Empowering the people of God for the challenge of the Kingdom

Rae-Kelly, Anna (1996) Empowering the people of God for the challenge of the Kingdom. MTh(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

It is the intention of this research to examine current spiritual resources which attempt to empower the people of God. It will examine the need or otherwise for worship in the search for spirituality. It will investigate the impact of secularisation and explore the possibility of disempowerment of the people of God which could result from specific practices such as celibacy and restricted roles for women. It will examine the terms "marginalised" and "unchurched" in relation to the institutionalised church. It will present a critical assessment of recent surveys which highlight, figures detailing the growing number of distanced, unchurched and marginalised. Finally, it will set forth clearly and concisely the needs of these groups and show how meeting their needs allows them greater and more meaningful participation in the realisation of the kingdom of God. This study will endeavour to analyse the role of adult Christian formation/education , terms which will be defined, in servicing the needs of these groups. It will examine these areas as resources which might then serve to enhance the formation of the whole people of God including those unchurched and marginalised. Some of the theological topics highlighted herein, such subjects as the Trinity and the Kingdom of God, without doubt merit complete and independent theses in their own right. Nonetheless, in order to investigate the main themes of this study more fully, it has been necessary, albeit in summary form, that they be encompassed in order to contextualise fully the needs of the focus groups of this thesis. In conclusion, and in light of its assessment of how religious belief and practice now stands, this research will attempt to acknowledge specifically efforts currently being made to resource the focus groups of the study; to comment on the effectiveness or otherwise of these resources; and finally to propose an added solution by offering sample material, including a limited evaluation thereof, as a further resource to empower the people of God in the work of the Spirit towards the Kingdom.

• Item Type: Thesis (MTh(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Spirituality, Kingdom of God, clergy, religion and society.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Hamilton, Re. David
• Date of Award: 1996
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1996-71324
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 10 May 2019 10:49
• Last Modified: 31 Oct 2022 16:55
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.71324
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/71324