2008 — Series XVIII
Living Together in the 21st Century: The Lutheran Vocation in World Christianity
Wanda Deifelt and Lamin Sanneh, lecturers
The 2008 Hein-Fry Lectures focused on the theme of the Lutheran Church’s relationship with other Christian communities throughout the world. From their unique experiences, scholarship, and perspectives, Dr. Wanda Deifelt and Dr. Lamin Sanneh addressed what Lutherans have to offer world Christianities as well as what Lutherans can receive from these world Christianities. Dr. Deifelt engaged Luther's theology of the cross as a possible Lutheran response to Christian fundamentalism in Latin America and offered a challenge to civil passivity by drawing from Luther's theology and the experiences of Latin American Christians who reclaim the concept of cidadania (citizenship) to foster active participation in civil society. Dr. Sanneh explored the role of Lutheran missions during the early imperial expansion into India and Africa and examined the role of Lutheran missions today in the midst of a post-Western indigenous awakening. A faculty member from each seminary presented a response.
Dr. Wanda Deifelt — lecture 1
Does Lutheran theology justify fundamentalism?
In addressing the rise of Christian fundamentalism in Latin America (with its theology of prosperity and focus on televangelism), this lecture will reflect on the contributions of Lutheran theology to overcome biblical literalism and emphasize the importance of a theology of the cross in situations of power. An investigation of Luther's hermeneutics will show that a critique of Christian fundamentalism is required in order to reclaim the core of the Gospel itself. This hermeneutics is of particular importance to deal with the issues we are grappling with today, whether it be global economic markets, interfaith dialogue, sexual identity, domestic violence, or climate change.
Dr. Wanda Deifelt — lecture 2
Advocacy and political participation: Is there a Lutheran political theology?
Martin Luther's "Two Kingdom Theory" has often been misinterpreted to justify passivity and obedience toward civil authorities. At closer look, however, Luther's theology shows that the Christian tenet of neighborly love requires translation into concrete actions that apply to the everyday practices of politics, economics, and religious affairs. This lecture draws from the experiences of Christians in Latin America who, through consciousness raising, reclaim the concept of cidadania or ciudadania (citizenship) to foster active participation in civil society.
Dr. Lamin Sanneh — lecture 1
The Bounds of Empire and the Bonds of Mission: Lutheranism Abroad
The first lecture will explore the rise of modern Protestant missions and the role of Lutherans in the period of early imperial expansion in India and Africa.
Dr. Lamin Sanneh — lecture 2
Sator Resartus: Lutherans and the Indigenous Discovery of Christianity
The second lecture examines the role of Lutheran missionaries in the post-Western indigenous awakening.
View videos of Dr. Deifelt's lecture at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Tuesday, February 19, 2008.