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Prof. Dr. Dion Forster's Books and Resources

For an up to date list of publications please see my ResearchGate Profile.

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Dion A. Forster - D.Th (SA); Ph.D (Radboud)

Dion A. Forster is Professor of Public Theology in the Department of Beliefs and Practices, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He also serves as an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology, Stellenbosch University, and as a Fellow at Wesley House, Cambridge and an Associate of the Allan Gray Centre for Values Based Leadereship at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business.

He holds two doctoral degrees. A PhD in Systematic Theology (D.Th, SA, 2006) and a second PhD in New Testament studies and Empirical Theology (Ph.D, Radboud University, Holland, 2017), and is a Rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF).

He was formerly the Dean of John Wesley College, the seminary of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.  

For a list of academic publications (articles and books) please visit the following Academia.edu profile page or my ResearchGate profile page.

For other books and articles please see the following page.  A number of Dion's books are available on Amazon.com.

 

Books authored:

1. Forster, D.A. 2019. The (im)possibility of forgiveness? An empirical intercultural Bible reading of Matthew 18.15-35. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock.

2. Forster, D.A. & Power, G. 2011. Transform Your Work Life. United States. Boise, Idaho: Russell Media.

3. Forster, D. 2010. Christian and Positive: Reflections on Christianity in an HIV+ world. Kempton Park: MMA Publishers.

4. Forster, D.A. 2008. An uncommon spiritual path - The quest to find Jesus beyond conventional Christianity. Kempton Park: AcadSA Publishers.

5. Forster, D.A. 2007. Christ at the Centre: Discovering the Cosmic Christ in the Spirituality of Bede Griffiths. Kempton Park: AcadSA Publishers.

6. Forster, D.A. 2006. Validation of Individual Consciousness in Strong Artificial Intelligence: An African Theological Contribution. Published PhD, Pretoria: University of South Africa. 

7. Forster, D.A. 2001. An introduction to Wesleyan Spirituality (Wesley Society of South Africa Series). Cape Town: Methodist Publishing House.

 

Books Edited:

1. Agang, S, Forster, D.A. & Hendriks, JHJ, eds. (2020). African Public Theology. Surrey, UK: Langham Publishers. 

2. Von Sinner, Rudolf, Claudete Beisa Ulrich, and Forster, D.A., eds. (2020). Teologia Pública No Brasil e Na África Do Sul - Um Diálogo Teológico-Político. Sao Leopoldo, Brazil: Editora Sinodal, 2020.

3. Forster, D.A. & Nel, MJN, Thesnaar, CHT. (2020). Religion, violence and reconciliation in Africa. Stellenbosch: Sun Media.

4. Forster, D.A. & Gunner, G, Gerle, E. (2019). Freedom or Religion at Stake: Competing claims among Faith Traditions, Sates and Persons. Eugene, OR.: Wipf & Stock.

5. Bentley, W. & Forster, D.A. (2012). Between Capital and Cathedral: Essays on Church-State relationships. Pretoria: Research Institute for Theology and Religion UNISA. 

6. Forster, D.A. & Bentley, W. (2010). What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists. Cape Town: Methodist Publishing House.

7. Forster, D.A. & Bentley, W. (2008). Methodism in Southern Africa: A celebration of Wesleyan Mission. 1st ed. Kempton Park: AcadSA Publishers. 

 

Peer Reviewed academic articles:

1. Forster, D.A. (2021). ‘Towards a Future with Greater Freedoms for All: Historical Theological Engagement with Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel’s Contribution to Religion and Law’. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae 47, no. 2: 1–19. https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/8166. 

2. Forster, D.A. (2020). Reflecting on the nature of work in contemporary South Africa: A public theological engagement with calling and vocation. HTS. 76(2):10. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i2.5847 

3. Forster, D.A. (2020) “A Politics of Forgiveness? Engaging the Ontological and the Structural in the Dialogical Theology of John de Gruchy.” Stellenbosch Theological Journal, John de Gruchy Festschrift, 5, no. 3: 77–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.17570/stj.2019.v5n3.a04

4. Forster, D.A. (2019) “Worship as ‘Protest’: Johan Cilliers as a Public Theologian?” STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, Johan Cilliers Festschrift, 5, no. 2: 155–74.

5. Forster, D.A. (2019). “A Social Imagination of Forgiveness.” Journal of Empirical Theology 1, no. 32 (2019): 70–88. https://doi.org/doi:10.1163/15709256-12341387.

