Theology and Joy

Download or read book Theology and Joy written by Juergen Moltmann and published by SCM Press. This book was released on 2013-08-13 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this provocative study, Dr Moltmann develops his interest in political theology with particular reference to the questions of liberation, joy and the glory of God. How, he asks, can we laugh and rejoice when there are still so many tears to be wiped away and when new tears are being added every day? He cites the recent musical Fiddler on the Roof. Are the Jewish congregation here singing just to forget, or is there really such a thing as freedom in the midst of slavery, joy in the midst of suffering ? The rest of his extended essay investigates the possibility that in playing we can anticipate our liberation and with laughter rid ourselves of the bonds which alienate us from real life. David Jenkins, who writes an extended introduction and comment, takes up two points from Dr Moltmann's work. Moltmann argues that instead of using God to enjoy the world, men can now use the world to enjoy God. Furthermore, this development liberates the concept of 'God' to become what it really is, free and sovereign, instead of an idea enmeshed in our own plans and purposes.