Faith Speaking Understanding

Performing the Drama of Doctrine

Kevin J. Vanhoozer

© 2014 Kevin J. Vanhoozer

First edition

Published by Westminster John Knox Press

Louisville, Kentucky

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information, address Westminster John Knox Press, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-1396. Or contact us online at www.wjkbooks.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. Other versions briefly quoted: ESV, English Standard Version; KJV, King James Version; NASB, New American Standard Bible; NET, New English Translation; NIV, New International Version; RSV, Revised Standard Version.

Book design by Sharon Adams

Cover design by Eric Walljasper

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Vanhoozer, Kevin J.

Faith speaking understanding : performing the drama of doctrine / Kevin J. Vanhoozer.—First edition.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN 978-0-664-23448-5 (alk. paper)

1. Theology—Methodology. 2. Theater—Religious aspects—Christianity. 3. Performing arts—Religious aspects—Christianity. 4. Religion and drama. I. Title.

BR118.V365 2014

230—dc23

2014004508

To see or to make oneself be seen, to understand and to make oneself be understood, that is the fated circle of humanity; to be actor or spectator, that is the condition of human life.

—Charles Garnier, Le Théâtre

The most ancient drama, the drama that rules the world, is the drama of the meeting of God with man.

—Gerardus van der Leeuw, Sacred and Profane Beauty

The Acts of the Apostles were to convey that name of Christ Jesus, and to propagate his Gospel over all the world. Beloved, you are Actors upon the same stage too. The uttermost parts of the earth are your scene. Act out the acts of the apostles.

—John Donne, Sermon on Acts 1:8 to the Virginia Company (Nov. 30, 1622)

Contents

Preface

Introduction. “In Accordance with the Scriptures”: Local Church as “Living Bible”

Playbill: Local Church Makes “Living Bible”

Program Notes: What This book Is About

Plot: A Brief Synopsis

PART 1. BEFORE THE CURTAIN RISES: ON THEOLOGY AND THEATER

1 Doing the Word “on Earth as It Is in Heaven”: Introducing the Theater of the Gospel

Faith Speaking Understanding: The Challenge

The Witness as Doer of the Word: James’s Mirror and Jesus’ House

“Theater” of the Gospel: Definitions and Distinctions

Theater as Handmaid to Theology: Metaphor or Model?

2 Audience Participation: Loving God, Doing Truth, Being Church

“Breaking Down the Dividing Wall”: Between Actor and Audience, Pastor and Congregation, Church and World...

Content not shown in limited preview…
FSU:PDD

About Faith Speaking Understanding: Performing the Drama of Doctrine

In this volume, highly esteemed scholar Kevin Vanhoozer introduces readers to a way of thinking about Christian theology. He takes the work he began in the groundbreaking 2005 book, The Drama of Doctrine, to its next level. Vanhoozer argues that theology is not merely a set of cognitive beliefs, but is also something we do that involves speech and action. He uses a theatrical model to explain the ways in which doctrine shapes Christian understanding and forms disciples.

The church, Vanhoozer posits, is the preeminent theater where the gospel is “performed,” with doctrine directing this performance. Doctrines are not simply truths to be stored, shelved, and stacked, but indications and directions to be followed, practiced, and enacted. In “performing” doctrine, Christians are shaped into active disciples of Jesus Christ. He goes on to examine the state of the church in today’s world and explores how disciples can do or perform doctrine. Written in an accessible and engaging style, Faith Speaking Understanding sets forth a compelling vision of what the church is and what it should be doing, and demonstrates the importance of Christian doctrine for this mission.

Disciples who want to follow Christ in all situations need doctrinal direction as they walk onto the social stage in the great theater of the world. The Christian faith is about acknowledging, and participating in, the great thing God is doing in our world: making all things new in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Doctrine promotes understanding: of God, of the drama of redemption, of the church as a company of faithful players, and of individual actors. All of these elements have important roles to play. In an age where things fall apart and centers fail to hold, doctrine centers us in Jesus Christ, in whom all things hold together.

Support Info

fthspkngdrdctrn

Table of Contents