The proposed panel takes seriously the role of eschatology in shaping Vineyard understandings of what it means to be human. This paper argues that in order to do that, recognition must be given to the eschatological dimension of the ‘relational’ interpretation of what it is to be made in the Image of God. Echoing the important work of (among others) Barth, Kelsey, and Roberts, this paper takes seriously the relational nature of what it means to be human - and attempts to understand that with in an eschatological framework.
Building on previous contributions to SVS regarding anthropology, formation, and pedagogy, this paper will offer a contribution to a Vineyard theological anthropology that echoes the mainstream of relational interpretation, even as it takes seriously the eschatological contribution of Kingdom Theology. The recent UK contribution of Rick Williams (in Uncomfortable Growth) furthers the extant impetus for the articulation of a Vineyard theological anthropology, identifying key missional issues as requiring a fresh call to Vineyard DNA for the sake of healthy churches and the advance of the Kingdom. This paper will consider the hints for theological anthropology revealed in Williams’ work, and sketch how the relational-eschatological turn may assist the theological exploration of this.
The full paper is attached to this post as a PDF.
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This post has 1 attachment(s) that you cannot view or download. Please join SVS, and then try again.Thomas Creedy. “You are Not Yet What We Will Be” - The Relational-Eschatological Turn and its contribution for a Vineyard Theological Anthropology.pdf
BA, Theology and Religious, University of Nottingham
Discipleship Year, Trent Vineyard
MA in Mission + Ministry, St John's College, Nottingham
Theologian at Large, South West London Vineyard
