Ethnographic Theology : An Inquiry Into the Production of Theological Knowledge

This book uses ethnography as theological practice, yielding a theology constructed at the intersection of church, academy and everyday life. Drawing on the author's research in her Baptist church, the resulting 'ethnographic theology' produces creative theological insights, while also proposing fresh alternatives for Christian thought and action. Can ethnography open new possibilities for theology in the often unlikely places where we live our faith? This book breaks new ground by using reflexive ethnographic methods to get academic theologians and everyday Christians talking to each other about theology. Drawing on the author's research in the Baptist church where she served as a minister, the resulting "ethnographic theology" produces constructive theological insights and proposes creative alternatives for Christian thought and action. This text crosses multiple genres - from critical theological methods to experimental doctrinal theology, from creative non-fiction to reflexive spiritual autobiography - making a compelling read for academic theologians, laity and clergy alike. By rigorously outlining an ethnographic theological method and demonstrating that method's fruits with extensive constructive theological work in ecclesiology, social transformation, embodiment, sanctification, and more "Ethnographic Theology" opens new possibilities for how contemporary theology can be done "Cover"--"Ethnographic Theology An Inquiry into the Production of Theological Knowledge" -- "Contents" -- "Acknowledgments" -- "Introduction" -- "Part I" -- "Chapter 1 Making Space" -- "Chapter 2 Making Theologians" -- "Part II" -- "Chapter 3 Cogs in the Machine" -- "Chapter 4 Carnal Theologies of Friendship, Sex, and Suffering" -- "Chapter 5 My Motherâ#x80;#x99;s Hips" -- "Conclusion" -- "Appendix A: Topics in Theology: Jesus Christ and Salvation" -- "Appendix B: Topics in Theology: God as Trinity" -- "Notes" -- "Bibliography." Front Matter....Pages i-x Introduction....Pages 1-16 Front Matter....Pages 17-17 Making Space....Pages 19-46 Making Theologians....Pages 47-82 Front Matter....Pages 83-83 Cogs in the Machine....Pages 85-115 Carnal Theologies of Friendship, Sex, and Suffering....Pages 117-141 My Mother’s Hips....Pages 143-166 Conclusion....Pages 167-175 Back Matter....Pages 177-210