Staff Publications

Anthony Reddie

This book explores the legacy of slavery in Black theological terms. Challenging the dominant approaches to the history and legacy of slavery in the British Empire, the contributors show that although the 1807 act abolished the slave trade, it did not end racism, notions of White supremacy, or the demonization of Blackness, Black people and Africa. This interdisciplinary study draws on biblical studies, history, missiology, and Black theological reflection, exploring the strengths and limitations of faith as the framework for abolitionist rhetoric and action. This Black theological approach to the phenomenon of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the institution of slavery draws on contributions from Africa, the Caribbean, North American and Europe.

 

Presiding Like a Woman

Nicola Slee and Stephen Burns (eds)

What does it mean to ‘preside like a woman’, if anything? Do women do it differently and, if so, how and why?

Presiding Like a Woman offers a forum in which women’s ministry of presiding is explored, primarily within liturgical contexts but also in other settings, such as the classroom. Here, a range of contributors – lay and ordained, women and men, from different Christian traditions – ponder questions such as:
• Where and from whom do we get our understandings of presidency, and what are the sources and traditions upon which we can usefully draw?
• What is the significance of body, gesture, voice, presence, authority and so on in the exercise of presidency?
• What are the differences, if any, between lay and ordained presidency?
• What do we mean by the notion of eucharistic – and other related kinds – of presidency?
• Is presidency a notion worthy and capable of feminist reclamation, or is it a hopelessly patriarchal concept?

Using stories, poems, hymns and liturgical texts, histories and elaborating theoretical perspectives, the contributors push at the boundaries of the questions asked. Their contributions open up fresh avenues of inquiry in the process, and invite women who are presiders to articulate answers of their own.

‘This terrific cornucopia is a testimony to the variety of ways of presiding in today’s world, as well as to the courage of presiders and those who support them. Scholars and practitioners alike will find food for thought in this multi-faceted view on pressing issues such as authority, community and the nature of being church.’
Siobhán Garrigan, Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies and Dean of the Chapel, Yale University Divinity School and Institute of Sacred Music

‘At a time when so many of our churches are struggling to discern how to receive the gift of women’s leadership, this book helps us to think “outside the box” about the distinctive gifts women bring to presiding . . . It explores the gifts of presiding outside the church as well as in it; and many different roles of presiding as well as just worship. It is for men as well as women, lay people as well as ordained . . . This book will help you think new thoughts, expand your vision and think afresh about what presiding really means.’
Paula Gooder, Canon Theologian of Birmingham Cathedral

‘Bristling with historical insight, rich with theological reflection and leavened with personal stories, this is a compelling study of women’s ministry of presiding. The editors have given us a thought-provoking work, by turns hopeful and challenging . . .This is a book which not only adds to important scholarly discourse but furthers conversations the church must have and continue.’
Jana Childers, Ph.D., Professor of Homiletics and Speech Communication, San Francisco Theological Seminary,
San Anselmo, CA

 

A Heart Broken Open

Ray Gaston

A Heart Broken Open is themoving and insightful reflection by an Anglican Priest of his grassroots engagement with Islam through relationships built frominner-city parishministry in Leeds to the streets of
Kerbela in Iraq at a time of rising Islamophobia and the ’war on terror’.

The author offers a way of witnessing to Christ’s peace whilst entering into the faith of‘the other’with humility and love, allowing the way of Islamand the practice of Muslims to touch, challenge and inspire his Christian faith and feed his hunger for God. In so doing he offers us inspiration in finding our own ways
to walk with confidence in Christ’s love amongst neighbours ofmany faiths and none. The book includes responses fromsome of the author’s partners in dialogue.

‘This book is deeply personal and moving … I recommend it as of real value at grassroots level where the real action lies. It counters Islamophobia on behalf of radical Christianity’
FrankWhaling, emeritus Professor in Religious Studies, Edinburgh University

‘A tour de force of radical spirituality’
Revd Donald Reeves,Director, Soul of Europe

‘Ray’s story is a profound and uplifting one … By acting as an agent of change and at the same time being open to change himself, Ray exemplifies a powerful alternative to the polarizing discourse which views difference as a threat’
Salma Yaqoob, Chair, Birmingham Stop The War Coalition and BirminghamCity Councillor.

Is God Colour-Blind

Anthony Reddie

This book aims to make readers more sensitive to our inherited legacy of 'race' - issues surrounding ethnicity, difference and racism - which profoundly influences our lives. Why, when we all share so much, is difference the reality with which we all live? Anthony Reddie, one of the UK's best known black theologians, applies the lessons and theories of black theology to a pastoral context. He offers a series of short stories, followed by theological reflection and analysis, which suggest new ways of understanding 'self' and 'other' in terms of Christian practice.

