Forum

Just a line to assure you that your magazine is very welcome in our house! It’s always refreshing and thoughtful and I’d hate to see it close. So please keep up your informative articles. With best wishes for future issues.
Peter and Robyn Ashley-Brown
Sleebana NSW

I do enjoy your magazine and pass it on to our son. I am also ‘aged’ but would love to continue if you do.
Laurel Bingham
Kingswood SA

I don’t know what to suggest as to role and content of Common Theology in the future. I like it just as it is. However, one of our OGS members edited Theology for a number of years and he always said he aimed at three things:
~ To provide a medium through which all that is best in contemporary theology may reach clergy, laity, and those outside the church who are looking towards Christianity for a reasonable and relevant faith.
~ To serve as an organ where writers with different associations and various special interests may meet and contribute to the clarification and exposition of the faith which has their allegiance.
~ To serve as a liaison between theological thought and those movements in contemporary literature, art and political philosophy which are working towards a rediscovery of the significance of the Christian faith.
Alec Vidler saw himself in the position of a ‘midwife’, encouraging and facilitating the arrival of welcome additions to theological thought and dialogue.
I know Common Theology is on a slightly different path, but perhaps something of the above may be of some use.
It might be interesting to hear something from the people who are making the decisions about theological training, in different traditions – if they know what they’re doing at present – which is rather doubtful.
Every blessing for your pilgrimage of the soul. Perhaps you should be reading some TS Eliot along the way.
Robert Braun OGS
West End Qld

I was very pleased to get your letter with the possibility of publishing once again Common Theology.
My thoughts are that we the laity of the Australian Church should be more informed of the new and old ways of Christianity and better ways of serving Christ our Saviour.
I enjoyed and learned in your last publications. I look to the future for a journal of knowledge which your publication will surely provide.
Mary P Blackford
Lay pastoral Minister
Camillo WA

Received your note in the mail the other day requesting thoughts on the role of Common Theology for the future. I believe that this journal is a very important lay ministry, because from my point of view it addresses a wide range of up-to-date questions in society, from a theological perspective. I guess it is possible to go to a good Christian bookstore and try to find books that address similar issues but I find Common Theology is an essential starting point, rather than going into the bookstore without much direction.
I was once told that we are all theologians in our own right, whether we think of in those terms or not, the point being that theologians don’t necessarily need to have lots of academic training, nor are their areas of interest just about traditional scripture. It seems to me that Common Theology has a culture of promoting broad theological thinking and so has an important role to play in helping people in all walks of life to do this.
John Bourne
Uraidla SA

Hope you enjoy your Sabbatical and come back with energy and ideas for Common Theology. I always enjoy reading the articles. They give me a fresh look at things from my usual standpoint. It’s well worth the money.
Vince Carroll MSC
St Paul’s Catholic Community
Nightcliff NT

Thank you for your timely reminder to affirm your valuable efforts in producing Common Theology. Yes! I think it is very important to continue to remind all who will listen to the sharp message of decline for an inward-looking institution – the church. Loved your article by Paul Collins on the ABC, also Andrew Hamilton on the meltdown.
David H Chambers
Woodend Vic

Yes, I think Common Theology is a good and worthwhile publication. I believe the role and content of the magazine is worthwhile and relevant to both clergy and laity; in fact, anyone serious about the Christian faith. 
The Revd John Cuffe 
Milton Qld

We all need a rest and time to think so as to refresh our minds and I look forward to hearing from you after your sabbatical. Thank you for Common Theology and your efforts in the past seven years and also those who have contributed articles to the publication so as to ensure the continuation of practical Christian thought survives in an ever increasingly unChristian world.
Bill Fallis
Deagon Qld