6. Forster, D.A. and Stander S., (2019). Taking back the ‘sex thing’: Patriarchal bargaining and race among the Worthy Women of God. Journal of Theology of Southern Africa, 1-19.

7. Forster, D.A. (2019). State Theology and Political Populism? A Kairos Critique of Religious Populism in South Africa. Journal of Church and State, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcs/csz031

8. Forster, D.A. (2019). New directions in evangelical theologies. Theology, 123(1), 1–9.

9. Forster, D.A. (2019). A Kairos Moment for the Methodist Church of Southern Africa? Engaging Nationalism and State Theology in the Democratic South Africa. Methodist Review: A Journal of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, 11, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v49i3.1944

10. Forster, D.A. (2018). Translation and a politics of forgiveness in South Africa? What black Christians believe, and white Christians do not seem to understand. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 14(2), 77–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.17570/stj.2018.v4n2.a04

11. Forster, D.A. (2018). Matthew 18:15–35 and the (Im)possibility of Forgiveness among South African Methodists? A Study in Empirical Intercultural Biblical Ethics. 1–21. Oxford Institute for World Methodist Studies, Pembroke College, Oxford.

12. Forster, D.A. (2018). Revival, Revolution and Reform in Global Methodism: An Understanding of Christian Perfection as African Christian Humanism in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Journal of Black Theology. 16(1):1-18.

13. Forster, D.A. (2018). Democracy and Social Justice in Glocal Contexts. International Journal of Public Theology. 12(1):1–4.

14. Forster, D.A. (2018). On the 250th Anniversary of A plain account of Christian perfection: A historical review of Wesleyan theological hybridity and its implications for contemporary discourses on Christian humanism. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, article #3147. Pp.1-12.

15. Forster, D.A. and Cho, A. (2017). The Religious Linguistic Characteristics of the Presence of the Kingdom in the Light of Speech Act Theory (SAT): Christian Ethical Implications. Scriptura.

16. Forster, D.A. and Botha, J. (2017). Justice and the missional framework document of the Dutch Reformed Church. Verbum et Ecclesia.38(1):1-9.

17. Forster, D.A. (2017). A public theological approach to the (im)possibility of forgiveness in Matthew 18.15-35: Reading the text through the lens of integral theory. In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 51 (3):1-10.

18. Forster, D.A., and C.A.M. Hermans. (2017). “Dataset Corresponding to ‘The (Im) Possibility of Forgiveness? An Empirical Intercultural Bible Reading of Matthew 18.15-35.’” Data Archiving and Networked Services. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.17026/dans-x9b-379m

19. Forster, D.A. (2016). An appreciative contextual response to Jean-Pierre Wils, ‘Is there a future for “medical ethics”?’ Just Health as a public theological concern. In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 51 (3). 

20. Forster, D.A. (2016). A state church? A consideration of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the light of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ‘Theological position paper on state and church.’ STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2(1):61–88.

21. Forster, D.A. and Oosterbrink, J.W. (2015). Where is the church on Monday? Awakening the church to the theology and practice of ministry and mission in the marketplace. In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 49(3). 

22. Forster, D.A and Bowers-du Toit, N.B. (2015). Activating moral imagination: EXPOSED 2013 as a fourth generation faith-based campaign? STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 1(1):19–40.

23. Forster, D.A., (2015). What hope is there for South Africa? A public theological reflection on the role of the church as a bearer of hope for the future. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 71(1):1–10.

24. Forster, D.A., (2014). Called to work: A descriptive analysis of Call42’s research on faith and work in South Africa. Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship, 79(2):1–9.

25. Forster, D.A., (2014). Mandela and the Methodists: Faith, fallacy and fact. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, 40 (Church History Society of Southern Africa 40th Anniversary supplement):87–115.

26. Forster, D.A., (2010). A generous ontology: Identity as a process of intersubjective discovery – An African theological contribution. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 66(1).

27. Forster, D.A., (2010). The Church has AIDS: Towards a Positive Theology for an HIV+ Church. EPWORTH REVIEW, One(Two):6–24.

28. Forster, D.A., (2010). African relational ontology, individual identity, and Christian theology An African theological contribution towards an integrated relational ontological identity. Theology, SPCK, 113(874):243–253.

29. Forster, D.A., (2008). More Red than Green: A response to global warming and the environment from within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. EPWORTH REVIEW, 35(2):38–52.

30. Forster, D.A. (2008). Prophetic witness and social action as holiness in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s mission. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, XXXIV,(1):411–434.

