Calling But Not Foreclosing: reworking Our Approach to Faith Formation

Abstract As churches continue to feel anxious about losing their young people, the impulse to find means to secure young people’s faith identities can arise. Such approaches, though well-intended, can inadvertently become exercises in identity foreclosure. Foreclosure subverts young people’s selfhoo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Clements, Chris D. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Brill 2020
In: Journal of youth and theology
Year: 2020, Volume: 19, Issue: 2, Pages: 200-219
IxTheo Classification:CB Christian life; spirituality
HA Bible
RF Christian education; catechetics
RJ Mission; missiology
Further subjects:B Søren Kierkegaard
B Youth Ministry
B Calling
B identity foreclosure
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:Abstract As churches continue to feel anxious about losing their young people, the impulse to find means to secure young people’s faith identities can arise. Such approaches, though well-intended, can inadvertently become exercises in identity foreclosure. Foreclosure subverts young people’s selfhood and can lead to faith and identity commitments that lack resilience. Using Søren Kierkegaard’s writings and the biblical book of Jonah, an approach to faith formation will be articulated that focuses on hearing God’s call. This approach avoids identity-foreclosing impulses by elevating the place of God’s calling in faith formation.
ISSN:2405-5093
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of youth and theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/24055093-bja10007