Theology as Threshold

Jione Havea is research fellow with Trinity Methodist Theological College (Aotearoa New Zealand) and with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (Charles Sturt University, Australia). Emily Colgan is senior lecturer in biblical studies at Trinity Methodist Theological College in Auckland, New Zealand. Nasili Vaka’uta is the current Principal and Ranston Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Trinity Methodist Theological College, Auckland, New Zealand.

• 1. Nau mai, Haere mai: WelcomeJione Havea, Emily Colgan, Nasili Vaka‘uta(re)Locating theological studies2. Margins as ThresholdsNasili Vaka‘uta3. Early Christian Networking and Overcoming Isolation and Competition in Theological Studies in AotearoaPaul Trebilco4. Gift exchange and pae nekeneke: Learnings for theological education from the history of becoming Presbyterian in Aoteoroa New ZealandSteve Taylor5. Whakawhanaungatanga (doing right relationship), Beyond a Failure of Nerve and ImaginationKathleen P. Rushton6. Tough Conversations: Engaging with Biblical “Texts of Terror” in Aotearoa New ZealandEmily Colgan and Caroline Blyth7. Asking the Right Questions: Noticing and Naming Sexual AbuseDavid Tombs8. Thresholds of Alternatives: Re-imagining the Vocation of Theological EducatorsGeorge Zachariah9. Digital Technologies and Theological EducationStephen GarnerNativizing theological studies10. Maori Theology: Unavoidable, PriorityArapera Ngaha11. Biculturalism a

Theologies that have been formed and nurtured beyond colonial confines are key to the relevance of theology. This collection, “from a thickly contextual perspective” (as the editors put it), sets Maori, Pasifika, and Pakeha voices at the thresholds of theology. In the global south, the threshold of homes, buildings, and all entrances, are sacred places that welcome, greet and include all—stranger and friend. In such places, excluded or ignored theological voices find affirmation and freedom of expression. This collection is such a place!