Dancing with God: Anglican Christianity and the Practice of Hope

by Jay E. Johnson

"The image of dancing with God may seem like an odd one for a book on Christian theology," writes Jay Johnson, "More than a few people probably assume dancing and theology have at least one thing in Other people do them. The good news of Christian faith suggests something different. Each and everyone of us is invited to dance with God. Each of us can dance. Each of us can do theology."

Theology, long seen as the domain of professors, scholars, and clergy, is actually the work of all God's people. Dancing with God uses the metaphor of dance to help readers--especially those without a theological background--approach the discipline of theology as something we all do, and not only something to believe. And doing theology is the practice of hope.

This book explores the way Anglicans approach theology. The good news, according to Johnson, is not about the assurance of "getting things right." It comes, instead, from considering our texts, creeds, and liturgies as invitations to dance with the God of abundant life. Beautifully and accessibly written, Dancing with God makes an excellent book for individual or parish study.

Genres: Theology

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be an excellent resource. Johnson is well read, intellectual without being overly technical. However, the dance metaphor was overdone. It worked quite well in the beginning but too much time was spent tying every theological point back to the dance metaphor. I skimmed those parts and moved on to the info I wanted to read. Still, it was worth my time.

[Tiffany Browning]

DNF at 50%

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite a good description of the Anglican/Episcopal tradition. The author discusses - but also critiques - the origin and uses of the tradition's Scripture/tradition/reason triad. He also discusses the history and spirituality of the tradition. What I found particularly nice is the explication of the church's ongoing "beginnings" and how the church lives out its nature of continual discussion and slow, slow decision making. In sum, he lays out why the Anglican tradition, with its openness and "liminality", is unique and precious.

The author is obviously very well educated in general and in the tradition. So, what he says is founded on extensive reading, thought, and, one imagines, contemplation and prayer. He does not shy away from issues that impinge on church unity, such as the ordination of women to the priesthood, the consecration of gay bishops, and the church's stand on same-sex unions.

What is difficult about the book is the over-arching metaphor of dance with chapters entitled "The Dance Floor", "The Tango", and such like. I found this metaphor too driven and cute and a little bit alienating. Also, I did not think it really worked as it was complicated and forced. I think that the book would have been just as valuable without this dancing theme which is actually, in my view, an individualized viewpoint from the author's personal life. Fortunately, this valuable book can be read while ignoring references to the dancing metaphor. Some might find it too irritating, however.