Transformational Conversations A Theological Framework for the MATUL degree Finding God (3-6) in a context of oppression (7) through solidarity (8), spiritual power (15,20), advocacy (10), entrepreneurial vision (17), community organization (16-22) - Exodus 3

Urban Theological Foundations Is God or was God? Is God or does God? Is God incarnate or cosmic? Is God a holistic Story teller or a rationalist philosopher?

All theologies are Contextual Theologies Irish Catholic Italian Catholic = Systematic German Reformation = Systematic Latin American Liberation = Justice –Based Theologies American Evangelical = modernist logical Slum Pentecostal = Oral theologies

Epistemology of MATUL The MATUL is based of a different understanding of knowledge and theology to that of modernist systematic theology It does not grow from logical Catholicism The centre of Jesus’ theological approach was not systematic theology Systematic theology is one type of contextual theology from Western Europe

Transformational Conversations Developing Oral Theologies For Oral Cultures Developing Formal Theologies From Oral Cultures In Urban Contexts

MATUL Based on Urban Contextual Theology Poor people are largely oral learners. They are story-tellers not linear Aristotolean logicians Jesus reached the poor through oral techniques Storytelling, parables, proverbs,

MATUL Theological Process Every course in the degree is a theological course But we utilise a “transformational conversations” approach We start with situations in the slums and the stories of those situations then reflect on parallel Biblical stories to understand Biblical praxis for those situations

Jesus, Paul & Plato 1 Cor 1:30 Paul trained by Gamalial, disciple of Plato and Socrates, as well as Hebrew rabbi Paul rejects philosophic knowledge approach Centers on wisdom Christ is our wisdom Holy Spirit as centre of revelation

Elements of a Web of Belief

Part of New Global Theologies This is part of a trend in developing global theologies around the world in developing nations and represents an information age tribal/global culture 21st century shift.

I. Beyond the Pastoral Cycle To Urban Transformation II How to apply this to MATUL research and courses

Beyond Dialogue: Transformational Conversations The Bible is stories (narrative) Theology is stories Theology is conversations Hui for migrant ethnic leaders 2nd generation kids Role of the theologian as thematizer The issue, decoding the issue in the midst of the stories in small groups Integration of the issue

Transformational Conversation on an Issue 4. City Transformational Conversation 2.Theological Conversation 3.Postmodern/ Modern City Conversation The Issue 1.Entrance Stories Structures as Conversationalists Interfacing the conversations 5. New Action Story Biblical Reflection Theological Analysis Socio-Economic Analysis

Transformational Conversation on Land Rights 4. City Transformational Conversation 2.Theological Conversation 3.Postmodern/ Modern City Conversation Land Rights 1.Entrance Stories: Violence, Dispossession Interfacing the conversations: Engagement with NHA (public theology), Jubilee Year, Research on Latrines (Dignity) Structures as Conversationalists: Rebuilding Communities, Community Organizations Voicing Biblical Values 5. New Action Stories: Rebuilding, marches, new legislation, comm orgn…. Biblical Reflection on Land and Land Rights, Jubilee, Prophets, Exodus, Theological Analysis: Brueggeman -3 Movements Socio-Economic Analysis: UNHabitat Literature, Best Practices, Community Organization, Cross-nation Legislation

Transformational Conversation on an Slum Latrines 4. City Transformational Conversation 2.Theological Conversation 3.Postmodern/ Modern City Conversation The Issue 1.Entrance Stories Structures as Conversationalists Interfacing the conversations 5. New Action Story Biblical Reflection Theological Analysis Socio-Economic Analysis

Transformational Conversation on an Entrepreneurship 4. City Transformational Conversation 2.Theological Conversation 3.Postmodern/ Modern City Conversation The Issue 1.Entrance Stories Structures as Conversationalists Interfacing the conversations 5. New Action Story Biblical Reflection Theological Analysis Socio-Economic Analysis

Transformational Conversation about psychologically damaged slum children 4. City Transformational Conversation 2.Theological Conversation 3.Postmodern/ Modern City Conversation The Issue 1.Entrance Stories Structures as Conversationalists Interfacing the conversations 5. New Action Story Biblical Reflection Theological Analysis Socio-Economic Analysis

Transformational Conversation as a Thesis Framework 4. City Transformational Conversation 2.Theological Conversation 3.Postmodern/ Modern City Conversation The Issue 1.Entrance Stories Structures as Conversationalists Research how structures are speaking. Interfacing the conversations 5. New Action Story Working with the church or community organization to act Biblical Reflection Theological Analysis How do the people theologise? Socio-Economic Analysis Research indicators Anthropological analysis

Extended Thesis Initial round of research New Action steps Action reflection 3 Action Reflection2 Action-Reflection1