31. Forster, D.A. (2007) A Southern African Response to ‘Pastoral Theology as Attention’, Contact, Vol. 153, Issue 1, pp.33-35, DOI: 10.1080/13520806.2007.11759075

32. Forster, D.A., (2005). Post-human Consciousness and the Evolutionary Cosmology of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Grace and Truth: A Journal of Catholic Reflection for Southern Africa, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 29–44.

 

Chapters in books:

1.   Forster, Dion A. (2021). Social Identity Complexity and a Politics of Forgiveness among Black and White South Africans. In Moral Pedagogies for Africa: From Ethnic Enmity to Responsible Cohabitation, edited by Theodros A. Teklu, 135–58. Studies in World Christianity and Interreligious Relations. New York, NY.: Routledge, 2021.

2.    Forster, D. A. (2021). Religious Diversity and Social Cohesion: The Importance of Mediated Inter-Group Contact in the Workplace in South Africa, in 12 Lenses Into Diversity in South Africa, edited by Kurt A. April and Preeya Daya, 177-194. Randburg, South Africa: KR Publishing, 2021.

3.    Forster, D. A. (2020). Ordained Deacons and the Sacraments in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa? Revisiting Our Doctrine and Polity, in Broken Bodies and Redemptive Tables: The Lord’s Supper and Its Theological, Historical and Socio-Political Dimensions, edited by Robert R. Vosloo, Sipho Sidwell Mahokoto, and Marthinus Johannes Havenga, 181–200. Stellenbosch Theological Reflection. Wellington, South Africa: Bybel-Media.

4.    Forster, D. A. (2020). Can contextual theology bridge the divide? South Africa’s politics of forgiveness as an example of a contextual public theology, in Bergmann, S. & Vähäkangas, M. (Eds.), Liberating Theology. Swedish Institute for Contextual Theology, Lund.

5.    Forster, Dion A. (2020). “The Nature of Public Theology.” In African Public Theology, edited by Sunday Bobai Agang, H. Jurgens Hendriks, and Dion A Forster, 15–26. Carlisle, Cumbria: Langham Partnership: Hippo Books, 2020.

6.    Forster, Dion A. (2020). “Towards an (Im)Possible Politics of Forgiveness? Considering the Complexities of Religion, Race and Politics in South Africa.” In Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Violence in Africa: Biblical, Pastoral and Ethical Perspectives, edited by Marius J. Nel, Dion A Forster, and Christo H. Thesnaar, (51–69). Stellenbosch: SUN Press.

7.    Forster, Dion A. “Uma Abordagem Da Teologia Pública Na África Do Sul Em Diálogo Critico Com Influências Selecionadas Do Brasil, Da Alemanha Edos Estados Unidos Da América.” In Teologia Pública No Brasil e Na África Do Sul - Um Diálogo Teológico-Político, edited by Rudolf von Sinner, Claudete Beisa Ulrich, and Dion A Forster, 107–34. Sao Leopoldo, Brazil: Editora Sinodal, 2020.

8.    Forster, D.A. and April, K.A. (2020). Religion and diversity management in the southern African context. In N.M.H. Carrim & L. Moolman (eds.). Managing diversity in the South African Workplace, (94-114), Cape Town: Van Schaik.

9.    Forster, D.A., and Nadine Bowers Du Toit. (2019) “Activating Moral Imagination: ‘EXPOSED – Shine a Light on Corruption’ as a Fourth Generation Faith-Based Campaign?” In A Multidimensional Perspective on Corruption in Africa: Wealth, Power, Religion and Democracy, edited by Sunday Bobai Agang, Pregala Pillay, and Chris Jones, 424. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

10.    Forster, D. A. (2019). Social identity, social media, and society: A call for public theological engagement. In G. Ulshöfer (Ed.), Theologische Medienethik im digitalen Zeitalter [Theological Media Ethics in a Digital Age] (pp. 85-106). Stuttgart: W. Kohlhammer.

11.    Forster, D.A., and Wabel, T. (2019). Translation Revisited: The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Transformation of Social Imaginaries, in Werner Haußmann, Andrea Roth, Susanne Schwarz, and Christa Tribula (Eds.), EinFach Übersetzen: Theologie Und Religionspädagogik in Der Öffentlichkeit Und Für Die Öffentlichkeit, Volume 33, (pp.203–18). Stuttgart: W. Kohlhammer Verlag.

12.    Forster, D.A., (2019) From “prophetic witness” to “prophets of Doom”? The role of religion in the South African public sphere, in Forster, DA., Gerle, E, Gunner, G (Eds.), Religious Freedom at Stake: Competing claims among Faith Traditions, Sates and Persons, (pp.18-39), Eugene, OR.: Wipf and Stock.

13.    Forster, D.A., (2018). ‘Research on Forgiveness - Dion Forster’ in Research at Stellenbosch University: Showcasing Research Excellence 100 Years, edited by Eugene Cloete, pp.29–31. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University.

14.    Forster, D.A., (2018). Affect, Empathy, and Human Dignity? Considering Compassion at the Intersection of Theology and Science. In L.J. Claassens & F. De Lange (Eds.). Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications Consider Compassion: Global Ethics, Human Dignity, and the Compassionate God, pp.3–16.

15.    Forster, D.A., April, KA, Makgoba, T., (2018). Spirituality and Workplace diversity practices in Africa, in Religious Diversity in the Workplace. ISBN: 9781107136038, pp.223-263.

16.    Forster, D.A., (2017). ‘Social Media and Public Theology’. In Theologians and Philosophers Using Social Media: Advice, Tips, and Testimonials, edited by Thomas J Oordt, pp.143–147. San Diego, CA: SacraSage Press.

17.    Forster, D.A., (2015). In Conversation: The Old Testament, Ethics and Human Dignity, in Restorative readings: The Old Testament, Ethics and Human Dignity. Birch, B and Claassens, LJ (Eds.), Wipf and Stock, pp.172-177.

18.    Forster, D.A. (2015). Nelson Mandela and his faith, in Stellenbosch University: Research Excellence 2014. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University, pp.66–67.

19.    Forster, D.A. (2012). God’s Kingdom and the transformation of society, in Forster, D.A. & Bentley, W. (Eds.). Between Capital and Cathedral: Essays on Church and State Relationships. Pretoria: UNISA Research Institute for Theology and Religion, pp.73–88.

20.    Forster, D.A., (2011). Empire, economics and apathy: A Theological reflection on HIV/AIDS, in Alienation and connection: Suffering in a Global age. Withrow, L (ed), Lexington Books, ISBN 978-0-7391-3705-5.

21.    Forster, D.A. and Barlow, J. et al. (2010). A case study in HIV AIDS – the impact of HIV AIDS on child headed households in Southern African.  How the Church can respond.  ISG 44: Church Communities Confronting HIV/AIDS (International Study Guide. Byamugisha, G.B. (ed.). The Society For Promoting Christian Knowledge.

22.    Curran, L. & Forster, D.A. (2010). Methodist Present Potential. Curran, L. & Shier-Jones, A. (Eds.). Epworth Press.

23.    Forster, D.A. (2010). In Search of Grace and Truth: Christian Conversations on Same-Sex Relationships. Attwell, T., Alistoun, R. & Scholtz, R. (Eds.). Cingela Press.

24.    Forster, D.A., (2010). Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, Resource Mobilization Working Group & International Congress on World Evangelization. 2010. Kingdom stewardship: occasional papers prepared by the Lausanne Resource Mobilization Working Group for Cape Town 2010. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Christian’s Library Press.

25.    Forster, D.A. (2009). Reading the Same Bible and Arriving at Different Ethical Conclusions: The Bible and Christian Ethics, in Louise Kretzschmar, André Van Niekerk, and Wessel Bentley (Eds.) What Is a Good Life? An Introduction to Christian Ethics in 21st Century Africa, pp.131–56. Kempton Park: AcadSA Publishers.

26.    Forster, D.A. (2008). Why you can’t simply trust everything you read, in Bentley, W. & Forster, D.A. (Eds.). What are we Thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists. Cape Town: Methodist Publishing House, pp.25–46.

27.    Forster, D.A. (2007). Identity in relationship: The ethics of Ubuntu as an answer to the impasse of individual consciousness, in Du Toit, C.W. (ed.). The impact of knowledge systems on Human Development in Africa. Research Institute for Theology and Religion, pp.245–289.

28.    Forster, D.A. (2007). Upon our Lord’s sermon the mount: Discourse 8: Economic justice., in Reisman, K.D. & Shier-Jones, A. (Eds.). 44 Sermons to serve the present age. London: Epworth Press, pp.141–150. 

