Disciples and Theology: Understanding the Faith of a People in Covenant - Paperback

by Stephen V. Sprinkle (Author)

Despite consciously avoiding formal creeds, throughout the history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), adherents have formulated their thought in distinctive theological ways. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a denomination that has recognized the need for clearer self-identification and a deeper understanding of its theological convictions. Despite traditionally characterizing themselves as indifferent to theology and avoiding the use of theological terms, Disciples of Christ have always been theological in nature. The challenge lies in articulating their distinctive theological thought and acknowledging its practical implications. A more recent period of fruitful theological thought since 1977 has paved the way for the development of a written theology that takes responsibility for covenant theology within the Disciples of Christ tradition.

The final chapter offers a constructive proposal for ongoing theological reflection that identifies current trends and focuses on the theme of a people in covenant.

Author Biography

Stephen V. Sprinkle is tenured as an Associate Professor of Practical Theology, and has held the office of Director of Field Education and Supervised Ministry since 1994 at Brite Divinity School, located on the campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. A native of North Carolina, he is an ordained minister of the Alliance of Baptists. He is the first open and out member of the Brite Divinity School Faculty, and the first gay scholar to be tenured in its 94 year history. Dr. Sprinkle is the author of several articles and chapters in books, and of two books, Disciples and Theology (1997) and Ordination (2004), both published by Chalice Press.