You certainly deserve a break! I believe the sponsorship model is still appropriate, and congratulate the team for their perseverance.
Have you thought of asking dioceses to make a contribution, and commend the publication to their clergy and laity? I am sure that Melbourne, Rockhampton and North Queensland might be interested to support the publication. The new Dean of Melbourne is another possible supporter, he is doing great things there. Regular contributions from the staff of our theological institutions might be welcome, in encouraging the students to think beyond their curriculum.
Arthur Grimshaw
Dean Emeritus
Hendra Qld

I think Common Theology is a good journal with numbers of interesting articles on a variety of themes which is what I appreciate. I don’t see it as a journal specialising in one specific area or which is intended to be esoteric. I can get that elsewhere in specific fields.
As far as contents I would see it continuing to offer quality articles in a variety of areas and to have balance which means middle-of-the-road without being bland. Areas that interest me are fairly eclectic – theology, biblical history, spirituality, church and society, trends in Christianity, book reviews.
Hope this is of some use.
Keep up the good work!
Michael Hillier
stmaryburra@bigpond.com

 

I hope your sabbatical has been refreshing. I’ve thought about your request for opinions ‘on the role and content of (the) journal for the future’, but I am a long way from the coalface in what is happening in the church today and consequently out of touch with current thinking about avenues of communication. Talking with my adult grandchildren only emphasises my used-by thinking.
I shall continue my subscription and wish you well.
Alfred Holland
acjmholland@bigpond.com

First let me congratulate and thank you for seven years of stimulating and encouraging thoughts through the pages of Common Theology. Its many and varied sources (including your own from time to time) have been inspiration to this struggling Christian. I have subscribed to Common Theology since its earliest issues and as I open each consignment, I anticipate something unpredictable and thought provoking.
My mind boggles at the challenges that must confront anyone with the courage to attempt and succeed at such an enterprise – in Australia in the 21st Century! From your letter, it is clear you are looking to adopt ‘ways and means’ of keeping the enterprise afloat in challenging times for journalism.
The adage of ‘get big or get out’ must be a consideration for Common Theology and I hope it will be resisted. For me, the cottage industry dedication so evident in your presentation has been like a breath of fresh air.
That many of the leading articles are written by people I know of and some even I have met makes Common Theology like a letter from home. This comment may not be helpful in repositioning your publication but it is certainly a feature I enjoy.
There will also, I feel, be pressure to consider a name change. For God’s sake, please resist it. I have just read a little paperback entitled The Problems of Theology (Cambridge University Press) whose first chapter is ‘Is there such a subject?’ If theology is in fact “rational thought or talk about God” i.e. people’s belief in God, then Common Theology is well named. Likewise, if Common Theology claims to be a lay ministry of the Australian church, “common” it is and should be – despite the church’s challenging diversity.
As for content, suffice it to say that I have sometimes thought that I would like to see consideration of some of the transitions threatening the post-modern Church when “miraculously” I find that my wishes are realised. Most recent of these was Hedley Beare’s Winter 2007 summary of O’Murchu’s twelve reasons for rebuilding the Church – good stuff.
If prayers for Common Theology’s future, whatever that may be, are in order, feel supported in your work.
Ian Hurwood
Indooroopilly Qld

I am a foundation subscriber to Common Theology and will remain so to the end of my sentient life, if it continues along the path that it has followed from the start. It has been a very readable vehicle for progressive theology – something that is vital in today’s world. Theology has always evolved over the centuries, despite the efforts of the fundamentalists to keep it static.
Carry on in the same direction please. Enrich our minds and help to keep us sane.
J Kinny
Pearl Beach NSW

Congratulations once again on your excellent and on-going publication.
In response to your request for thoughts and opinions re role and content, I’d like to request an article giving the common theological arguments why Christians should be calling loudly for justice for the Palestinians. Perhaps you have run one in the past, but if so, I’ve forgotten it.
There are many injustices around the world, but most of them seem to be at least recognised by the western world, whereas the west gives very little support for justice for the Palestinians and I think the churches should be doing a lot more in this regard.
I hope you have a really good sabbatical.
Anne Lanham
Toowong Qld