 

 

 

The Edge of God: New liturgical texts and contexts in conversation

Edited by : Stephen Burns, Michael N. Jagessar, Nicola M Slee

This book, edited by present and former staff at Queen’s, bears witness to the creativity of academic life here, and the concerns to make explicit the connections between theological study and the practices of the churches.  Some of the essays are written by well established authors whose connection with Queen’s extends of many years – for example Frances Young and Donald Eadie.  Some of the essays are written by recent ministerial students – Rachel Mann, Andy Lyons, Susanna Snyder, Rupert Jeffcoat, Lee Longden.  Some are written by research students, present and former members of staff.  The overall collection is a stimulating, engaging and engaged “conversation” which should stimulate much wider discussion and debate.  As the publishers say:

“The Edge of God is a series of reflections and conversations about liturgy and liturgical engagements with a variety of new texts and contexts emerging in the life of worshipping communities today.  The authors, a wide range of established and emerging scholars reflect on their own experiences of worship both as participants and as leaders.  The Edge of God shows the breadth and the vibrancy of new liturgical scholarship that is willing to engage not only with ancient texts but also with new and changing contexts.”

 

 

Acting in Solidarity by Anthony Reddie

Reflections in Critical Christianity

‘Acting in Solidarity is the doing of theology at its best – engaging Christian learners in critical reflection, bodily involvement, and emotional investment over matters of faith and witness.’ Dr Dwight N. Hopkins, Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago, Author of Being Human: Race, Culture, and Religion

‘Finally! – something that has thinking, questioning, reflecting Christians in mind. Dr Reddie has given us an invaluable resource for those of who know that play, playfulness, wonder and imagination are for all ages – all learners.’ Dr N. Lynne Westfield, Associate Professor of Religious Education Drew University

‘A really creative approach to real life questions and how they might be addressed through a re-reading of biblical passages, with helpful follow-up material and questions. This is an ideal resource for communities or groups of people to engage with – the range of subjects is comprehensive and does not skirt difficult issues, and there is enough humour to get you over the heavier stuff….All round, though-provoking and belly-splitting theological analysis.’ Dr Robert Beckford, Lecturer in African Diasporan Religions and Cultures, University of Birmingham

Acting in Solidarity is a lively resource book of original sketches and studies suitable for groups of all ages, cultures, communities and contexts. These exercises are designed to kick-start a process of thinking creatively and critically about the Christian faith. Anthony G. Reddie guides the reader clearly through the process of using the material and facilitating the groups. Each sketch is introduced with opening reflections, and accompanied by questions for follow-up study after the exercises have been completed.

The use of drama and humour allows difficult topics to be raised and explored, and sections include bible study, pastoral care, racial justice, black theology, ethics and action. Acting in Solidarity is an essential tool for theological educators, community workers, youth workers and clergy, and provides fresh and lively inspiration for all those seeking to help make the Bible and Christianity come alive for a contemporary audience.

Dr. Anthony G. Reddie is Research Fellow and Consultant in Black Theological Studies for the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham and the Methodist Church. He is the editor of Black Theology: An International Journal and his last book was entitled Nobodies to Somebodies: A Practical Theology for Education and Liberation (2003).

Black Theology in Britain - A Reader

Edited by: Michael N. Jagessar & Anthony G. Reddie

Series: Cross Cultural Theologies

Description

‘What is this about colours in theology? Surely there is only one true theology – that revealed by God in the Bible! And why on earth would you want a Black theology anyway?’ These words are the opening paragraph to the very first editorial for the 1st issue of Black Theology In Britain: A Journal of Contextual Praxis. The words were written by the founding editor, Emmanuel Lartey, who at the time was a senior lecturer in Pastoral Theology in the department of theology at the University of Birmingham. Black theology as a self-named discipline and a radical form of Christian practice emerged in its present form in 1960s, in the USA. It has grown out of the experiences of Black people of the African Diaspora as they have sought to re-interpret the central ideas of Christianity in light of their experiences. But Black theology is not simply a North American affair.

If Black theology can be defined as the radical re-interpretation of the revelation of God in Christ, in light of the struggles and suffering of Black existence in order that de-humanised and oppressed Black people might see in God the basis for their liberation; then there has been a form of Black theology in operation in Britain since the epoch of slavery.

