The lived theology movement is built on the work of an emerging generation of theologians and scholars who pursue research, teaching, and writing as a form of public discipleship, motivated by the conviction that theology can enhance lived experience. This volume--based on a two-year collaboration with the Project on Lived Theology at the University of Virginia--offers a series of illustrations and styles of lived theology, in conversation with other major approaches to the religious interpretation of embodied life. Lived theology begins with a modest proposal: How might theological writing, research, and teaching be re-imagined to engage with lived experience, while still contributing to academic scholarship? The contributors consider this question in a variety of contexts, including towns in Mississippi struggling with histories of racist violence; a homeless shelter in Atlanta; students volunteering with faith based organizations in Columbus, Ohio; churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and a college classroom in the MidWest. Answers to, and explorations of this question form the narrative framework of this book. Behind this question is the theological conviction that within the lived experience of faith communities lies a wealth of insight on themes that have long occupied the attention of scholars--morality, justice, grace, reconciliation, and redemption.

I recommend this book to theologians attracted to ethnography, and vice versa, as a varied and thorough exploration of the gifts and challenges that dwell at the intersection of those endeavors. Theological educators may take an interest as well; the theme of integrating community engagement into theological study runs throughout the book. Many of the questions of scholarly subjectivity and research ethics raised herein are familiar for those trained in ethnography. However, the project is clearly breaking new ground in raising these questions in the context of theological scholarship, a development to be celebrated. * Miranda Hassett, Anglican Theological Review *

Charles Marsh is Commonwealth Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. Peter Slade is Professor of the History of Christianity and Christian thought at Ashland University. Sarah Azaransky is Assistant Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary.