Courage Beyond Fear: Re-Formation in Theological Education

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The aim of this book, Courage Beyond Fear: Re-Formation in Theological Education, is to combat actual crises we have survived in theological institutions. We first document responses of resistance to authoritarian structures in student and faculty meditations and sermons. Then through them we identify dispositions in community crises: shock, witness, flight or fight, marginalization, power in community, and forgiveness. Behind these dispositions we identify strategies: opposition without rancor; shared authority; vulnerability and truth telling; hope without expectation; courage beyond fear; humility without humiliation. The book proposes that these strategies of formation and resistance can be deployed in other authoritarian and paternalistic contexts.

This book also describes actual realities behind public statements of institutional changes and catastrophes through process, not outcomes. It is the first description of actual crises in theological schools from student, faculty, and staff perspectives.

"This poignant book bespeaks both the fears and trauma experienced by those immersed in theological education today, as well as the courage and conviction needed to face the task of re-formation . . . What is often missing from these discussions is a recognition of the human and spiritual cost of these organizational changes, and what this means for religious leadership in the years to come . . . Ultimately, this book testifies to the power of forgiveness and the reality of resurrection; the voices in these narratives continue on as teachers and have much to offer the church as we live in hope with an unknown future. Though many seminaries and theological schools remain fragile in terms of material resources, the resources of our faith exist in abundance there."
--Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Claremont School of Theology

"How often is it that clergy and faculty, concerned about the future of the Church and schools of theology, get together to offer their thoughts about critical moments of change and crisis? Not often enough. The authors of the chapters within this book--through sermons and reflections--detail painful vocational experiences, national crises, and the ongoing impact of racism in each of our lives. An excellent and much-needed text."
--Pamela Lightsey, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Associate Professor of Constructive Theology, Meadville Lombard Theological School

Katie Day is the Charles A. Schieren Professor of Church and Society at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is the author of Faith On The Avenue: Religion on a City Street . Currently she is conducting research on "God and Guns," looking at the role of religion in the construction of meaning and public discourse on guns.

Deirdre Good is theologian in residence at Trinity Wall Street and faculty member of the Stevenson School for Ministry in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. She is author of Jesus' Family Values and Mariam, the Magdalen, and the Mother .