It would indeed be a tragedy if Common Theology were to die. We have seen Market Place retreat to the web. I feel that would not be the answer for Common Theology as many of your subscribers, me included, are not comfortable with the www and prefer the printed medium.
Common Theology is balanced and not too wordy or esoteric for us laity. The content is comprehensive, pithy, and up-to-date, and the book reviews appreciated. I would like to see the present format maintained.
Some thought might be given to reviewing subscriptions. I would consider $8 per copy home-delivered to be a more realistic figure. This could perhaps allow for a more expanded content.
John Leighton-Jones
Mollymook NSW
 
Thank you for your letter requesting my thoughts on the role and content of Common Theology.
I think there is a role for such a journal. Religion, however, is a very complex area to be dealing with and although there is a brief policy statement on the inside cover I think a longer explanation is necessary. It should be stated that the journal is ecumenical, that the views of people from various religious backgrounds, or no religious background, will be respected, etc. You could add that in this journal theology is seen from an essentially Christian perspective.
I like the idea of a lay ministry, but this too should be explained. Lay Christians are not constrained by rules and ecclesiastical hierarchy, and are free to ask any questions about God and the relevance of theology to the modern world. Do not be afraid to deal with controversial issues, because it keeps the discussion relevant and interesting.
I was once rebuked by a professional theologian when I remarked at a social gathering that every Christian is a theologian in a way. Theology is a professional discipline, I was told. I still believe that every Christian has a responsibility to think seriously about his or her faith and what it means to be a Christian today.
To be honest I have been disappointed with some of the issues of Common Theology. They have been rather thin, and the contents meagre or uninteresting. Also they have looked rather drab in black and white. Although it is important to keep costs to a minimum I wonder if a glossy, coloured cover would add much to the cost?
I think a book review section is valuable. It keeps the readers informed about recent relevant Christian literature, and there always seems to be plenty of that. But they should be serious reviews, not just brief or superficial inspections.
Humour is important, but one has to be careful with it especially when dealing with religion. Perhaps a regular joke section should be included. I still laugh when I see the cover of Number 8 in Volume 2 (three nuns).
Peter Lewis
lewis@retnet.net.au

In response to your request for feedback, I have nothing new to say. I enjoyed what you have published so far and found it stimulating. Keep it coming.
Michael Madigan
Box Hill Vic

I am writing to express my opinion that Common Theology should continue to be published in its present form providing as it does editorial comment on church matters, articles on current theology and church news, thus keeping all its readers in touch with all that pertains to the interests of the churchman or woman of today. Please publish an edition for 2009 as I am looking forward to it.
Cynthia McDougall
Hobart Tas

Common Theology is a unique Australian contribution in the field and I want to encourage its life, while acknowledging the problems associated with publishing it regularly from limited resources.
By way of encouragement, we will continue to supply whatever review copies of our titles we can supply.
Hugh McGinlay
Mosaic Resources
Melbourne Vic

