Places of Redemption

The primary aim of this book is to explore the contradiction between widely shared beliefs in the USA about racial inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all and the fact that most churches are racially homogeneous and do not include people with disabilities. To address the problem Mary McClintock Fulkerson explores the practices of an interracial church (United Methodist) that includes people with disabilities. The analysis focuses on those activities which create opportunities for people to experience those who are 'different' as equal in ways that diminish both obliviousness to the other and fear of the other. In contrast with theology's typical focus on the beliefs of Christians, this project offers a theory of practices and place that foregrounds the instinctual reactions and communications that shape all groups. The effect is to broaden the academic field of theology through the benefits of ethnographic research and postmodern place theory. This path-breaking book traces theology as embodied in the midst of congregational life. Among its many contributions is its deep appreciation for practical theology, its wise use of ethnography and place theory, and its honest analysis of the slippage between verbal proclamation and bodily habits. Affective visceral responses of desire and fear, as Mary McClintock Fulkerson powerfully reminds us, shape our theologies more than we realize or intend. Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, Vanderbilt UniversityI. THEOLOGY FROM A PLACE; 1. Introduction; 2. Postmodern place: a frame for appearing; II. THE PRACTICES THAT MAKE PLACE; 3. Placing Good Samaritan: formation practices; 4. Performing gospel: worship practices; 5. Working it out: homemaking practices; 6. Being biblical: interpretive practices; III. WHAT KIND OF PLACE?; 7. Good Samaritan Church: the unity of the place; 8. A theological reading of place