TERRY VELING

I have been listening to the music of Van Morrison for 30 years.  Some readers may not be aware that Dr. Morrison was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Ulster in 1990.  Not only is Van Morrison a gifted songwriter and musician, he is also profoundly interested in the healing qualities of music.  At the conclusion of many of his concerts around the world, Dr. Van ends with the question, "Did you get healed?"

Why be a songwriter?  Why music?  Why write and perform music?  Van Morrison's primary motivation and inspiration is that he wants his art and creativity to bring healing to those who are listening (and like many an artist, he knows that not everyone is listening).  However, for those "who have ears to hear," he is hoping that his music might act upon the souls of his listeners in healing and transformative ways.

Why be a theologian?  Why theology?  Why write and teach theology?  Such are the questions I ask myself.  I like the response that Dr. Van offers: because I want theology to bring healing and salvation to those who suffer the 'sickness of the world.'

At the end of a class, for example, as I reflect upon how the class went, my primary question is not whether I achieved certain outcomes or learning objectives (important as these are).  Rather, my primary question is whether or not my students experienced theology's healing qualities.  Similarly, I try to let this question motivate my theological writing, such that I think:  It is only worthwhile writing, and it is only worthwhile reading, if there are inherently healing qualities in the words.

Dr. Morrison's question, "did you get healed?" can be transposed into a myriad of human activities.  For example, I often ask: Did this meeting bring healing?  Did this class bring healing?  Did this writing bring healing? Did this conversation bring healing?  Did my words bring healing?  Did my actions bring healing?  This question even extends all the way to our final and ultimate question: "Did my life bring healing?" 

The flip-side of this question is, of course "Have I contributed to the sickness of the world?  Have I allowed my own life to become a conduit for the continuing forces of conflict and division in the world?  Have I added to the weight of the world's sickness, or have I tried to lighten the load and heal some of the dark ailments and divisions that inflict us all?

Why live?  Why be human?  Why do we live and breathe and exist in the world?  I like the response that Dr. Van offers: because I want my life to bring healing and salvation to my fellow human beings who, like me, are unwell and in need of healing.

One of the difficulties, of course, is that I am somewhat trapped as an instigator of hatred and division as much as I am drawn toward hope and healing.  Of these two inclinations "toward evil and toward goodness" Catholic tradition continually affirms that our desire for Goodness is stronger and outweighs our propensity toward evil.   In other words, our ability to bring healing into the world outweighs our ability to bring hatred and division.

However, this is something we have to learn.  It is not immediately apparent that human beings are drawn by God toward goodness.  Rather, this "desire" is a task or a condition that we have to learn.  We need to learn that we are actually good people.  We need to continually reflect upon the goodness in which we are created so that we can more "naturally" align ourselves with this goodness and this grace, so that we can, as Jean Vanier suggests, "become human."

It is in this sense that I see theological education as a healing activity.  It is healing because it seeks to help those in its care realize that we need not be condemned to hatred; love is possible.  We need not be condemned to cycles of violence; forgiveness is possible.  We need not be condemned to conflict and division; understanding is possible.

"I have come for those who are sick," Jesus said (Matt. 9:12).  I have come as one "who serves" (Lk 22:27).  According to Latin roots, to give service (ministratio) is the "application or ministration of remedies."  Theology, in this sense, is a healing discipline, and not merely (or only) a critical one.

As a musician, Van Morrison feels that the purpose and inspiration of music is to heal and to redeem.  It is creative and restorative.  As a theological educator, I feel that theology should be no less.  It too moves within the realms of joyous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, while all the time seeking the "ministratio" or healing of God's goodness.  As light, as salt, as small and hidden it nevertheless wants people to experience renewal, healing and transformation.

As you read the articles of this journal, ask yourselves, along with Dr. Van:

Van Morrison, "Did Ye Get Healed," from the CD, Poetic Champions Compose (Exile Productions, 1987).

The Australian Ejournal of Theology is inspired by the conviction that theology has something worthwhile to say to otherwise busy people who often do not have the luxury of studying theology formally. Our editors, consultants, authors and reviewers are certainly inspired by Terry Veling's desire that our work will be a catalyst for healing, renewal and transformation. It goes without saying that, like any other academic discipline, theology sometimes falls short of the mark. It may be so committed to the dictates of rational and critical discourse that it fails to touch the human heart in depth. For this reason it is good to be reminded, as we are in this Editorial, that theology is ultimately reflection on the Word of God, whom we Christians identify as Jesus of Nazareth, who comes to heal, liberate and save. This is the metaphor that should inspire all theological writing, reading and reflection.

This ninth issue of AEJT provides insights and challenges on a vast array of topics ranging from classical theological issues to contemporary pastoral concerns. The tone is set in theFeature Articles by Peter Phan's insights into the culture of pluralism and his analysis of the challenges and opportunities this brings to the task of evangelization. This is surely a - if not the - burning issue confronting Christian life today. Hand in hand with the issue of evangelization is the question of truth. Veronica Brady's craftily titled article, "What is Truth? Said Jesting Pilate . . . and did not stay to hear," suggests that "truth is interruption, radical questioning and genuine openness to the full reality and plurality of others" and to the Other. Taking the issue of pluralism seriously with reference to diverse Eucharistic theologies in the Anglican tradition, Terry Lovat and Brian Douglas make productive use of Jürgen Habermas" ideas of "communicative action, dialogue and shared understanding" that enables - even celebrates - divergent theological systems.

We move in a different direction with two presentations that "illuminate" their theologies through specific reflections on Christian art. Kerrie Hide's "Illuminations of the Trinity" focuses on the power of medieval English art-work to engage the human imagination and restore the image of the triune God in human nature. Classical art-work of the Mother of God in the early Eastern Church is presented by Lawrence Cross as evidence of a rich theology of Mary which is profoundly ecclesial and taps into the experience of Apostolic Christianity. Tom Ryan's article on Evelyn Underhill also links into this concern to reunite theology with spiritual experience through the power of the Holy Spirit and, it is argued, through a deepening encounter with the Trinitarian God.

The final two Feature Articles deal explicitly with two contemporary theological concerns. Michael Elphick argues that James Alison's attempt to reinterpret Atonement does not go far enough - and suggests a more radical socio-political reading of the Passion of Christ. Matthew del Nevo takes up the difficult issue of how to overcome the current divide between "modernists" and "postmodernists" in current debate: his astute analysis leads to the requirement of transformation among both sets of adherents.

In November 2006, the Association of Practical Theology in Oceania held a conference at the University of Auckland. Several of the papers presented there have been developed for publication in this issue of AEJT under the heading Practical Theology in Oceania. We have several more papers from that conference being prepared for the next issue. These papers should be of interest to theological and religious educators as well as to priests, ministers and pastoral workers throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Neil Darragh, Jim Considine and Ann Gilroy, representing the strong New Zealand contingent at the conference, write on issues of practical theological method, forgiveness as public policy and the power of the Land respectively. Australians Glenn Morrison, John Collins and Paul McQuillan write on: pastoral care, counseling and friendship; ministry formation and group relations programs, and; youth ministry.

Then follow no fewer than nine essays from Papua New Guinea. These papers emerged from a series of Theological Writers' Workshops for Papua New Guinean Catholics in 2005. More details about the Workshops and the papers are provided at the conclusion of the articles. Eight of the papers are presented under the heading Practical Theology - Melanesian Style authored by Allanza Apini, Sr Grace Domani, Br Joachim Toravit, Calextus Manse, Sr Mary Kanatabu, Paula Kambu, Stephen Menau and Winnie William. Finally we are presented with an overview on Practical Theology for Papua New Guinea by Philip Gibbs. This paper shows the difference and similarities between Narrative and Contextual Theologies - and so is an important resource for those wishing to deepen their appreciation of the various types of Practical Theology - whether in PNG or elsewhere.

Several more essays are presented under the title Theological and Pastoral Issues. Vince Battaglia writes on Rahner's Trinitarian Theology. Greg Smith provides further insight into Judith Wright's poetry - this time with respect to her poems about birds. Abe Ata critiques the Moslem-Arab portrayal in Australian media. Farid del la Ossa Arrieta gives a voice to pastoral action steps in the Columbian Church. Jade Ireland presents a paper on becoming a therapeutic teacher. Chantelle Ogilvie and Alice Priest, 2006 graduates of the Interfaith Diploma Course at ACU Canberrra, write on different aspects of interreligious dialogue. Valerie Suckling presents a topical paper on Australia and Asylum Seekers.

The work of the Journal is a collaborative effort of many people whose skill, generosity, time and commitment are graciously acknowledged. In particular, I express my profound thanks to Yuri Koszarycz, Technical Editor and Web Designer, whose dedication to the task and commitment to excellence of production continue to be outstanding.

I also express my gratitude to the Board of Management, Editorial Consultants, Proof-Readers, Referees, Book Reviewers, Artists - not forgetting, of course, the Contributors of our Major Articles. I would like to especially thank Professor Anthony Kelly and Associate Professor Anne Hunt whose assistance is ongoing, professional, sometimes challenging, always helpful. Particular thanks also to John Garratt Publishing, Hugh McGinlay of Rainbow Books, St Paul's Publications (Strathfield) and Australian Theological Forum for forwarding books for review. We are now publishing lists of all books received. If there are potential book reviewers out there, please inform the Books Editor (Professor Kelly).

I am particularly indebted to Ms Frances Wilkinson, Senior Administrative Officer for the School of Theology in Brisbane, for the work of providing us with an excellent Index of all Authors and Articles for our three issues of Theology@McAuley and the subsequent issues of Australian Ejournal of Theology. This is a wonderful resource that we will endeavour to keep up to date.

Please forward all correspondence including manuscripts to "The Editor" on our new email contact: ejournal_theo@acu.edu.au

It is our intention to have a further two issues of AEJT this year - so please keep the contributions coming.

Wishing you all happy and healing reading!

Gerard Hall SM

Editor

28th February 2007