Scott Holland: Faith, Mystery, and Theopoetics

Summary In this episode, we dive into an engaging conversation with Professor Emeritus Scott Holland of Bethany Theological Seminary. We explore the concept of Theo-Poetics, its relevance, and its importance in modern theology. Scott shares insights from his background, including his work in theology, culture, and pastoral roles, as well as his pivotal role in establishing the Theopoetics program at Bethany. We also discuss the historical and contemporary significance of figures like Hans Denk, and how their perspectives can inform our spiritual journeys today. Along the way, we tackle questions about faith, doubt, and the integration of creative expressions in religious practiceScott John HollandScott Holland served for twenty-three years as the Slabaugh Professor of Theology & Culture and Director of Peace and Cross-Cultural Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. Bethany is in partnership with the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana. In 2022, he transitioned to Emeritus Professor teaching Theopoetics & Writing in the flourishing program he helped establish.Before joining the faculty of Bethany Seminary in 1999, Scott Holland pastored Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations in Ohio and Pennsylvania and taught courses ranging from the humanities to peace studies to religion at Carlow College, Westminster College, Seton Hill College, Malone College, Duquesne University and Ashland Theological Seminary.For the past twenty-five years he has been actively engaged in the World Council of Churches (WCC) Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), Just Peace, and Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace programs. This work has taken him to consulting, speaking and writing assignments in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. He was the North American member of the drafting team that composed An Ecumenical Call to Just Peace (2011). He is currently also a member of the of the Steering Committee for the Global Anabaptist Peace Network (GAPN).In addition to his ecumenical, interfaith, academic and public work in seeking cultures of peace, Holland is recognized for his public lectures and publications in the emerging genre of Theopoetics. This wide range of scholarship finds expression in the classes he teaches at Bethany Theological Seminary and the Earlham School of Religion, which includes courses in both flourishing Theopoetics and Peace Studies programs.AuthorshipHolland, Scott. How Do Stories Save Us? An Essay on the Question with the Theological Hermeneutics of David Tracy in View. Louvain: Peeters / Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.“From Theo-logics to Theopoetics: Mystery, Metaphor and Meaning-making.” Messenger (Church of the Brethren), April 2017. (Open PDF of issue with article) — https://www.brethren.org/messenger/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/messenger-2017-4-done.pdf Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe