This short book aims 'to clarify questions we are asking about theological education and ministerial formation in the UCA'. ... It does indeed go a long way to asking better questions. The writing is lucid and Thompson is particularly effective in unpacking what can easily become impenetrable theological concepts. Stressing the 'performative' vocation of theology, the text engages the critical categories of post-colonial, post-liberal, post-secular and ultimately post-Christendom age/s. Not all with be persuaded by all the arguments but readers are sure to find a stimulus to reflect more deeply and more carefully on the nature of future ministry in the UCA. Dr. Janice McRandal, Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University. Geoff Thompson's book is a tract for our times. Working soundly within our changing cultural context he has carefully analysed the contested nature of theological education in the Uniting Church. He has reflected deeply on what it means to be a Church with a truly theological ministry that seeks to express the Gospel in fresh words and deeds (Basis of Union paragraph 11) while living fully in the world. The Revd Dr John Smith, UCA Minister (retired), Honorary Research Associate, University of Divinity. Geoff Thompson is Co-ordinator of Studies: Systematic Theology at Pilgrim Theological College, the theological college of the Uniting Church in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania and a member college of the University of Divinity. Previously he has served as a parish minister in inner-suburban Melbourne (1996-2001) and as Director of Studies: Systematic Theology (2001-2013) and Principal (2010-2013) of Trinity Theological College in the Queensland Synod. His other writings on the Basis of Union include Jesus Christ According to the Basis of Union (UCA Assembly, 2014) and Disturbing Much, Disturbing Many: Theology Provoked by the Basis of Union (UAP, 2016). He occasionally blogs at xenizonta.blogspot.com.au and tweets at @gtsystheol.
Author Biography
Geoff Thompson is Co-ordinator of Studies: Systematic Theology at Pilgrim Theological College, the theological college of the Uniting Church in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania and a member college of the University of Divinity. Previously he has served as a parish minister in inner-suburban Melbourne (1996-2001) and as Director of Studies: Systematic Theology (2001-2013) and Principal (2010-2013) of Trinity Theological College in the Queensland Synod. His other writings on the Basis of Union include Jesus Christ According to the Basis of Union (UCA Assembly, 2014) and Disturbing Much, Disturbing Many: Theology Provoked by the Basis of Union (UAP, 2016). He occasionally blogs at xenizonta.blogspot.com.au and tweets at @gtsystheol.
