'll list some of the metaphors that were brought up.
Overall, the importance of place was emphasised repeatedly. I'd consider it a connection with the land.
And from yesterday, I recall the story of a young unchurched kid who left church with his brother during communion to get ice-creams...Just like at the flicks!
The discussion turned to film, and I took my chance to mention three metaphors found in NZ cinema. I took these from Sam Neill's doco, Cinema of Unease.
There was some contention over the possibility of metaphors that could stand throughout the nation. Is our national identity strong enough to allow such a thing?
I think the main focus was to avoid childishly overlaying kiwiana on other's structures. There's no point updating a strightjacket, we need something freeing and authenticly us in the fullness of diversity and wierdness that us comprises of.
The last session is called "Strange bedfellows? evangelicals and progressive christians" and is tonight (friday) at 7:30pm. More details here.
My post on last night's session, Disconnected? Our relationship with the tradition" can be found here
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If you were at the conference or something here tickles your fancy, feel free to post a comment below.
Craig (mars-hill) Thursday, October 13, 2005
