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BOOTH COLLEGE VOLUME 7
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ISSUE 1
MARCH 2015
Vocational Training celebrates 20 years
P1 Vocational Training celebrates 20 years P2 Word from the Principal P3 Distance program equipping leaders P4 Woman of God P5 General Eva Burrows P6 Great to be back P7 On solid ground P8 The theology of beauty
Vocational training team L - R Kat, Kylie, Helen, Robyn, Kim and Kirsten (missing from picture Melissa)
UPCOMING EVENTS 7 May Stanmore House launch 16 May Sydney College of Divinity graduation 30 May Sydney chapter Historical Society Public Meeting Mr Lindsay Cox, Territorial Archives and Museum Melbourne ANZAC Reflection 1 June School for Christian Studies Winter School begins 27 June | 6.00pm – midnight Half night of prayer 23 July – 5 August Mission Week 20 August Frederick Coutts Memorial Lecture Dr Kent Brower, Nazarene Theological College UK
In 2015 Booth College Vocational Training celebrates 20 years as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Since its inception on 10 April 1995, its mission has been twofold - to equip people for work by providing training for the marginalized through the social programs of The Salvation Army and to deliver tailormade vocational courses for personnel within The Salvation Army. Though its vision to equip people through vocational training, both in the community and within the Army, has remained the same the RTO has grown dramatically in two decades and is currently accredited by the Australian government body ASQA to deliver 34 qualifications. Its nationally recognized programs are delivered to industry standards by qualified trainers across 11 delivery sites around New South Wales and Queensland. Additionally, the Booth College team trains facilitators equipping them to teach. Recognising the changing landscape of training, the RTO has also taken its training to where the learners are, making it more accessible. It has entered the arena of distance education and trains people in their backyard by going to the locations where the cohort of learners are. It works in partnership and collaborates with various interest groups, both internal and external to The Salvation
Army, looking for opportunities to expand its reach. Throughout the 20 years, its finest achievement is the more than 6000 students who have been equipped for work. This includes people from disadvantaged backgrounds helped through the vocational programs to aspire to and realise their potential. Another area of pride is the 11 delivery sites that enjoy broad connectivity with the region it serves, enriching its communities not only through the training provided but by opening its doors to serve unconditionally. The RTO is making a difference by being responsive to the training needs within the Army. Its high quality training is adapted to one’s role and provided in the Army’s systems, procedures, ethos and values. Flexible delivery, with training offered in regional and metropolitan areas and some via distance, has benefited many officers and employees over the years. As the RTO begins its third decade, it will continue to shape the vocational scene by providing training that aligns with the mission of The Salvation Army - to equip and empower its graduates to serve the world.
Booth College is accredited by the government as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training. Booth College is a Member Institute of the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD) accredited to deliver higher education theological courses.
Expressing the grace of Christ throughExpressing the grace of Christ through transformative education transformative education
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EVA’S DREAM Word from the Principal Great leaders define reality in memorable words. General Eva Burrows did that for The Salvation Army. ‘I dream of an Army,’ she said, ‘that is spiritually vibrant, biblically strong, culturally sensitive, evangelistically passionate, community concerned and Holy Spirit empowered.’ We were so blessed to have General Eva teaching at the officer training college for a number of years. Now she has been Promoted to Glory, we will miss her amazing charisma, her warm smile, her penetrating intellect, and her fiery passion for God and his mission. But her words still speak. They summon all of us who work for the Army or serve in the Army, to pursue that dream. We at Booth College are summoned to be spiritually vibrant. Of course the only
way to be spiritually vibrant is to pray. That means both personal prayer and corporate prayer. The Army wants all of us to pray. We who serve at Booth also carry a huge responsibility to shape generations who are biblically strong. General Eva says: make that your goal. Produce people who love the Bible, believe the Bible, understand the Bible, know how to communicate the Bible, and are shaped by the Bible. She dreamt of a people culturally sensitive. Eva spent so many years in Africa, and later in Sri Lanka, that she knew all about this. Well now the world is in Australia, and she calls us to be sensitive to many people. More and more, we need to be many people.
