We live in an age where Christian faith and theology require a renewed imagination and a different kind of intelligence. This issue is explored in a variety of ways by contributors to this, our third, edition of Theology@McAuley.
Professor Tony Kelly describes the task in terms of "Faith Seeking Fantasy." He derives his inspiration from the fairy stories of J. R. Tolkien, author of Lord of the Rings. Bet Green is inspired by a recent pilgrimage to the ancient Celtic burial ground in Ireland's Newgrange. The immediacy of her experience is captured in word and photography. For those who prefer to make their pilgrimages with internet ease and speed, Ian Elmer's "Armchair Pilgrim Guide to Online Shrines" will provoke a world of imaginative possibilities available through your computer screen. Then there's Greg Smith's "Holy Spirit of Larrikinism" which finds its inspiration in the "sacred irreverence" of Australian poetic images.
Other contributors seek imaginative and intellectual renewal in the sources of the classical tradition ranging from Plato (Dr Stuart Weierter) and St Paul (Pauline Guthrie) to patristic figures Origen (Professor Charles Kannengiesser) and Severus of Antioch (Professor Pauline Allen). Dr Drasko Dizdar delves into the eremetical tradition as a way of responding to the contemporary "Search for meaning and desire for God." Likewise, biblical, patristic and medieval sources are imaginatively and intelligently explored for fresh interpretations of Christian salvation (Dr Damien Casey) and revelation (Robin Ryan).
Regular presenter on Christian-Hindu dialogue, Dr John Dupuche, explores issues of relationship and identity between Christ and Shiva. The interfaith theme is further developed by Dr Gerard Hall with respect to Catholic Church teaching on other religions since Vatican II. Dr David Pascoe in his "Ecclesiological Revision of Vatican II" explores the Church's mission with an ecumenical sensibility and challenge.
The feature article of Professor Terence Lovat challenges readers to reflect on what he calls the "moderately post-scientific" world in which we live. He characterizes such a world in terms of combining a mixed set of beliefs in scientific processes, moral principles and mystical knowledge. While ethical frameworks differ, Professor Lovat provides an erudite account of "proportionism" as an authentic Christian response to bioethical issues confronting today's society.
Closer to home and in the realm of practical theology, Tony Harkness explores creative and tensive issues relating to authenticity and inclusiveness in Catholic Education. Michael G. Michael provides poems and reflections that remind us of the importance of the imagination for Christian faith and life. Finally, returning to the Australian larrikin tradition, there is laugher, satire and humour to cool the mind and refresh the soul.
This edition of Theology@McAuley comes from our new home at Banyo (pictured for you at the top of this Editorial). For this reason, it is pleasing that our contributors include Dr David Pascoe of St Paul's Theological College with whom we share location, library, fidelity to the Catholic tradition and creative exploration of the Christian mind and imagination for the twenty-first century.
Our movement towards a clearer editorial and publishing policy is underway, an editorial board is in process of formation, and possible new names for the Ejournal such as "Australian E-Journal of Theology" are being discussed.
Please forward ideas regarding name, format, structure or presentation of the Journal to Yuri Koszarycz or Gerard Hall.
Thank you to the feature-writers, staff and student contributors and the many readers, national and overseas, who appreciate the quality of this fledging journal. Particular thanks to Yuri Koszarycz, Theology Webmaster, whose imagination, skills and energy have now seen the birth of this third edition of Theology@McAuley. The name may change, but our commitment to inspire and challenge the theological imagination through a high quality E-Journal remains.
Dr Gerard Hall sm
Head, School of Theology13th February 2003
