Editor's Notes

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

School of Theology

AEJT 13 is an amalgam of articles by former and new contributors across a range of topics with theological significance. While the articles defy easy classification, they all speak with an energy and freshness of insight that has come to typify the voices of this eJournal.

We continue the presentation of John Thornhill's book-length discussion of Christopher Dawson's Concept of History. His third chapter focuses on world religions and civilization.

The significance of contemporary French philosophy for theological reflection—for example, Jean-Luc Marion, Jacques Derrida and René Girard—is evident in various articles including Tony Kelly's mariological piece, Robyn Horner's theology of faith, Patrick McArdle's practical theology and Joel Hodge's "Transubstantiated Word".

In this issue, we have incorporated responses to a couple of articles in a manner which, we hope, provides further insight. Noted Girard scholar Simon De Keukelaere responds to Joel Hodge. Likewise, Paul Oslington's provocative, interdisiplinary essay on "Deus Economicus" is supplemented by a further essay in which Tony Kelly, Neil Ormerod and Paul Oslington enter into debate and dialogue on the original essay.

Speaking of dialogue, two presentations bring historical figures into dialogue: Buber the Jewish wisdom figure and Barth the Christian theologian (Matthew del Nevo); Germaine Greer and Pope Paul VI (Sophie McGrath).

While focusing on Australian issues, essays on Indigenous mysticism (Joan Hendriks & Gerard Hall), Catholic and interfaith marriages (Abe Ata) and Australian universities (Paul Tyson) have significance well beyond Australian shores. Similarly, the Eucharist in Orthodoxy (Angelo Nicholaides) raises important issues, both theological and practical, for eucharistic theology across the entire Christian tradition.

Matthew Ogilvie's considered reflection on and research into "Teaching Theology Online" is a must-read for anyone involved in this enterprise.

Other essays emerge from theology and art studies (Anton Kozlovic), ecumenical and interfaith dialogue (Felicita Carr), postmodern analysis (Matthew Tan), and political theologies of gender/sexuality (Michael Carden) and Latin American resistance to conquest (Michael Elphick).

There are two book reviews dealing with theological reflection on AIDS and ministry education by Tom Ryan and Bernard O'Connor respectively. The editorial focuses on Christian relationship to other religions in view of the forthcoming Parliament of World Religions, Melbourne, 3rd-9th December this year.

We aim to have two more issues of AEJT in 2009 in this period of adjustment to a new regime, new URL and new Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at ACU. Many thanks to Deputy Editor Tony Kelly, Robin Shi and IT people, Damien Casey, authors, referees, book reviewers and others who have assisted with this particular issue. Some review of current offices and positions affecting AEJT will be forthcoming and announced when known.

Associate Professor Gerard Hall SM
Editor, Australian eJournal of Theology
19^th March 2009, Feast of St Joseph