How can we at Booth be about the work of evangelism? And how can we fire our students with that passion? I think this one sits at the apex of the Army’s mission. You could say that if Booth does this well it is doing its job. Then she said that she wanted an Army that is community concerned. That is the second arm of the Army’s compassionate service—to the needy of every community. Some of our schools, such as the Vocational Training are right there. That’s a main reason they exist. We need to always keep that goal before us, because we serve others so they can serve the community. Finally, General Burrows returned to the spiritual theme when she said she dreamt of an Army that is Holy Spirit empowered. And that brings us back to prayer. What can we do at Booth to be more and more a people of prayer? How can we as a people pray the Spirit’s power down? Thank you Eva Burrows.
She dreamt of a people who are evangelistically passionate. Eva was.
God is always faithful By Joan Pack, Assistant to Director of the Heritage Preservation Centre
A Retirement Celebration, conducted by Major Elwyn Grigg, was held for Major Reta Brown on Saturday, 31 January 2015 at the Booth College Conference Centre. Reta chose this venue because of her appointment as Director of the Heritage Preservation Centre to which she was appointed on 15 October 2012. One highlight of the day was the use of the “Soldiers of the Cross Sessional Pennant” attached to The Salvation Army flag, as this was the session that Reta with her husband David (and son Warren) entered in 1974 as cadets at 55 Livingstone Road Petersham. With the venue filled to capacity Reta was obviously held in high regard for the years spent in active officership. At the conclusion of the Celebration all enjoyed a scrumptious afternoon tea. The décor chosen happened to be in
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one of Reta’s favourite colours, blue, a color that took her back to her wedding day, as it was the colour worn by her bridesmaids. Reta’s years of service and knowledge of the Army were a great help during her time in the Heritage Centre. Assisting people with research, assessing memorabilia, storing artefacts, and being involved in preserving The Salvation Army history brought many rewards. Sorting through photographs and identifying people in them brought mixed memories, especially when it involved family members. It was a pleasure to work with Reta during her time here; the initiatives implemented and improvements made are acknowledged. To quote Reta: “Looking back on thirtynine years of service as a Salvation
Army officer, I have been mindful of the encouragement, prayers and support received from family and friends. My testimony is simply this ‘God is always faithful.’”
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Distance program equipping leaders By Captain Gaina Vali, The Salvation Army divisional leader at PNG
In 2009, my wife Captain Jenny and I were the Multicultural Ministry team members at Cairns Corps. It was there I came across a Booth College advertisement in the Pipeline magazine. After doing further research regarding study courses offered by Booth College and registering for their online program, I was accepted for the Diploma in Theology in 2010. The efficient internet service in Australia enabled me to do my study anywhere, at anytime. Despite my hectic schedule, I was able to complete and do my required readings. Through taking up this study, I literally felt that my capacity in understanding the knowledge of the triune God was broadened. My preaching of the Word (gospel) became effective in doing profound exegesis from the Scriptures. In 2012, we returned to our home Territory Papa New Guinea (PNG) and commenced the next phase in our officership, being appointed to the Officer Training College in Port Moresby as training staff. The knowledge that I acquired from my study with Booth College has enhanced me in my teaching of three sessions of cadets in a powerful way. At that time we had no internet or email access at the Officer Training College, so I unfortunately had to take a break
from my studies. But eventually in 2013, the College was hooked up to Lotus Notes. Due to lack of funds in our Territory, a special request was made to the Australia Eastern Territory, and in November 2013 I was informed that funding had been secured. The funding was provided by Booth College as part of their ongoing program to support the development of Salvation Army officers through scholarships to assist participation in accredited study programs. In January 2014 I received a new appointment as Corps Officer at Boroko Church in Port Moresby and later, around mid-year, an additional appointment as the Men’s Fellowship Co-ordinator for the PNG Territory. I also resumed my studies with Booth College via distance education. I’ve faced great challenges in terms of internet and Lotus Notes access, but I am enjoying my study focusing on God. Taking up this challenge to do a study at Booth College has built my capacity in my officership in terms of my spiritual growth and made me competent to participate effectively in my current roles.
