Relational Empowerment

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Relational Empowerment "
Joshua D. Reichard

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1080761
Doc. No	:	LA124390
Call No	:	‭10.1163/15700747-03602004‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Joshua D. Reichard
Title & Author	:	Relational Empowerment [Article]\ Joshua D. Reichard
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Pneuma
Date	:	2014
Volume/ Issue Number	:	36/2
Page No	:	226–245
Abstract	:	This article comprises a reformulation of the pentecostal-charismatic notion of spiritual power from a process-relational theological perspective. The problem of power is investigated in terms of coercive and persuasive power, followed by a proposal concerning the role of love in persuasion over coercion. The notion of “relational empowerment” suggests that co-suffering and other-orientedness represent healthier perspectives on persuasive love than typical notions of raw empowerment for domination or control. The primacy of God’s responsive love while co-suffering with creation is central to this affirmation. A Spirit-filled life is proposed as one that fully and enthusiastically embraces the “other-oriented nature” of God’s persuasive love. Moreover, the use of power metaphors is critiqued and alternatives presented. Ultimately, it is argued that the unsurpassable power of such unconditional love must remind the world that “Christ is not Caesar.” This article comprises a reformulation of the pentecostal-charismatic notion of spiritual power from a process-relational theological perspective. The problem of power is investigated in terms of coercive and persuasive power, followed by a proposal concerning the role of love in persuasion over coercion. The notion of “relational empowerment” suggests that co-suffering and other-orientedness represent healthier perspectives on persuasive love than typical notions of raw empowerment for domination or control. The primacy of God’s responsive love while co-suffering with creation is central to this affirmation. A Spirit-filled life is proposed as one that fully and enthusiastically embraces the “other-oriented nature” of God’s persuasive love. Moreover, the use of power metaphors is critiqued and alternatives presented. Ultimately, it is argued that the unsurpassable power of such unconditional love must remind the world that “Christ is not Caesar.”
Descriptor	:	philosophical theology
Descriptor	:	process theology
Descriptor	:	relational theology
Descriptor	:	theology of love
Descriptor	:	theology of power
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/15700747-03602004‬