It is therefore, most timely that this seminal volume should come to fruition in 2007. 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. Although there has been a Black presence in Britain since Roman times, the often troubled existence of Black people in Britain can be traced to the Elizabethan era and the influx of Black slaves from Africa and the Americas.

This text seeks to outline the development of Black theology in Britain from 18th century through to our contemporary era. By means of re-investigating popular texts and previously unpublished groundbreaking material, the editors offer a comprehensive and challenging interpretation of the development of an eclectic and distinctive voice that is Black Theology in Britain. This text, therefore, will be the first text of its kind and a key resource for courses in Black British History, Cultural studies, Critical Theory and Popular culture, Black Theology, Religious Studies and Citizenship studies (the Black contribution to civic life in Britain).

ISBN-10 (Paperback)1845530594

ISBN-13 (Paperback)9781845530594

Price (Paperback) £16.99/$27.95

Publication Date: September 2007

Pages: 288

Size: 216 x 138mm

Readership: undergraduates

Contents

• Chapter 1 Introduction
• Chapter 2 Roots of Black British Religiosity
• Chapter 3 Dread and Rahtid: Robert Beckford’s Canon
• Chapter 4 Sistas Speak
• Chapter 5 Bible, Optics and Interpreting Texts
• Chapter 6 Theorizing & Practicing Black Theology: Reddie’s Canon
• Chapter 7 Black Theology in Pulpit and Pew
• Chapter 8 Roots and Routes: Black Theology and the Black Diaspora
• Chapter 9 Future Trajectories
• Chapter 10 Postscript or A Luta Continua

BLACK THEOLOGY IN TRANSATLANTIC DIALOGUE: Inside Looking out, Outside Looking in

From Palgrave Macmillan

Pub date: Sep 2006

256 pages

$69.95 - Hardcover (1-4039-6863-2)

Description

In this book, Anthony G. Reddie creates a dynamic conversation between black theologies in the US and in the UK, comparing and highlighting divergences in the respective movements.

Author Bio

Anthony G. Reddie is a Research Fellow at the Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Birmingham, UK, and is a Consultant in Black Theological Studies for the British Methodist Church.

Table of contents

• Historical Developments
• What Is the Black Church Saying?
• Bring on the Sisters
• Education, Education, Education
• Publish and Be Damned
• Where Are We Headed Now?

Dramatizing Theologies: A Participative Approach to Black God-Talk

Anthony G. Reddie

Series: Cross Cultural Theologies

Description

This books attempts to address one of the ongoing weaknesses of Black Theology, namely the difficulty of converting theoretical and epistemological insights into practical service for Black people, the majority of whom reside outside of the academy. Whilst Black Theology, has, like a number of theological movements had its formative nurturing within the academy, it would be wrong to doubt the practical dimension of this discipline.

Dramatizing Theologies combines Black theology with dramatic, dialogical sketch material in order to produce a more accessible and democratic approach to undertaking Black theological conversation.

This ‘Participative approach to Black God-talk’ surmounts the seeming chasm between the academy and the church and grassroots communities. Dramatizing Theologies offers a carefully worked through methodology for undertaking Black theological discourse with poor, marginalized and disenfranchised people by means of an interactive and dynamic approach to theology in the form of drama. It is, therefore, an essential text for all those whose desire is to be in true solidarity with those who are the ‘voiceless’ in the world.

The main script on which this study is based is entitled My God!, which in addition several other dramatic pieces, encapsulates many of the nascent themes of Black theology within a dramatic form.

• ISBN-10 (Hardback) 1845530772
• ISBN-13 (Hardback) 9781845530778
• Price (Hardback) £60.00/$80.00
• ISBN-10 (Paperback) 1845530780
• ISBN-13 (Paperback) 9781845530785
• Price (Paperback) £15.99/$24.95
• Publication Date May 2006
• Pages 256

Contents

• Chapter 1: A Voice for the Voiceless: Setting the context and background for this work
• Chapter 2: Getting All Dramatic: The Development of Christian Drama
• Chapter 3: Welcome to the party: Christian Drama meets Black Theology
• Chapter 4: What lies behind the façade?: Developing an underlying method for bringing drama and Black Theology together
• Chapter 5: Theology from the bottom up: Developing an inclusive methodology for engaging with the voiceless
• Chapter 6: Practical Applications for ‘Dramatizing Theologies’