I am heart-warmed by your determination to continue a new format for Common Theology. But why ‘common’, equating in the public mind with ordinary? There is nothing common about theology. In my opinion it has become, in part, a bastion for the status quo. And theological colleges equate to, (in part) a sheltered elitist enclave.
My subscription to the journal was built on the presupposition that it was an organ devoted to reflecting on lived theology, and its importance to 21st Century living. Correct me if I am wrong.
Why not start off with the relationship of Jesus to ‘common people’. They were 90% of the population in the 1st Century, outside the one percent of powerful political elites and their nine percent of retainers.
Jesus probably had a preference for ‘publicans and sinners’ because he found religious people insufferably tedious, arrogant and stuck in the status quo of institutionalism. What changes?
Why not in future identify ‘flash point’ issues in certain areas and rotate them with different authors? Plus an occasional provocative article from left field. For instance, the devastating consequences of being religiously right! Or, are doctrine and creeds the worst disaster to hit the church? Or how to resurrect worship.
This brings me on target for the flashpoint issues of need:
~ Who is God for the 21st Century? In my opinion if we don’t get our metaphor for God matched to the thought-world of the 21st Century we will go down the cultural gurgler.
~ The liturgical profile for the 21st Century. The process first is to establish a God metaphor, and translate it into a theology of worship second. The traditional churches are suffering a leakage of ritual practices.
I’ve just attended a funeral performed by a secular-Presider and it is arguably an insult to my friend as I knew her. I cite the Bali Bombing when 202 people died. The official transition rites were observed outside the church. Interestingly many of them used Christian symbols.
~ Pastoral guidance. The number of self-help books are thick on the ground. Well something has to flood in, and fill a vacuum! The main thrust is to take old practices and reinterpret them. For me the prime example is the book presently and recently published by my friend, Hedley Beare God in the Present Moment.
Douglas G McKenzie OAM
Moffat Beach Qld

I am aware of the wide discussions happening with regard to the future of printed newspapers as against Internet news services, iPhone news, etc. As an older person who likes the hands-on method of reading the news, with the television as an adjunct, I like the magazine in a printed format. In fact, though I agreed to take the email format, I find that I do not read it as thoroughly as I did the printed copy. I can leave the printed copy beside a chair or bed, and pick it up when I have a break, cuppa or whatever, leave it there and come back to it again. 
Whenever I am on the Internet I am usually working on something else and don’t use this medium as a time for reading something for pleasure.
I am aware of the rising costs of producing a magazine, in a country where I think we have the highest magazine numbers in the world. However, a journal like Common Theology is a specialised magazine and it is good that there are only four issues a year. I was subscribing to another theological periodical but I have recently cancelled that because it didn’t interest me anymore. It contained articles on theology but these were at a level which I think is more in order for people who are students of theology, or working in church positions and/or ministry. I found the articles too specialised for my needs whereas, with Common Theology, I like the degree of depth in the feature articles and, also, the breadth of subject matter you tackle. 
Another magazine I receive is Madonna. It seems to be thriving and I think the daily prayer format keeps a faithful readership as not many magazines offer something like this. It is a Jesuit publication and they have money and expertise at their disposal.
I do not think you need to go to a colour format, as I think the existing format gets across the philosophy on which Common Theology is founded. 
M Menhinnitt
Lota Qld

I value Common Theology for its role in providing intelligent and contemporary thinking for people of faith in our time. I’ve always looked for ways of being part of the wider church, beyond life in the parish. The contents point to a lively faith in a broad way. Thank you for the fine work you do as Editor.
Pat Nommensen
Woodside SA

Just wanted to let you know we received your letter ‘Sponsors, Subscribers and Friends’.
I detect a theme similar to our lives of being overworked.
I cannot offer too much help but Common Theology is well received at our ‘in exile’ establishment and hope to continue to sell them when available.
Marg is busy on the next edition of our St Marys Matters and can resonate with your fourth paragraph tasks of newsgathering, editorial, sub-editing and publishing etc.
Doc Ortiz
St Mary’s Community in Exile
South Brisbane Qld

I still find Common Theology an excellent publication that, as far as I am aware, is the only one in Australia that expresses theological issues for the layperson without the use of theological jargon. For this reason on its own, it must continue. The editorial policy that Common Theology has followed has, in my view, been working well and should continue.
Each issue contains contributions that crystallise important issues of concern to church-going people. For an Anglican, the contribution by Dr Mark Thompson in your Winter 2008 issue (‘Wrong Way! Turn Back’) was helpful in understanding the Evangelical position. I look forward to seeing more articles covering both sides of other issues affecting the 21st Century Church.
The space you allocate to book reviews is very important as the 21st Century lay person has little spare time to read many of the new titles being published. The words of a reviewer in Common Theology could well be the only insight that a reader ever has of a particular book’s content.
I have what I believe is a complete set of all Common Theology. Could I suggest that in your review you change from the present description of Volume, Number and Season and just refer to editions as ‘Number X’ (from the beginning) followed by ‘month of publication’. This would give the Editor more flexibility in the timing of issues without the related stress of having to meet tight deadlines.
You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Dr Howard Quinlan
hquinlan@bigpond.net.au