Chaplain appointed at Booth College In line with the mission of The Salvation Army and the need to support the social and emotional wellbeing of students and personnel, Booth College has appointed Lt-Colonel Jan Cairns as the Chaplain. Officers at Booth College have always been ready to give support and provide a listening ear. As ordained ministers they have prayed with, shared the message of hope, and strengthened many through personal struggles. Jan will now step into this role for the whole of Booth College, as she will be available to support students and the larger campus community whenever needed.
Compassionate and a prayer warrior, Jan has been serving Christ as an officer in the Army for 33 years. With a heart filled with love for Christ, Jan has a deep commitment to serve and care. Jan will provide pastoral care and can be contacted on 02 9502 0474. You can also email her at jan.cairns@ aue.salvationarmy.org to make an appointment. Privacy is assured and all communication will be treated with respect and sensitivity.
This year, my wife and I have taken up appointments as divisional leaders for North Western Division in the PNG Territory. This Division comprises five provinces (highlands). Obviously this is another great challenge for me to face, however I am assured that God will help me and also provide me the strength to continue my studies with Booth College.
Booth College Library: A resource for The Salvation Army
Membership of Booth College Library is available to students and employees of the College, Sydney College of Divinity affiliates, officers, and Salvationists. With membership one can access information onsite, at the Bexley North campus, home to a wide range of material in various areas including Biblical research, theology, pastoral care, spirituality, and mission. Searching for sermon notes or an academic paper is made simple as it can be done from the comfort of one’s home as the library provides access to thousands of journal articles and a growing collection of ebooks through its databases. Membership is free and a registration form can be downloaded at http://boothcollege. edu.au/student-resources/library/ For more information E | boothcollege.library@aue. salvationarmy.org P | (02) 9502 0420 MARCH 2015 3
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Woman of God Collective worship during Holy Week By Vicki Hutton, Finance Officer Booth College
Commencing on Monday 30 March, the last week of Lent, staff and cadets at Booth College joined in the Holy Week worship to reflect on the final few days of Jesus’ life on earth. Consider the Greatest Story, In the Garden, The Calvary Road, and At the Passover walked us through the journey of the Holy Week. A Tenebrae service, a Passover Sedar
During the past 18 years that I have worked at Booth College I have met and known some beautiful Christian people, and one that stands out is Bec. Bec is a wonderful example of a woman of God, and has many qualities that I admire. I always appreciate her warm, soft yet magnetic personality. Bec is a delight to all who know her. Her life exemplifies the servantattitude and is shown by her willingness to go that extra mile to help others. Despite her own personal challenges, her generous and winsome ways speak of the grace of God in her life. The psalmist says: “The Lord watches over all who love him.” Dear Bec we pray that God shall bless you and fulfil all the desires of your heart as you begin this new phase in your life. Rebecca Cundasamy (Bec) worked at School for Christian Studies and co-ordinated and administered the marketing of Booth College for approximately six years. In February this year she moved to the Communications and Public Relations Department where she is the Community Collections Coordinator.
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ABOVE: Preparing for the Maundy Thursday Passover service
Plate worship, prayer, song and devotion made for a powerful week as we prepared our hearts for Easter.