Reviews

"Anthony G. Reddie is not only a leading scholar of black theology of liberation in Britain. He has become the bridge for black theologies in the U.K., the U.S.A., and other parts of the world. Dramatizing Theologies represents a practical and theoretical model for real oppressed people to participate in building theology. Reddie displays his many talents through this publication of his dramatic plays. By wedding black theology and drama and involving poor people, he literally does theology from the bottom up. This is a must read!" Dwight N. Hopkins, University of Chicago and author of Being Human: Race, Culture, and Religion

“For sometime now liberation theologians have sought to allow the drama of Black life to provide the raw material for theological discourse. Reddie succeeds at this task as he articulates and analyses the drama of Black existence in Great Britain. He allows us to listen in on conversations among many persons whom were considered voiceless. Original and imaginative. Reddie charts a new future for Black theology.” Noel Leo Erskine, Emory University and author of From Garvey to Marley: Rastafari Theology

re-issue of The Pentateuch - Paula Gooder

The Pentateuch - the first five books of the Bible - is a foundational scripture for millions of people, both Jews and Christians.This book addresses the need for a clear and accessible introduction for those beginning Bible study. It presents and analyses key themes such as creation and flood, exodus and liberation, covenant and land; and law and faith. These are explored in their ancient context from the standpoint of contemporary concerns such as liberation theology, gender issues, and ecology.This volume is ideal for those beginning an Old Testament course.

Reviews for Pentateuch

"…A student may need to dig more deeply and for this Paula Gooder's introduction to the first five books of the Bible should prove helpful. For, judging by her bibliography at the back of the book, her reading seems to have been far reaching and this will enable the student to walk straight into the vast range of Old Testament criticism. The organisation of her material should prove useful." --New Directions, March 2001

"should provide an excellent resource for its target readership…to be warmly welcomed."--Theology, Sept/Oct 2001

"An excellent introduction to the Pentateuch. The introduction includes basic introductory material that most students do not know but need in order to understand critical scholarship in a clear, concise, and easy to read manner. The charts and maps are clear and helpful. The author has an even-handed approach making this an excellent introductory book." -Tammi J. Schneider, Religious Studies Review, April 2002

PBC Hosea to Micah - A Bible commentary for every day - by Dr Paula Gooder

The six prophetic books that run from Hosea to Micah make a distinctly odd collection, from the well-known and serious prophetic writings of Hosea and Amos to Jonah, a light-hearted story of prophetic disaster. Then there is Obadiah, a book that most people would struggle to find, and know hardly anything about. Although the texts come from different times, different places and different prophets, they tell the same story. It is the story of the roller-coaster ride of God’s relationship with his people, a story that looks back to God’s action in the past and forward to what he will do in the future, in order to make sense of what is happening in the present. Throughout it all is the pulsing theme of God’s great and abiding love for his people, and also his concern for other nations and how they relate to his plan for history.

Rejection, Resistance and Resurrection: speaking out on racism in the Church - Mukti Barton

The stories in this book speak of the pain of what it is to undergo institutional racism. The cost is in terms of the lives of people who are hampered in their growth into the image of God created in them. It is as we attend to these stories, that we can deepen our mutual love and understanding. This can lead us to join together in ways that liberate us all to be more fully like Christ. This is good news indeed!" From the foreword by John Sentamu, Bishop of Birmingham.

Personal stories are interwoven with biblical study and theological reflection, and the psychology of racism in all its forms is explored. As Black and Asian Christians confront and challenge what is unjust, their own faith, theology and spirituality are deepened - their humanity is enhanced. They urge their fellow Christians not to perpetuate racism by their silence, but to join in their struggle in love, faith and hope

Exploring New Testament Greek

‘This practical textbook for undergraduate students and serving ministers is specifically designed to teach the reader about New Testament Greek, and to enrich the readers understanding of Scripture. Exploring New Testament Greek aims to cultivate a 'feel' for the Greek language and give insight into some central issues in New Testament study without a heavy investment of time and energy. Its priorities are accessibility and relevance for Bible study: it is set out in ten short chapters that encourage learning through a variety of practical exercises, and concentrates on those aspects of the language that lead directly to increased understanding of the text. Rather than overwhelming the student with tables of grammar and vocabulary, the book directs students in the use of free websites, interlinear translations and other readily-available language tools as a means of making a little knowledge go a long way.’ (from the SCM-Canterbury Press website)

Click here to see the additional information available.

You can order the book direct from the publisher by clicking on this link.

