8
Sep
We are Human: Being and Act in Community

Using the anthropologies of John Zizioulas and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Immanuel will argue that a fully orbed and inclusive understanding of humanity gives priority to God’s love as the principal source of our being, while also emphasising that our actions in community have a considerable impact on who we are. Though critics dispute Zizioulas' account of the Cappadocian father’s contribution to 4th century debates about God talk, it is foundational to Zizioulas’ social anthropology; or, more correctly, his ecclesial anthropology. For Zizioulas, a human being becomes a person who is free to love God and each other, when, by God’s love and grace, they participate in the Eucharist. Immanuel agrees that participating in the sacrament of the Eucharist allows us to recognise that our full humanity is both in Christ and communal. Furthermore, the context of Apostle Paul’s instructions about the Eucharist is always instruction about how members of the church - locally gathered - are to act towards each other. Bonhoeffer helps us focus more clearly on the connection between being and act in community by showing the importance of Christian ethics in understanding what it means to be human in communities of faith, but also in the world beyond the church. Therefore, being human is being and act in community.


About the Speaker 

Immanuel Koks is a doctoral student at Otago University, and adjunct lecturer for Laidlaw College.



Where Online via Zoom
When 12:30pm - 1:25pm
Cost FREE & open to the public
RSVP For Zoom link please email [email protected]

About Laidlaw’s Research Seminars

As a part of Laidlaw’s commitment to relevant, gospel-centred, innovative research, the School of Theology faculty gather each month for a research seminar. The seminars are built around a simple format – one academic presentation followed by critical interaction. Anyone is welcome to join us – this could include postgrad students, researchers from other institutions, or any others looking to hear and interact with cutting edge theological and biblical research.  

For a Zoom link to this online seminar please email Kerry Gordon E.[email protected]