Three Ideological Traditions and the Psychology of Religion

This commentary on Heimbrock's essay on psychoanalytic understandings of religion notes that Freud thought religion was of inestimable worth to individual and collective development. Although psychoanalytic views of religion can never be irrefutably correct, they refute rationalistic reductions of religion. It should also be noted that, although psychoanalysis tended to emphasize unhealthy religion, there is a need for contemporary psychoanalysts to investigate healthy religion. Applications of these ideas to the South African situation are considered.     

The Ontology of Scripture and the Ethics of Interpretation in the Theology of John Webster

This article outlines the ontology of Scripture and the ethics of interpretation in the theology of John Webster, covering how the doctrines of revelation, sanctification, inspiration and canonization condition the locus of interpretation. Particular focus is given to the way in which the triune God’s presence and perfection determine Webster’s explication of these topics. The article’s conclusion is that Webster’s work makes a major contribution with the basic approach that it takes, thinking about the Bible in relation to a wider field, though it does not entirely overcome the obstacle of the dualism between history and transcendence.     

Determining the Place of Religion: Native American Traditions and the WWW

Examples of Native American websites reveal great differences in those created by Native and non-Native people. Most often of central concern for non-Indian people is Native American ‘spirituality’. In contrast, Native people rarely discuss religion as a topic distinct from political, economic or material concerns. This disparity highlights the contentious nature of ‘religion’ between Indigenous and Immigrant cultural contexts. It also reveals some features of the relationships between the cultural phenomenon of ‘whiteness’ and religion.     

Teaching and Learning Theology and Religion at the University of Botswana

This essay is part of a collection of short essays solicited from authors around the globe who teach religion courses at the college level (not for professional religious training). They are published together with an introduction in Teaching Theology and Religion 18:3 (July 2015). The authors were asked to provide a brief overview of the curriculum, student learning goals, and pedagogical techniques employed in their courses.