Forum

Thank you for your letter requesting my thoughts on the role and content of Common Theology.
                I think there is a role for such a journal. Religion, however, is a very complex area to be dealing with and although there is a brief policy statement on the inside cover I think a longer explanation is necessary.
                I like the idea of a lay ministry, but this too should be explained. Lay Christians are not constrained by rules and ecclesiastical hierarchy, and are free to ask any questions about God and the relevance of theology to the modern world. Do not be afraid to deal with controversial issues, because it keeps the discussion relevant and interesting.
                I was once rebuked by a professional theologian when I remarked at a social gathering that every Christian is a theologian in a way. Theology is a professional discipline, I was told. I still believe that every Christian has a responsibilty to think seriously about his or her faith and what it means to be a Christian today.
                To be honest I have been disappointed with some of the issues of Common Theology. They have been rather thin, and the contents meagre or uninteresting. Also they have looked rather drab in black and white. Although it is important to keep costs to a minimum I wonder if a glossy, coloured cover would add much to the cost.
                I think a book review section is valuable. It keeps the readers informed about recent relevant Christian literature, and there always seems to be plenty of that. But they should be serious reviews, not just brief or superficial inspections.
                Humour is important, but one has to be careful with it especially when dealing with religion. Perhaps a regular joke section should be included. I still laugh when I see the cover of Number 8 in Volume 2 (3 nuns).
P.L.
Labrador Qld

Received your note in the mail the other day requesting thoughts on the role of Common Theology for the future. I believe that this journal is a very important lay ministry, because from my point of view it addresses a wide range of up to date questions in society, from a theological perspective. I guess it is possible to go to a good Christian book-store and try to find books that address similar issues but I find Common Theology is an essential staring point, rather than going into the book-store without much direction.
I was once told that we are all theologians in our own right, whether we think of in those terms or not, the point being that theologians don't necessarily need to have lots of academic training, nor are their areas of interest just about traditional scripture. It seems to me that Common Theology has a culture of promoting broad theological thinking and so has an important role to play in helping people in all walks of life to do this.
J.B.
Uraidla SA

I am aware of the big discussions going on at present with regard to the future of printed newspapers as against internet news services, phone news, etc. As an older person who likes the hands-on method of reading the news, plus the TV as an adjunct, I like the magazine in a printed format. In fact, thoughI agreed to take the email format I find that I do not read it as thoroughly as I did the printed copy. I can leave the printed copy on a table and pick it up when I have a break, cuppa or whatever, then leave it there and come back to it.  Whenever I am on the internet I am usually working on something else and don't use this medium as a time for reading something for pleasure.
                I am aware of the rising costs of producing a magazine, in a country where I think we have the highest magazine numbers in the world. However, a journal like Common Theology is a specialised magazine and it is good that there are only four issues a year. I was subscribing to Compass, via a gift sub, but I have recently cancelled that because it didn't interest me any more. It contains articles on Theology but these are at a level which I think is more in order for people who are working in Church positions and/or ministry. I found the articles too detailed whereas, with Common Theology, I like the degree of depth in the feature articles and, also, the breadth of subject matter you tackle.  It seems that it is a more diverse range than Compass. 
                Another magazine I receive is Madonna. It seems to be thriving and I think the daily prayer format keeps a faithful readership as not many magazines have something like this. As well, it is a Jesuit publication and they have a lot of money at their disposal. I still think that it has to operate on a profitable basis.
I do not think you need to go to a colour format, etc, as I think the existing format gets across the philosophy on which Common Theology is founded.
M.M.
Lota Qld

Just wanted to let you know we received your letter.
I detect a theme similar to our lives of being overworked.
I cannot offer too much help but Common Theology is well received at our "in exile" establishment and hope to continue to sell them when available.
We are busy on the next edition of our St Marys Matters and can resonate with your 4th paragraph tasks of news-gathering, editorial, sub-editing and publishing etc.
D.O.
St Mary's Community in exile
Brisbane Qld

Yes, I think Common Theology is a good and worthwhile publication. I was wondering what had happened to it. I believe the role and content of the magazine is worthwhile and relevant to both clergy and laity; in fact, anyone serious about the Christian faith.
J.C.
Brisbane Qld

My wife and I are lay people who subscribe to Common Theology. When its publication began there were a number of articles which were highly technical. We struggled with these but enjoyed the articles with more appeal to the general reader. In recent years more of the content seems to be pitched towards us.
                We find more theology in your journal than in others available to us e.g. our parish news and diocesan newspaper. We appreciate that, and encourage you to continue your present editorial mix.
                Thank you for your invitation to comment. This response is to give Common Theology our tick of approval for its current style
C. & J. W.
East Maitland NSW

When I was doing my research at Griffith and was privileged to be part of the scholarly community of both ordained and lay that Elaine Wainwright was encouraging to develop I became acutely aware that isolation is not helpful in theological reflection, well not for me anyway, and one of the best ways to continue this dialogue was by way of a journal. I applauded the birth our journal and have supported it albeit only financially and reading the contributions that I have found most helpful. It will be a sad day that it ceases to be published.
I take this opportunity to thank the contributors over the years but most importantly you for your vision in the first place and tenacity to stick to the task of editing and compiling. You are no doubt in need of a well-earned rest. Have a great time and come back refreshed full of vim and vigour.
G.S.
Oxenford Qld

Your letter of 15 June invites comment.
Common Theology is a unique Australian contribution in the field and I want to encourage its life, while acknowledging the problems associated with publishing it regularly from a one person source.
By way of encouragement, we will continue to supply whatever review copies of our titles we can supply.
H. McGinlay
Rainbow Books, Fairfield Vic

In response to your request for feedback, I have nothing new to say. I enjoyed what you have published so far and found it stimulating. Keep it coming.
M. M.
Brisbane Qld