Praying like a Woman

Nicola Slee

Praying Like A Woman is the expression of one woman’s journey of faith, yet its themes of struggle, suffering and joy are universal. It is both intensely personal and also appealing and relevant to a wide readership. ‘My hope is that whoever picks up this book may be encouraged…to pray as and who they are, towards who they may yet become.’ Nicola Slee

The collection contains prayers, poems, psalms, canticles, litanies, laments and creeds. Themes explored include suffering and struggle, anger and protest, silence and unknowing; conviction and proclamation, remembering and retelling of women’s stories; issues around the body, sexuality and health; different forms of love; celebration and joy; and diverse ways of naming God.

‘With a mixture of poetry and prose, Nicola Slee writes powerfully in the tradition of spiritual autobiography… Her poems and prayers bear witness to a faith of considerable depth and raw honesty…’ Janet Morley

Women's Faith Development — Patterns and Processes
Nicola Slee

Presenting a rich account of women’s faith lives and, mapping women’s meanings in their own right, this book offers an alternative to dominant accounts of faith development which failed to account for women’s experience. Drawing on Fowler’s faith development theory, feminist models of women’s faith and social science methodology, the text explores the patterns and processes of women’s faith development and spirituality in a group of thirty women belonging to, or on the edges of, Christian tradition.

Integrating practical theological concern with Christian education and pastoral practice, this book will be of interest to all concerned with women's faith development, spirituality, education and formation, and those working in the fields of practical theology, pastoral care, adult theological education, spiritual direction and counselling.

From the Ashgate website:

Peviews

‘This book is a gem! Carefully nuanced and critically insightful, the chapters flow with grace and energy. Nicola Slee is a gifted author and researcher, and this work is truly representative of her finest efforts. Slee probes the riches of women's spirituality through the honest and revealing conversations she has had with women from various life settings. This book will be required reading in several of my courses. Nicola Slee has done us all a great service in this work.’
Gloria Durka, Professor, Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, Fordham University, USA ‘When reading this book, I am haunted by the question as to why it has never been written before. There is a passionate energy to it, sustained until the last page, since Nicola Slee responds to this glaring omission from the study of spiritual development and tackles the fact that women's faith lives have been given little attention. Nicola Slee offers rich material for spirituality and an original re-thinking of faith development: the implications are far-reaching for pastoral practice on many levels. A book with far-reaching implications for Christian education.’
Mary Grey, D.J.James Professor of Pastoral Theology, University of Wales, Lampeter

 

Adam Hood, Baillie, Oman and Macmurray: Experience and Religious Belief (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003).

This book explores the nature of religious belief in the light of the interpretation of the Christian religion given by John Oman, John Baillie and John Macmurray. Each of these were lauded Scottish thinkers of the 20th century, and this book reintroduces contemporary theologians and students to the value of their respective philosophies of religion. Macmurray, Baillie and Oman each argued that Christianity can be best understood by employing the concept of 'experience', and is best seen as a response to problems and challenges that arise in the course of everyday life. Each also argued that Christianity is both cognitive and practical.

Adam Hood draws on the work of these three thinkers and on the resources of theology and analytical philosophy to present an important departure point for understanding the Christian faith and for appreciating the role of Christianity within the wider cultural frame. Hood concludes that an experiential approach is consistent with religious and cultural pluralism.

Reviews:

'Hood provides clear exposition of the main themes considered by Macmurray, Baillie and Oman, judicious criticism both philosophical and theological, and careful comparisons between their respective points of view... I hope this book will be widely read and discussed, not only by scholars, but also by pastors and that wide range of people interested in what it is to be human. The implications are potentially of practical significance, which would not surprise the thinkers to whom Hood has drawn our attention.' Reviews in Religion and Theology

‘This book makes a contribution to one of the most pressing problems of theology in our time: what are the credentials of religious experience and the beliefs we erect upon it’... fair and accurate’. Theology

'... there is much to ponder in this important study.' The Heythrop Journal

'This is a valuable book for several reasons. It provides a thorough and clear account of the views of three philosophers whose thought is significant but about whom not much secondary material is available. It also subjects the ideas of these men to critical scrutiny and thereby raises some important considerations for philosophy of religion in general. Lastly, the author...advances some of his own views in dialogue with those of the thinkers he writes about, and these views are themselves of interest.' International Journal for the Philosophy of Religion

'Exposition and discussion of these three writers is meticulous, gentle and thorough... The book is essential for anyone concerned with these three writers, and is of wide interest in its defence of a basic human experience of a personal God, which is completed in Christianity. Hood succeeds in showing that these twentieth-century Scottish theologians share a characteristic approach, generous and humane, which is well worth retrieving and celebrating. In this book Adam Hood does just that.' Scottish Journal of Theology

Order from publisher: Ashgate website: