Power relations in the Christian ministry: theology, order, politics and the Holy Spirit

Quick, Dieter (2019). Power relations in the Christian ministry: theology, order, politics and the Holy Spirit. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Quick2019PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

This thesis for the first time demonstrates that power relations, which are as disparate as juridical frameworks, political engagement, spiritual experience, theology and God, can be fully accounted for in a single theory approach that is descriptive analytical, post-structuralist and rhizome ontological. This is achieved through an exploration of Christian ministry practice and theological approaches, the politics of the Confessing Struggle, Barthian dogmatics and Pentecostal power accounts.

It is argued that a conventional normative-theological reflection of the Christian ministry obstructs both practical-theological accountability and having an empowering pastoral approach. Thereby, the conceptual creation, counter-modern capacities and limitations––as well as the ministry-internal effects––of different forms of Christian agency formation are explored, using Foucauldian terms. These include: Barth’s ‘theological existence,’ Pentecostal empowerment through Spirit baptism, and the distributed-charismatic and prayerful pursuit of divine power and presence.

It should be possible to engage and reconcile all forms of Christian empowerment to one another on the basis of a rhizomic ministry practice; one which, when established upon a charismatic-revivalist ethos, is able to facilitate the occasional formation and coming to life of a distributed divine presence and power.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):