With thankfulness for all you have done so valiantly in the past and with every good wish as you review your efforts and try to find a way forward.
Mary Redrop
Macleod Vic

It is a good journal – all I can say is keep up the good work of such a journal, lay focussed and useful for thinking clergy.
Fr Michael Scragg
Community of the Epiphany
Cairns Qld

It was interesting reading your description of journalism that is ‘freed from a purely commercial foundation and sponsored by philanthropy’. I am a subscriber to various journals/publications that would fit that category. They give the opportunity for different points of view to be heard; perspectives that are often drowned out in the more mainstream media. That is no doubt part of the reason I support Common Theology.
I also like that it is local, and so provides a chance to hear some voices that are a bit closer to home.
I also have a preference for print media, and believe that some of the things in print need to be supported to ensure they continue. I find the trend towards e-journals, especially those that are simply links to other pages, a lazy form of journalism. 
Those who take the time to put something into print, with thought given to presentation, deserve the time given to reading, and I believe they should be supported.
Those are a few of my thoughts for the discussion.
Fr Adrian Sharp
Oxenford Qld

When I was doing my research at Griffith and was privileged to be part of the scholarly community of both ordained and lay that Elaine Wainwright was encouraging to develop I became acutely aware that isolation is not helpful in theological reflection, well not for me anyway, and one of the best ways to continue this dialogue was by way of a journal.
I applauded the birth our journal and have supported it albeit only financially and reading the contributions that I have found most helpful. It will be a sad day that it ceases to be published. Having said that I am aware my support has been at a minimum and will probably remain so.
I take this opportunity to thank the contributors over the years but most importantly you for your vision in the first place and tenacity to stick to the task of editing and compiling. You are no doubt in need of a well-earned rest. Have a great time and come back refreshed full of vim and vigour.
The Revd Gary Smith
garymarg1@bigpond.com

Just to send my support for your ongoing plans for Common Theology.
We must all in our own ways join in support for our differing but also similar causes 
Morna Sturrock
mornasturrock@optusnet.com.au

It won’t surprise you to know that I value particularly any articles or reviews to do with the Aboriginal situation. So that would be my main hope for the future, especially if you could obtain the Aborigines’ own perspective on current issues.
My current situation is somewhat circumscribed – thus my dependence on your “little journal”. I’m glad to see the world through Australian theological eyes (tho’ not only theirs I realise). God bless you in your important contribution to ongoing Australian study – wherever in the world your supporters may be.
Pauline Swenson
Leigh-on-Sea UK

My wife and I are lay people who subscribe to Common Theology. When its publication began there were a number of articles which were highly technical. We struggled with these but enjoyed the articles with more appeal to the general reader. In recent years more of the content seems to be pitched towards us.
We find more theology in your journal than in others available to us e.g. our Parish News and Diocesan newspaper. We appreciate that, and encourage you to continue your present editorial mix.
Thank you for your invitation to comment. This response is to give Common Theology our tick of approval for its current style.  
Kathleen and John Waddell
East Maitland NSW

I’m a retired priest who very much enjoys and is challenged by your Journal. I would encourage you to continue as there is a real need for alternative views to be aired and debated, especially as we are faced today with so many fundamentalist views in the world. I also find the book reviews of interests and some of the occasional feature articles too. Keep up the good work.
Dr Peter Wellock
Mornington Vic

I find your journal thought provoking and well edited. I would be prepared to pay double the price! God bless your work on His behalf.
Vernon Williams
Armidale NSW