We took a break last week from our weekly roundups, and this week has been busy for us! Ed Watson continued to offer thoughtful and important reflections on the theological task, and this time he asks why we engage in theological reflection. Catherine Tobey wrote a challenging and convicting piece on veganism in conversation with Karl Barth. And Nancy Duff wrote about the importance of the meaning of the Sabbath (something I personally found encouraging in this season of my life). Philip Ziegler also wrote a brief memorial for Dr. Hans Martin Rumscheidt, a theologian and educator, who passed away this week. May he rest in peace.
As always, thank you for reading this online magazine, and we are grateful for your support and interest in our work at the Center for Barth Studies.
— Kait Dugan
God Here & Now is the online magazine of the Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary
Ed Watson, Practicing Theology: This, for me, is the “why” of theological reflection: the joy of theological creativity, an unconditional and unrelenting joy that inheres even and especially if we hold that the practice of theology is ordered toward transforming the fundaments of desire. At the point where desire itself becomes problematic, the point at which our reasons are called into question, joy remains a reason why. Because across all of it, there can be joy before, during, and after. Joy is the transcendental condition of desiring redemption. It is the substance of God's desire for us. The practice of theological reflection need not be motivated by a pure dissatisfaction, then. Its “why” can instead be grounded joy prior to use or effect, a joy out of which creation itself is woven, and into which our own fundamental creativity is always invited.
Catherine Tobey, Karl Barth Thinks You Should Be Vegan: You might scoff at the idea of going vegan for January, but the impact of [Veganuary] is undeniable. Last year, their social media efforts reached over 155 million people around the world, and folks from everywhere except Vatican City and North Korea pledged to participate. If menu adaptations from food service giants, like Ben & Jerry's and McDonald's, and endorsements from celebrities like Billie Eilish haven't been convincing, maybe it's time to call in Karl Barth.
Nancy Duff, Sabbath Rest and Hope: Exodus tells us to keep the Sabbath, because God rested on the seventh day; Sabbath points to our need to rest (Ex. 20:8–11). Deuteronomy tells us to observe the Sabbath, because God freed the Israelites from slavery; Sabbath points to freedom from bondage (Dt. 12:15). Sabbath brings peace born of rest and hope born of freedom and then infuses that peace and hope into our weekly lives and into the seasons of our lives. As Barth says, “the aim of the Sabbath commandment is that [humanity] shall give and allow the omnipotent grace of God to have the first and the last word at every point.” Unfortunately, many people’s lives are not infused with the peace and hope offered by the Sabbath.
Philip Ziegler, In Memoriam: Reverend Dr. Hans-Martin Rumscheidt (1935–2024)
The Karl Barth Society of North America has issued a call for papers for their meetings at the 2024 American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature. A commemoration of Black poet Frank Marshall Davis’ life and artistry. The Louisville Institute is inviting doctoral students to apply for their $6,000 doctoral fellowship—applications are due March 1st. The Poetry Foundation is also awarding multiple grants, ranging in size from $10,000–$100,000—applications are also due March 1st. A new book highlighting some of the best constructive and creative theological work being done by indigenous and Pasifika scholars. Professor Miri Rubin to deliver the 2024 Gifford Lectures. Dr. Matthew Novenson has been appointed Helen H.P. Manson Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary.
God Here and Now is an online magazine and newsletter from the Center for Barth Studies. If you would like to support our work, you can donate to the center here. All donations are tax-deductible. Questions? Ideas? Email us: barth.center@ptsem.edu