Bringing you a selection of recent publications from the RPC Community.
Article
Assistant Dean Dr Bethany Sollereder is to be congratulated on the (very) recent publication of her article ‘Compassionate Theodicy: A Suggested Truce Between Intellectual and Practical Theodicy’ in Modern Theology (Wiley).
Abstract
The basic morality of theodicy is oft disputed. Classical theodicists defend the pursuit of an intellectual solution to the problem of evil while anti- theodicists and practical theodicists argue that this distracts efforts from alleviating the pain people suffer. In this article, I draw on psychological studies that show that beliefs about God and evil change how resilient people are in their experience of pain. In light of that research, I suggest that the pursuit of an intellectual solution to the problem of evil is actually a part of the practical response to evil. However, the pursuit of a solution must be undertaken by the person who has suffered evil, not by the theodicist on their behalf. The theodicist must instead take up the role of coach or guide to the process of making sense of evil— this is what I call compassionate theodicy. I finish with an example of a resource that attempts a compassionate theodicy, showing the links between theory and practice.
Conference Series Publication
In Michaelmas 2020 the Oxford Prospects & Global Development Institute (OPGDI) at Regent’s published Modernisation of Education and Social Governance:
Abstract
Originating in an Oxford Symposium held in September 2019, this collection of papers from UK and Chinese academics and policy-makers gives significant insight into culturally distinctive was of responding to pressing social governance challenges. Researchers from all disciplines and career stages address ageing population demography, alleviation of poverty and inequality, educational progress and promis, revitalisation of rural localities and strengthening of economic performance alongside human welfare. Diversity of context and conception stands within a framework of reciprocal respect for cross-cultural scholarship and dialogue.
The chapter by David Johnson (Reader in Comparative and International Education, St Anthony’s) ‘Small state, big society? Comparative perspectives on social accountability and the governance of education for growth and inclusivity’ can be accessed via the ORLO reading list from Bodleian Education library:
Also of particular interest may be the paper by Professor Robert Walker (Institute of Social Management/School of Sociology, Beijing Normal University, & Green Templeton College): ‘Who should receive the Covid-19 vaccine first?’ This paper expands upon the dialogue of OPGDI’s inaugural “COVID-19 In-Conversation” event, an online seminar jointly hosted with Beijing Normal University on 23rd October 2020:
Editorial
An editiorial on the storming of the US Capitol written by Regent’s alumnus Bradley Onishi (Mphil Theology, 2007) was recently featured in The New York Times. Bradley is a professor of religious studies at Skidmore College and the creator, producer and writer of the podcast ‘The Orange Wave: A History of the Religious Right Since 1960‘.
[Want to read but up against a paywall? Email development@regents.ox.ac.uk for a PDF]
Blog
Check out the latest blogpost from Pawel Adrjan: ‘After the Boom? COVID-19 and European City Labour Markets’. Pawel is Head of EMEA Research at the Indeed Hiring Lab and a Research Fellow at Regent’s Park College.
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[Feature image photo credit: James Pond on Unsplash]
