Theology in Scotland XV No. 1 (Spring 2008)

Faith-ful Citizens? Christian Churches and Social Cohesion in Scotland

Cecelia Clegg (Lecturer in Practical Theology and Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Edinburgh)

The issue of social cohesion in Scotland (or the lack of it) has been thrown into sharp perspective by the attempted bombing of Glasgow Airport in 2007. Cecilia Clegg asks what Christian churches are doing to aid the integration of people so that positive social cohesion can be promoted and violence, particularly religiously-motivated violence, becomes less likely.

Reconciling Memories

Alan D Falconer (Minister, St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen)

In this paper Alan Falconer examines the lessons learned from a study into the way in which memories of past events have shaped - and held captive - communities in Northern Ireland. He seeks to apply these lessons to inter-church relations and considers what would be involved in establishing a process that sets out to break the cycle of action and reaction that has helped deepen divisions between branches of the Christian Church.

Lost in Translation: What Did Bonhoeffer Mean by 'Coming of Age'?

Peter M Potter (Rector, St Columba's Scottish Episcopal Church, Largs)

The writings of few twentieth-century theologians have been as widely read as those of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, however Peter Potter argues that misinterpretation of certain key phrases in English translations of his work has led to serious confusion about aspects of his thought. He looks in particular at the phrase 'a world come of age', examining in detail how a deeper understanding of Bonhoeffer's intention has so much more to say to us today than has often been apparent in studies of his work.

The Final Destiny of the Unevangelised

Gordon Grant (Formerly, Minister, Dean Parish Church, Edinburgh)

Some prefer to skirt around this thorny theological issue, but it is one that is nonetheless encountered from time to time in pastoral situations involving bereavement. Gordon Grant draws upon scriptural evidence, the thought of the early Church, and cutting edge contemporary theology to attempt to recast an eschatology for the unevangelised and to consider the implications of this for funeral rites in today's Church.

On the Song of Songs: A Beautiful and Enriching Love

Hilary W Smith (Assistant Minister, St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh)

Hilary Smith, exploring the issue of human sexuality in the Song of Songs, writes from the perspective of preaching from a lectionary passage when it might have been easier to preach on one of the other readings. She finds that it is a text that has a surprising amount to say to our disordered society.

'Blossoming Spirits': Communication Despite Dementia

Jane M Blackley (Assistant Minister, Kirk of the Greyfriars, Edinburgh)

Despite the very real barriers faced by those caring for people with severe dementia, Jane Blackley argues that communication is not only possible, but for Christians is an imperative. While being realistic about the extent of the challenges involved, she puts forward a number of very practical suggestions for ways in which communication can be established and maintained.