Spirit-lead, powerful and passionate welcome for the Joyful Intercessors By Lloyd Stanimirovic, first year cadet at School for Officer Training
For myself and my fellow first year cadets, the Public Welcome of the Joyful Intercessors session (2015/16) on 8 February 2015 marked the official commencement of our cadetship journey. Up until that day we had all been busy moving from near and far, unpacking, settling and becoming familiar with our new home and surroundings. In coming to the School for Officer Training (SFOT) I knew that there would be many new, exciting and challenging experiences to be had over the two years. It was therefore fitting to kick things off with a Spirit-lead, powerful and passionate Public Welcome at Hurstville corps. This was an event abounding with disciples of Jesus, compelling and evoking messages, the voice of angels in the form of songsters, and a dynamic, rousing brass band. All of this fuelled the fire within me and no doubt for many of those present. This was The Salvation Army that Commissioner James Condon spoke of, as standing on the threshold of an awakening and renewal. For me, this was why I
was here - to answer God’s Lloyd and Sally call with a church that could and would make a real difference in the lives of others for Jesus. Amongst all of this, there were some nervous moments as well. I am sure that I was not the only one nervous at the prospect of marching into a large hall filled with our peers and standing on stage while being introduced, alongside our brothers and sisters of the Messengers of Light. I don’t know that I have ever concentrated on walking up a few steps without incident, as much as I did that day. There were many special moments during this welcome, but one in particular for my wife Sally and I was the inclusion, into the ceremony, of our three children that have come with us to college. We know this journey will not always be smooth or without dangers or demands, but the road ahead is marked for us by God and we travel in faith, by his strength and with the Holy Spirit.
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She pleased God From primary school teacher to General of the international Salvation Army – a quantum leap for the talented Eva Evelyn Burrows born in Tighes Hill, a small mining community in eastern Australia on 15 September 1929. She was the eighth of nine children born to Ella and Robert Burrows, Salvation Army officers in the Australia Eastern Territory. Eva was an intelligent woman who was an avid reader and valued learning. Higher education had never been part of the Burrows family life but Eva’s mother Ella was heard to say “Eva is going to university even if I have to go to wash clothes to get her there.” She went on to attend university in Brisbane earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. After a period of rebellion against God and The Salvation Army, Eva committed her life at a Youth Councils and stated: “from that point on, my life was right with God and I knew that I had to be a Salvation Army officer.” In 1950 Eva entered The Army’s International Training College in London – from there she began a lifetime of leadership on four continents of the world. In 1951 Eva began studies at the Institute of Education at London University in readiness for her ministry in Africa and set sail in November 1952 for the commencement of 17 years of
missionary service. Eva’s mantra was simple: ‘to open the minds of African people to education and the world, and their hearts to the Christian faith.’ After two years she moved from primary school teaching into the training college to train teachers of which she said her greatest love in education was the training of African teachers. On 9 July 1986 Eva Burrows became The Salvation Army’s administrative and spiritual leader. Henry Gariepy said in his book ‘General of God’s Army’ (page 153) Eva was “the youngest person elected to that office … and the first woman elected since Evangeline Booth in 1934. …the first one to have a degree in education and the first to have served for many years in the Third World.” From the moment Eva became a citizen of the world she embraced all cultures, and so became affectionately known as “the people’s General.” Her leadership style could be summed up in her following statement; “Traditional ways must be questioned, cherished ideas may have to pass away, brooding on past victories will only stultify the present, but prophetic leadership will
Eva in Africa
learn what is the ‘new thing’ God wants the Army to do, and have the courage to do it.” Eva’s appreciation of post-graduate education was well known stating “…in all parts of the world, officers are being encouraged to take further studies for their own personal, intellectual and spiritual development, and for greater competency in ministry. A wellfurnished mind is a great asset.” After seven years of international leadership Eva retired on 9 July 1993. This brought about a return to Australia where Eva became an integral part of the 614 corps in Melbourne. General Eva Burrows once said that she would like the following on her tombstone, “She pleased God” - with her promotion to glory on 20 March 2015 we give thanks for a life lived well for God and The Salvation Army, and for a life which was pleasing to God.
Booth College partners with Asbury Theological Seminary At the end of 2014, Booth College Library entered into an Articulation Agreement with Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS) Library in Wilmore, Kentucky. ATS Library serves a graduate community of over 5000 people. In addition to supporting the curricular and research needs of ATS, the library also provides a depository for the primary and secondary materials of the American holiness movement and evangelical denominations that are Wesleyan in origin.
The purpose of the agreement is to establish links between the two libraries to exchange resources, information and ideas towards the support of the instructional needs of each institution and to foster international Wesleyan scholarship. Under the agreement, Booth College Library will receive access to many of Asbury’s electronic resources and be able to request articles from the library’s journal and e-resource collection. Booth College will assist ATS in acquiring Australian material relevant to
their collection area. Ongoing consultation between the librarians of each library is also included in the agreement. The purpose of this is to encourage the development of conversations across significant areas of library management and to contribute towards the establishment of benchmarks for the delivery of high quality library services. Booth College Library looks forward to working with Asbury Theological Seminary Library under this new agreement. MARCH 2015 5
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이곳에 돌아와서 정말 좋습니다 (Great to be back) In January 2015 Lieutenants Marcus and Jisook Wunderlich took up appointments at Booth College as Co-ordinator for Heritage Preservation and Residential Manager at School for Officer Training, respectively. It was a familiar setting for them as it had been only three years since they left the training college, commissioned as Lieutenants, from the Friends of Christ session. After being commissioned, Marcus and Jisook settled into their first appointment as Corps Officers at Burwood Corps. “We forged meaningful relationships,” said Jisook “and learned and grew in various ways.” “But I had lots of fun too,” added Jisook. “Being a Korean, often misunderstood as Chinese, I had fun moments and had to learn to say, ‘I am from Korea’ in Chinese!”
As Jisook learns more about her work each day, so does Marcus in his role at the Heritage Centre. As he delves into the archives and the history of The Salvation Army, Marcus is discovering new and exciting information and says that there’s never been a dull day in the office.
In her role as the Residential Manager, Jisook liaises with staff at Booth College to provide a home away from home for the resident cadets. “It is great to be back at SFOT. I call it a spiritual oasis; there are prayers in the mornings, united worships, and great role models including our cadets. Their leadership, passion, wisdom and grace inspire me.”
Marcus and Jisook are blessed with three beautiful children, Minha, Jooha, and Yoonha, all under seven years. “They may be young but they are honest and faithful,” said Jisook as she and Marcus are filled with gratitude knowing that they are all working together for the expansion of Christ’s Kingdom. Marcus and Jisook along with their children are excited at the opportunities at Booth College and “being part of a gracious team.”
Called by God for his purpose By Tristan Bray, 2015 student at Salvos Discipleship School
Despite your origin, your background or your upbringing, you will agree with me in saying that God calls all; anyone and everyone, whosoever he pleases for the growth of his kingdom. This year’s intake of students at Salvos Discipleship School (or The School as we call it) consists of young men and women from near and far – as far as the Solomon Islands. These are young adults from all walks of life seeking one thing – to be sold out for Jesus, the One True King, and to discover and fulfill his perfect purpose for us. I am one of the residential students studying the Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology and being refined and shaped to be a disciple of Jesus. Eighteen and from Cairns in Queensland, I was fortunate enough to travel the 2300kms to The School with Phyliss, a fellow Cairns-ite. She served as a massive confidence boost knowing that I wasn’t coming here to strangers. And awesomely enough,
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there are more Queenslanders than New South Welshmen – Bundaberg and humble little Gympie being represented by Tiffany and Damien, respectively. Guy and Sandy are Long Jetty locals, and joyful Jasmine hails from beautiful Forster. Upon arrival on 17 February the nerves weren’t hard to sense or smell. “Who are you?” “Where are you from?” “Why are you here?” Questions that I’m sure raced through our minds. However, first day nerves stayed as first day nerves. By the second day, we had already begun to gel, and chemistry and cohesion had commenced. A vulnerable and trusting culture was set right from day one with a sharing time where we each shared our life and God stories and no one has regretted a word they said. This led onto an easy first week with five of us going on a trip to Westfield Tuggerah on Thursday for a lunch date, sharing kebabs and drinking mango
