this issue
next article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Ruim baan voor de verbeelding
Subtitle: Over creativiteit en geloof
Author(s): RADCLIFFE, Timothy
Journal: Tijdschrift voor Theologie
Volume: 52    Issue: 3   Date: 2012   
Pages: 189-200
DOI: 10.2143/TVT.52.3.3203352

Abstract :
This essay is an abbreviated translation of the Schillebeeckx Memorial Lecture held on December 1, 2012 at the Radboud University Nijmegen. It develops the idea that faith is an act of creativity. The essay starts with the movie Des Hommes et des dieux (2010) and presents how the Trappist monks in Algeria live their lives close to the local people in the midst of growing violence and hatred. Thus they imagine love and commitment. This, it is argued, is akin to what Jesus does in his parables and what happens at Easter: the world is seen in a new, divine light. The story of this light has to be transmitted and translated to every new generation in its situation. The essay makes clear how at the present time the question of imagination is highly topical, given the tendency to demonise others. The Christian tradition tells us to remain near to our contemporaries in solidarity, following the nearness of God. The project of academic theology is not enough here. Prayer and a life of contemplation are also needed.

Download article