En kristendomsform der ikke-troen hører til: Teologisk counter-conduct i dag

Abstract

The chapter discusses whether the Foucauldian counter conduct concept also has a theological relevance today. In his analysis, Foucault located counter conduct as a practice, which reformatted and reconstructed the prevailing pastoral power. The intention was to strengthen individual independency in faith issues and to reduce the powers of ecclesial hierarchy. One section in the article presents current interpretations of non-conventional ecclesial practices, from Norway and from Sweden. The discussion part presents significant perspectives from the so-called Scandinavian Creation Theology (SCT). The SCT gives theological prominence also to issues that seem not be directly relevant for faith matters. Everyday life issues are interpreted as aspects which are of strong significance for theology. This means that also what seems to be non-faith practices are theologically important. The final discussion in the article that a practice where Muslims are given a prayer room within the basement of a Lutheran church in Sweden can be interpreted as contemporary, theological counter-conducts. The practice gives significance to people not pertaining to Christian faith. But it also recognizes the life forms of people as relevant for a Christian church. The conclusion is that recognizing non-faith as part of what is ecclesial relevant, can be seen as theological counter conducts today. This practice recognizes people’s identity and reduces ecclesial hierarchies.