tea out of the same little ‘tea shot glass’! I came to the school to fall in love with Jesus – to draw closer to him, and hear and fulfill his ever guided purpose for me, and the course so far has been nothing short of amazing. Equally amazing is that I have nine brothers and sisters walking with me every step of the discipleship journey. From as close to the beautiful hilly streets of Long Jetty, New South Wales, to as far across the sea as The Solomon Islands, God called us. And we came – hungry for his will in our lives. To be a part of the exciting journey at Salvos Discipleship School, call Nathanael Hardaker at 02 4388 2781 or email him at nathanael.hardaker@aue. salvationarmy.org
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On solid ground Late last year Booth College decided on a number of initiatives to develop the college grounds as an improved resource for education and recreation, and for stewardship purposes. It started with the transformation of the Booth College swimming pool. Converting it into a salt pool and bringing the water to a sparkling clear quality created a stimulating outdoor environment for the Booth community to enjoy, especially in the hot weather. The addition of pool furniture and a floating crocodile head to keep the ducks out of the pool has done wonders! Major Peter Davey who oversaw the change said: “It has been good to see many Facebook photos of people relaxing around the pool and enjoying good fun and fellowship. It has once again become a place of refreshment and relaxation for cadets, staff and their families.” Next Peter moved to the garden organising a Garden Commando raid. It’s kinda like a college auxiliary
for garden maintenance, shared Peter as his team of volunteers spruced up the College grounds on 28 February. He hopes that the event will turn into a regular one inspiring people to support the College to keep the grounds in great condition In between the pool and the garden, Peter has also been hard at work to lease out the townhouses on the property that weren’t being used. By the end of February all the townhouses were occupied at a fair rent providing income to further the School for Officer Training program, and particularly the off campus 2015 cadet cohort pilot in Brisbane. “It is good to see these valuable Army resources being used, as good stewardship is vitally important in these economic times.” Another initiative Peter is looking at is the Booth College hostel buildings that have a total of 32 rooms with just a few of them occupied by cadets.
ABOVE: Garden commandos at work
Peter said: “In the spirit of being good stewards Booth College has plans to refurbish and let out the remaining rooms to students who require short to long term accommodation. We are currently in the process of determining the level of refurbishment required and working up a business plan to manage the hostel on an ongoing basis.” As the wider team at Booth College plan and assist Peter in these initiatives, the college is confident that the potential savings and income generated will go a long way to improve financial sustainability.
Helping others a rewarding work By Peter Kost, Business Co-ordinator Stanmore House
After more than a decade in the corporate world I found myself called to The Salvation Army; putting my skills and experience to good use and towards a common goal to help those in need. Prior to returning to Australia eight years ago, I was living in the United Kingdom for four years where I worked in various hotels and restaurants and later in corporate hospitality. I managed to stay with the same company back here in Sydney, where I was fortunate enough to work for distinguished clients at prestigious venues like the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Taronga Zoo. I assisted in event delivery for many high profile events hosting celebrities, renowned guests and politicians. I am proud to have met John Howard, Bob Hawke, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbot.
The work I do at Stanmore House is extremely rewarding. I am currently working with Major Raewyn Grigg and the team on building the business profile, enhancing our facilities and coordinating facility bookings. We have just started hosting external clients in addition to Salvation Army guests and we are working to expand in this area. We are so blessed to have such an iconic and beautiful property, which we can fill with guests, bringing them closer to God, leaving them equipped to take the next step and in turn, generating income for The Salvation Army to reinvest in helping others. Nothing is more fulfilling than that. I have been made to feel nothing but welcomed and accepted by officers and employees since I began work here in November 2014.
