Ready, Teddy God theology and practice of Christian Education with Leslie J Francis

Ready, Teddy GodReady, Teddy Godtheology and practicetheology and practice

ofofChristian EducationChristian Education

withwithLeslie J FrancisLeslie J Francis

A presentation in three A presentation in three partsparts

Part onePart one

The child as theologianThe child as theologian

The Windy DayTeddy Horsley and the Holy Spirit

It is a windy day, and Teddy Horsley is a puzzled bear.

The Windy Day

Teddy Horsley tries to make sense of what adults are talking about and he uses all his available tools as a young bear.

The Windy Day

He opens his eyes to look for the wind and cannot see it, yet he sees all the activities of the wind all around him.

The Windy Day

He stretches out his paws to touch the wind, and cannot feel it. Yet he feels the power of the wind all around him.

The Windy Day

He pricks up his ears to listen to the wind, and cannot hear it. Yet he hears the impact of the wind on things all around him.

Teddy Horsley knows that the wind is there, all around him.

The church is celebrating Pentecost, and Teddy Horsley is a puzzled bear.

The Windy Day

Teddy Horsley tries to make sense of what adults are talking about and he uses all his available tools as a young theologian.

The Windy Day

He opens his eyes to look for the Holy Spirit and cannot see it. Ye he sees all the activities of the Holy Spirit all around him.

The Windy Day

He stretches out his paws to touch the Holy Spirit but cannot feel it. Yet he feels the Holy Spirit making him safe and loved.

The Windy Day

He pricks up his ears to listen to the Holy Spirit, but cannot hear it. Yet he hears the Holy Spirit making people sing and laugh.

Teddy Horsley knows that the Holy Spirit is there, all around him.

So what is theology?So what is theology?

How is theology How is theology done?done?

The classic bookWhat is Theology?

Maurice WilesOxford University Press, 1976

Geology

Subject matter Tools

Theology

Subject matter Tools

Experience of God

Experience Reflection Examination Language

Sources of revelation

Sources of revelation

Sources of revelation

Feasts with Jesus

Teddy Horsley’s church helps him to understand how the stories of Jesus illuminate the experiences of the young hear who comes to worship on a Sunday.

Feasts with Jesus

Teddy Horsley discovers the links between:

the feeding of the 5,000; the Last Supper in Jerusalem; the house in Emmaus; the bread and wine shared in his

own church.

So what is theology?So what is theology?

How is theology How is theology done?done?

The new bookOrdinary Theology

Jeff AstleyAshgate, 2002

Ordinary theology

Looking Listening Learning

Sources of revelation

Experience Scripture Church

Child as theologian

Daily experience Exposure to scripture Exposure to church

Mark 10:13-16

They brought children for him to touch; and the disciples scolded them for it. But when Jesus saw this he was indignant, and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ And he put his arms round them, laid his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Getting to know you

The Lord be with you

Ways with water

Collect for purity

Barrier builders

Confession

The mender

Absolution

Making music

Glory to God

Your clergy

Collect

Hear all about it

Ministry of the word

Follow the signs

We believe in God