Testing Us Testing God Assessment and Theological Competency, 2022
Typical approaches to assessment, in higher education in general and in theological education in ... more Typical approaches to assessment, in higher education in general and in theological education in particular, require students to write essays, reflections, book reviews, and seminar presentations. In this chapter, I explore the idea that more creative approaches to assessment are theologically sound and have right– brain related neurological advantages that assist students to become more aware of the ultimate Other and through this awareness become more aware of the Other at a more mundane or day–to–day level. In this way, creative assessment not only assesses, it becomes a mode of learning that has theological outcomes unachievable in any other way. I conclude by presenting examples of creative assessment in theological education.
God's Exemplary Graduates Character-Oriented Graduate Attributes in Theological Education, 2021
This genesis of this paper lies in a concern that the graduate attributes proposed by theological... more This genesis of this paper lies in a concern that the graduate attributes proposed by theological higher education institutions in Australia are not always fit for purpose. Given the state of regulation in Australian higher education today, there is a danger that theological institutions will be overly influenced by secular understandings of the nature of appropriate graduate attributes. Graduate attributes are grounded, consciously or unconsciously, on assumptions about the purpose of higher education or the nature of the profession that graduates will enter. This paper grounds the graduate attributes for a theological higher education institution in a descriptive and imaginative account of the local congregation as a learning community.
Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone W... more Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone Weil, this article explores some of the features of the ministry of presence exercised by chaplains. It builds on the concept, definitions and theological underpinnings of the author's previous paper (Journal of Christian Education, 52, 1, May 2009, 7–22). It argues that the ministry of presence is one means by which chaplains collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.
Charles Williams was one of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford in the 1930s and ... more Charles Williams was one of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford in the 1930s and 40s. The group included J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Most members were Oxford dons but Williams, who never completed his degree, was editor for Oxford University Press. Like others in the group he held a firm Christian belief. His novels present a curious mix of everyday natural existence overlaid with the supernatural and fantasy.
Many critics assert that “Descent into Hell” was one of his best novels. However, it is an obscure book dense with references to Dante and classical allusions. I found it hard to penetrate. However, it is worth the effort. I offer this summary as my interpretation of the novel.
The page numbers referred to in the text are from Charles Williams. Descent Into Hell. Endymion Press. Kindle Edition.
In their 2013 paper, "A theory in progress? Issues in transformative learning theory," Taylor and... more In their 2013 paper, "A theory in progress? Issues in transformative learning theory," Taylor and Cranton were concerned that the theory of transformative learning has not progressed because there has been too much attention given to research on transformative experiences per se and not enough attention given to research grounded in primary sources. They identify three "central constructs": the place of experience, empathy, and the desire to change.
John Dirkx. a leading theorist in transformative learning. has focused on "soul" as a central construct. Rosemary Ruether engaged the discussion of "soul making" from a theological perspective and, while she did not use the term "transformative learning," she described soul making as "transformative metanoia," which she elaborates as a multi-dimensional transformation.
This essay joins a conversation with Dirkx and Reuther to examine four central constructs (experience, empathy, the desire to change, and soul) from a theological perspective in order to consider their implications for theological education.
Bonhoeffer Down Under edited by Gordon Preece & Ian Packer (Adelaide: ATF Theology), 2012
As we move into the twenty-first century and as we become more aware of the learning needs and st... more As we move into the twenty-first century and as we become more aware of the learning needs and styles of the emerging Net Generation we need to consider what kinds of theological education might be appropriate? This paper asks, 'What might Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Finkenwalde seminary conducted in the face of Nazi opposition in the mid-twentieth century have to teach us about curriculum and formation in theological education
today?' This paper argues that the theological curriculum at Finkenwalde
1. is revealed in Life Together and Discipleship
2. has an intended, although unstated, outcome
3. has an existentialist (rather than purely intellectualist) pedagogical emphasis
4. is relevant to theological education today
5. is particularly relevant to the Net Generation
In this paper, I outline the characteristics or sensibilities of the Net Generation and examine s... more In this paper, I outline the characteristics or sensibilities of the Net Generation and examine some other views of the Net
Generation. I then consider the design of optimal conditions for learning by the Net Generation. I argue that learners bring
a range of natural, inherent, or native capacities to the learning environment but teachers are able to do little to enhance or
develop these native capacities. Learners also bring a range of previously learned capacities. They bring a range of attitudes,
proclivities, and sensibilities that teachers can encourage or discourage, enhance or diminish, or enliven or deaden. Part of the
art of teaching is to design learning activities that build on those sensibilities that lead to greater engagement by the learners
with an ultimate goal of releasing a learning process that leads to transformation and to transcendence. In developing this line
of thought, I draw on the work of Kalantzis and Cope, Robinson, and Zajonc who discussed learning conditions that
involved engaging students and creating opportunities for transformation and transcendence.
Journal of Christian Education, Vol 54, No 1, May 2011
pocation is the idea that there is something -my vocation or calling -God has called me to do wit... more pocation is the idea that there is something -my vocation or calling -God has called me to do with my life, and nry life has meaning and purpose at least in part because lam fu!filling my calling. (p.2)
Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone·W... more Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone·Weil, this article explores some of the features of the ministry of presence exercised by chaplains. It builds on the concept, definitions and theological underpinnings of the author's previous paper a ournal of Christian Education, 52, 1, May 2009,7·22). It argues that the ministry of presence is one means by which chaplains collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.
Keywords: chaplains, co-creation, embrace, presence, Walter Bruggemann, Martin Buber, Miroslav VoH.
This paper examines the role and relationships of Christian chaplains in non-church settings. Cov... more This paper examines the role and relationships of Christian chaplains in non-church settings. Covington's and Smith's description of presence as exercised by nurses has been adapted to fit the work of chaplains in order to provide a working definition. Next, a transcendental understanding of presence is explored, beginning with a description of an encounter with the presence of God. Third, the biblical understandings of the presence of God are examined. Fourth, the author draws on philosophical theology to consider the extent to which chaplains, nurses, clients and patients who are not believers experience the presence of God in encounters that might otherwise be described in terms of a caring presence. Fifth, he considers the role that common grace plays in this ministry. The conclusion incorporates discussion of a future work that might be done £n this area.
Keywords: Bible, chaplaincy, common grace, minister, presence, 'the other',transcendence, trinity.
BONHOEFFER'S LIFE TOGETHER describes disciplines for Christian formation. Based on communal life,... more BONHOEFFER'S LIFE TOGETHER describes disciplines for Christian formation. Based on communal life, these disciplines assist Christians to take seriously Christ's call to discipleship. This article describes the disciplines of dispersion and community, reading Scripture, prayer, solitude, discernment, service and confession. Disconnected from contemporary Western life, they seem to bear little relationship to spiritual awareness pedagogy contemporary classrooms. The article considers some classroom processes akin to Joyce and Weil's Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching that contribute to spiritual awareness pedagogy that eventually enables children to embody these disciplines as Christians who take their call to discipleship seriously.
Key Words: formation, classroom, spiritual disciplines, Bonhoeffer, Life Together, spiritual awareness pedagogy. Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching.
Testing Us Testing God Assessment and Theological Competency, 2022
Typical approaches to assessment, in higher education in general and in theological education in ... more Typical approaches to assessment, in higher education in general and in theological education in particular, require students to write essays, reflections, book reviews, and seminar presentations. In this chapter, I explore the idea that more creative approaches to assessment are theologically sound and have right– brain related neurological advantages that assist students to become more aware of the ultimate Other and through this awareness become more aware of the Other at a more mundane or day–to–day level. In this way, creative assessment not only assesses, it becomes a mode of learning that has theological outcomes unachievable in any other way. I conclude by presenting examples of creative assessment in theological education.
God's Exemplary Graduates Character-Oriented Graduate Attributes in Theological Education, 2021
This genesis of this paper lies in a concern that the graduate attributes proposed by theological... more This genesis of this paper lies in a concern that the graduate attributes proposed by theological higher education institutions in Australia are not always fit for purpose. Given the state of regulation in Australian higher education today, there is a danger that theological institutions will be overly influenced by secular understandings of the nature of appropriate graduate attributes. Graduate attributes are grounded, consciously or unconsciously, on assumptions about the purpose of higher education or the nature of the profession that graduates will enter. This paper grounds the graduate attributes for a theological higher education institution in a descriptive and imaginative account of the local congregation as a learning community.
Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone W... more Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone Weil, this article explores some of the features of the ministry of presence exercised by chaplains. It builds on the concept, definitions and theological underpinnings of the author's previous paper (Journal of Christian Education, 52, 1, May 2009, 7–22). It argues that the ministry of presence is one means by which chaplains collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.
Charles Williams was one of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford in the 1930s and ... more Charles Williams was one of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford in the 1930s and 40s. The group included J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Most members were Oxford dons but Williams, who never completed his degree, was editor for Oxford University Press. Like others in the group he held a firm Christian belief. His novels present a curious mix of everyday natural existence overlaid with the supernatural and fantasy.
Many critics assert that “Descent into Hell” was one of his best novels. However, it is an obscure book dense with references to Dante and classical allusions. I found it hard to penetrate. However, it is worth the effort. I offer this summary as my interpretation of the novel.
The page numbers referred to in the text are from Charles Williams. Descent Into Hell. Endymion Press. Kindle Edition.
In their 2013 paper, "A theory in progress? Issues in transformative learning theory," Taylor and... more In their 2013 paper, "A theory in progress? Issues in transformative learning theory," Taylor and Cranton were concerned that the theory of transformative learning has not progressed because there has been too much attention given to research on transformative experiences per se and not enough attention given to research grounded in primary sources. They identify three "central constructs": the place of experience, empathy, and the desire to change.
John Dirkx. a leading theorist in transformative learning. has focused on "soul" as a central construct. Rosemary Ruether engaged the discussion of "soul making" from a theological perspective and, while she did not use the term "transformative learning," she described soul making as "transformative metanoia," which she elaborates as a multi-dimensional transformation.
This essay joins a conversation with Dirkx and Reuther to examine four central constructs (experience, empathy, the desire to change, and soul) from a theological perspective in order to consider their implications for theological education.
Bonhoeffer Down Under edited by Gordon Preece & Ian Packer (Adelaide: ATF Theology), 2012
As we move into the twenty-first century and as we become more aware of the learning needs and st... more As we move into the twenty-first century and as we become more aware of the learning needs and styles of the emerging Net Generation we need to consider what kinds of theological education might be appropriate? This paper asks, 'What might Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Finkenwalde seminary conducted in the face of Nazi opposition in the mid-twentieth century have to teach us about curriculum and formation in theological education
today?' This paper argues that the theological curriculum at Finkenwalde
1. is revealed in Life Together and Discipleship
2. has an intended, although unstated, outcome
3. has an existentialist (rather than purely intellectualist) pedagogical emphasis
4. is relevant to theological education today
5. is particularly relevant to the Net Generation
In this paper, I outline the characteristics or sensibilities of the Net Generation and examine s... more In this paper, I outline the characteristics or sensibilities of the Net Generation and examine some other views of the Net
Generation. I then consider the design of optimal conditions for learning by the Net Generation. I argue that learners bring
a range of natural, inherent, or native capacities to the learning environment but teachers are able to do little to enhance or
develop these native capacities. Learners also bring a range of previously learned capacities. They bring a range of attitudes,
proclivities, and sensibilities that teachers can encourage or discourage, enhance or diminish, or enliven or deaden. Part of the
art of teaching is to design learning activities that build on those sensibilities that lead to greater engagement by the learners
with an ultimate goal of releasing a learning process that leads to transformation and to transcendence. In developing this line
of thought, I draw on the work of Kalantzis and Cope, Robinson, and Zajonc who discussed learning conditions that
involved engaging students and creating opportunities for transformation and transcendence.
Journal of Christian Education, Vol 54, No 1, May 2011
pocation is the idea that there is something -my vocation or calling -God has called me to do wit... more pocation is the idea that there is something -my vocation or calling -God has called me to do with my life, and nry life has meaning and purpose at least in part because lam fu!filling my calling. (p.2)
Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone·W... more Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone·Weil, this article explores some of the features of the ministry of presence exercised by chaplains. It builds on the concept, definitions and theological underpinnings of the author's previous paper a ournal of Christian Education, 52, 1, May 2009,7·22). It argues that the ministry of presence is one means by which chaplains collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.
Keywords: chaplains, co-creation, embrace, presence, Walter Bruggemann, Martin Buber, Miroslav VoH.
This paper examines the role and relationships of Christian chaplains in non-church settings. Cov... more This paper examines the role and relationships of Christian chaplains in non-church settings. Covington's and Smith's description of presence as exercised by nurses has been adapted to fit the work of chaplains in order to provide a working definition. Next, a transcendental understanding of presence is explored, beginning with a description of an encounter with the presence of God. Third, the biblical understandings of the presence of God are examined. Fourth, the author draws on philosophical theology to consider the extent to which chaplains, nurses, clients and patients who are not believers experience the presence of God in encounters that might otherwise be described in terms of a caring presence. Fifth, he considers the role that common grace plays in this ministry. The conclusion incorporates discussion of a future work that might be done £n this area.
Keywords: Bible, chaplaincy, common grace, minister, presence, 'the other',transcendence, trinity.
BONHOEFFER'S LIFE TOGETHER describes disciplines for Christian formation. Based on communal life,... more BONHOEFFER'S LIFE TOGETHER describes disciplines for Christian formation. Based on communal life, these disciplines assist Christians to take seriously Christ's call to discipleship. This article describes the disciplines of dispersion and community, reading Scripture, prayer, solitude, discernment, service and confession. Disconnected from contemporary Western life, they seem to bear little relationship to spiritual awareness pedagogy contemporary classrooms. The article considers some classroom processes akin to Joyce and Weil's Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching that contribute to spiritual awareness pedagogy that eventually enables children to embody these disciplines as Christians who take their call to discipleship seriously.
Key Words: formation, classroom, spiritual disciplines, Bonhoeffer, Life Together, spiritual awareness pedagogy. Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching.
GOD’S EXEMPLARY GRADUATES CHARACTER-ORIENTED GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION, 2021
This genesis of this paper lies in a concern that the graduate attributes proposed by theological... more This genesis of this paper lies in a concern that the graduate attributes proposed by theological higher education institutions in Australia are not always fit for purpose. Given the state of regulation in Australian higher education today, there is a danger that theological institutions will be overly influenced by secular understandings of the nature of appropriate graduate attributes. Graduate attributes are grounded, consciously or unconsciously, on assumptions about the purpose of higher education or the nature of the profession that graduates will enter. This paper grounds the graduate attributes for a theological higher education institution in a descriptive and imaginative account of the local congregation as a learning community.
Uploads
Papers by Neil Holm
Many critics assert that “Descent into Hell” was one of his best novels. However, it is an obscure book dense with references to Dante and classical allusions. I found it hard to penetrate. However, it is worth the effort. I offer this summary as my interpretation of the novel.
The page numbers referred to in the text are from Charles Williams. Descent Into Hell. Endymion Press. Kindle Edition.
John Dirkx. a leading theorist in transformative learning. has focused on "soul" as a central construct. Rosemary Ruether engaged the discussion of "soul making" from a theological perspective and, while she did not use the term "transformative learning," she described soul making as "transformative metanoia," which she elaborates as a multi-dimensional transformation.
This essay joins a conversation with Dirkx and Reuther to examine four central constructs (experience, empathy, the desire to change, and soul) from a theological perspective in order to consider their implications for theological education.
today?' This paper argues that the theological curriculum at Finkenwalde
1. is revealed in Life Together and Discipleship
2. has an intended, although unstated, outcome
3. has an existentialist (rather than purely intellectualist) pedagogical emphasis
4. is relevant to theological education today
5. is particularly relevant to the Net Generation
Generation. I then consider the design of optimal conditions for learning by the Net Generation. I argue that learners bring
a range of natural, inherent, or native capacities to the learning environment but teachers are able to do little to enhance or
develop these native capacities. Learners also bring a range of previously learned capacities. They bring a range of attitudes,
proclivities, and sensibilities that teachers can encourage or discourage, enhance or diminish, or enliven or deaden. Part of the
art of teaching is to design learning activities that build on those sensibilities that lead to greater engagement by the learners
with an ultimate goal of releasing a learning process that leads to transformation and to transcendence. In developing this line
of thought, I draw on the work of Kalantzis and Cope, Robinson, and Zajonc who discussed learning conditions that
involved engaging students and creating opportunities for transformation and transcendence.
collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.
Keywords: chaplains, co-creation, embrace, presence, Walter Bruggemann, Martin Buber, Miroslav VoH.
Keywords: Bible, chaplaincy, common grace, minister, presence, 'the other',transcendence, trinity.
This article describes the disciplines of dispersion and community, reading Scripture, prayer, solitude, discernment, service and confession. Disconnected from contemporary Western life, they seem to bear little relationship to spiritual awareness pedagogy contemporary classrooms. The article considers some classroom processes akin to Joyce and Weil's Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching that contribute to spiritual awareness pedagogy that eventually enables children to embody these disciplines as Christians who take their call to discipleship seriously.
Key Words: formation, classroom, spiritual disciplines, Bonhoeffer, Life Together, spiritual awareness pedagogy. Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching.
Many critics assert that “Descent into Hell” was one of his best novels. However, it is an obscure book dense with references to Dante and classical allusions. I found it hard to penetrate. However, it is worth the effort. I offer this summary as my interpretation of the novel.
The page numbers referred to in the text are from Charles Williams. Descent Into Hell. Endymion Press. Kindle Edition.
John Dirkx. a leading theorist in transformative learning. has focused on "soul" as a central construct. Rosemary Ruether engaged the discussion of "soul making" from a theological perspective and, while she did not use the term "transformative learning," she described soul making as "transformative metanoia," which she elaborates as a multi-dimensional transformation.
This essay joins a conversation with Dirkx and Reuther to examine four central constructs (experience, empathy, the desire to change, and soul) from a theological perspective in order to consider their implications for theological education.
today?' This paper argues that the theological curriculum at Finkenwalde
1. is revealed in Life Together and Discipleship
2. has an intended, although unstated, outcome
3. has an existentialist (rather than purely intellectualist) pedagogical emphasis
4. is relevant to theological education today
5. is particularly relevant to the Net Generation
Generation. I then consider the design of optimal conditions for learning by the Net Generation. I argue that learners bring
a range of natural, inherent, or native capacities to the learning environment but teachers are able to do little to enhance or
develop these native capacities. Learners also bring a range of previously learned capacities. They bring a range of attitudes,
proclivities, and sensibilities that teachers can encourage or discourage, enhance or diminish, or enliven or deaden. Part of the
art of teaching is to design learning activities that build on those sensibilities that lead to greater engagement by the learners
with an ultimate goal of releasing a learning process that leads to transformation and to transcendence. In developing this line
of thought, I draw on the work of Kalantzis and Cope, Robinson, and Zajonc who discussed learning conditions that
involved engaging students and creating opportunities for transformation and transcendence.
collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.
Keywords: chaplains, co-creation, embrace, presence, Walter Bruggemann, Martin Buber, Miroslav VoH.
Keywords: Bible, chaplaincy, common grace, minister, presence, 'the other',transcendence, trinity.
This article describes the disciplines of dispersion and community, reading Scripture, prayer, solitude, discernment, service and confession. Disconnected from contemporary Western life, they seem to bear little relationship to spiritual awareness pedagogy contemporary classrooms. The article considers some classroom processes akin to Joyce and Weil's Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching that contribute to spiritual awareness pedagogy that eventually enables children to embody these disciplines as Christians who take their call to discipleship seriously.
Key Words: formation, classroom, spiritual disciplines, Bonhoeffer, Life Together, spiritual awareness pedagogy. Personal Family and Social Family models of teaching.