In case you hadn’t heard... I LOVE skiing! MARCH 2015 7
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Dogmatic Aesthetics: A Theology of Beauty A Review of Stephen John Wright, Dogmatic Aesthetics: A Theology of Beauty in Dialogue with Robert W. Jenson (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014). By Assoc Prof Glen O’Brien Head of Theology, School for Christian Studies
While we all have an instinctive appreciation for beauty, attempting to understand it theologically and philosophically is less often undertaken. The science of beauty is known as ‘aesthetics’ and in this engaging work, my former Booth College colleague, Dr. Stephen Wright (who is currently a Lecturer in Theology at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester) dialogues with the Lutheran theologian Robert Jenson to construct a theological aesthetic. Perhaps you have never thought about the theology of beauty. Why do we find things beautiful? What attracts us to things of beauty? Is beauty really ‘in the eye of the beholder’ or is there an objective standard against which to measure beauty? Dr. Wright explores all these questions and more in the published version of his PhD thesis in Fortress Press’s Emerging Scholars series. The general reader will find this hard going and it presupposes a fairly solid grasp of systematic theology (it is after a doctoral dissertation) but the patient reader will be richly rewarded by this study. The book presents an alternative approach to that taken by Hans Urs von Balthasar who built his aesthetic theology on the rather abstract concept of the ‘analogy of being.’ Instead Wright focuses on the great doctrines of the church - Trinity, Christ, Creation and The End as supplying ‘the architecture of a theology of beauty.’ He does this in dialogue with the Lutheran theologian Robert W. Jenson whose work is strewn with aesthetic reflections and who has insisted that the only analog between humanity and God is Jesus Christ. The Introduction makes clear the distinction between a ‘theology of the arts’ and ‘dogmatic aesthetics.’ While there is much that is beautiful in the arts, aesthetics seeks to examine the very nature of beauty itself, not simply its various expressions. Chapter 1 shows that beauty is grounded in God’s Triune Being particularly in the way that the unity of God and the
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Son, and Spirit) perform the melody; all are invited to join in the song, and the multiple voices become by grace not a noisy din, but the sound of beauty.
relations between the Persons of the Godhead have a perfect proportionality. In the second chapter, God’s revelation is found to be beautiful in the person of Jesus. Even the ugliness of his suffering and death carries a hidden beauty because it discloses salvation. The focus of the third chapter is on creation, particularly the concept of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing). The church’s confession that God created without the use of existing materials sets out the beauty of God’s act of creation as sheer gift. God is the artist and creation is the art that God produces. I found this chapter’s discussion of Japanese aesthetics especially fascinating. In Japanese culture it is in the temporary nature of created things that their true beauty is to be found. The beauty of the cherry blossom, for example, lasts only in the time it takes to fall to the ground and die. This helps us to see that the decay of creation inherent in a fallen world need not argue against but may enhance the beauty of God’s creation. The doctrine of last things is the focus of the fourth and final chapter. We often think of ‘seeing God’ at the consummation of all things. Here Jenson’s concept of God as ‘a great fugue…the rest is music’ leads us to consider our future in God as something heard as well as seen. Wright’s reflections on music sparkle with insights and build on his earlier interest in the sacramentality of music. God is a melody; three singers (Father,
This is a very impressive piece of work from a young scholar who has the potential to make a significant contribution to the theological discipline. It brings me much satisfaction to know that Booth College has played a small part in the formation of such a thinker. I’m sure faculty, staff and students will join me in congratulating Steve on a job well done and thank him for provoking our thinking on the beauty of God, of Christ, of creation and of the end that is in store for all those captured by the beauty of Christ. Dr. Stephen Wright was an adjunct faculty at Booth College from 2009 - 2014.
Let us pray •
Colonel Janet Munn (effective 1 July - Principal, College for Officer Training USA Eastern Territory)
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Lt-Colonel Julie Campbell (effective 1 July - Principal, School for Officer Training Booth College)
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Joyful Intercessors session cadets • Zak & Dee-Ann Churchill • Michael & Katrina Hindle • Anthony (& Lt Vanessa) Hunt • Ben & Rachel Knight • Lloyd & Sally Stanimirovic • Natarsha Laudon