 

Other articles:

1. Forster, Dion A. 2021. TB Joshua, Nigeria’s Controversial Pentecostal Titan - How Should He Be Remembered? The Conversation. June 6, 2021, http://theconversation.com/obituary-tb-joshua-nigerias-controversial-pentecostal-titan-162232.
2. Forster, Dion A. 2021. ‘Born Free’ – A Deceptive and Dangerous Story about South Africa’s Youth.” Academic. Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge, May 25, 2021. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/born-free-a-deceptive-and-dangerous-story-about-south-africas-youth/ 
3. Forster, Dion A. 2021. Protestant Evangelicalism and the Merit Trap – Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge. Academic. Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge, February 17, 2021. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/protestant-evangelicalism-and-the-merit-trap/ 
4. Forster, Dion A. 2021. Trump Is out, but US Evangelicalism Remains Alive and Well in Africa. The Conversation, Analysis edition. January 20, 2021. http://theconversation.com/trump-is-out-but-us-evangelicalism-remains-alive-and-well-in-africa-151117 
5. Forster, Dion A. 2021. Putting Mary at the Centre of Christmas Is a Challenge to South Africa’s Prosperity Gospel. The Conversation, News edition. January 6, 2021. http://theconversation.com/putting-mary-at-the-centre-of-christmas-is-a-challenge-to-south-africas-prosperity-gospel-151720 
6. Forster, D.A. 2020. Compassion fatigue is normal during abnormal times. The Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg). 26 September: 1–5. https://mg.co.za/coronavirus-essentials/2020-09-26-compassion-fatigue-is-normal-during-abnormal-times/. 
7. Forster, D.A. 2020. “When a Pandemic makes the impossible, possible.” Academic. Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge, April 29, 2020. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/when-a-pandemic-makes-the-impossible-possible/ 
8. Forster, D.A. 2020. “Bonhoeffer en Biko: naar een politiek van hoop onder ‘born free’ Zuid-Afrikanen.” Skandalon Godsdienst en Sameleving, http://www.skandalon.nl/shop/tijdschriften/516-ophef-bonhoeffer-zuid-afrika.html. 
9. Forster, D.A. 2019. “Methodist Church Southern Africa Enters New Era as Women Take up Top Positions.” The Conversation. December 5, 2019. http://theconversation.com/methodist-church-southern-africa-enters-new-era-as-women-take-up-top-positions-127631.
10. Forster, D.A. 2019. “Understanding the Influence of Contemporary Evangelical Christianities” Academic. Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge, October 3, 2019. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/understanding-the-influence-of-contemporary-evangelical-christianities/.
11. Forster, D.A, and Sunelle Stander. 2019. “‘Worthy Women’: Sexual Bargaining for a Place in Utopia–or Dystopia?” Academic. Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge, June 11, 2019. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/worthy-women-sexual-bargaining-for-a-place-in-utopia-or-dystopia/.
12. Forster, D.A. 2019. “Is It Time to Give Up on Forgiveness among Black and White South Africans?” Academic. Counterpoint Navigating Knowledge, March 20, 2019. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/is-it-time-to-give-up-on-forgiveness-among-black-and-white-south-africans/.
13. Forster, D.A., and Simbarashe Pondani. 2019. “Why South Africans Are Prone to Falling for Charlatans in the Church.” The Conversation. March 10, 2019, Africa edition. http://theconversation.com/why-south-africans-are-prone-to-falling-for-charlatans-in-the-church-112879.
14. Forster, D.A. 2018. “Preserving Religious Freedom When (Some) Churches Abuse Their Members?” Academic. Counterpoint: Navigating Knowledge, December 4, 2018. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/preserving-religious-freedom-when-some-churches-abuse-their-members/.
15. Forster, D.A. 2018. “Social Media as Religion – Unexamined Desire and (Mis-in)Formation.” Counterpoint Navigating Knowledge, September 5, 2018. https://www.counterpointknowledge.org/social-media-as-religion-unexamined-desire-and-mis-information/.
16. Forster, DA. 2016. “Why the ‘Loss of Faith’ in Heroes like Mandela May Not Be Such a Bad Thing.” The Conversation. November 3, 2016. http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/stnews/2016/09/29/Why-the-‘loss-of-faith’-in-heroes-like-Mandela-may-not-be-such-a-bad-thing.
17. Forster, D.A. 2016. “Dangerous Echoes of the Past as Church and State Move Closer in SA.” The Conversation, October 16, 2016. https://www.enca.com/opinion/dangerous-echoes-of-the-past-as-church-and-state-move-closer-in-sa.
18. Forster, D.A., The earth is the Lord’s! How taking a stand against corruption can be Gospel work. November 2014, Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. Wheaton Illinois.
19. Forster, D.A. “When You Cannot Preach: A Case for Relational Evangelism.” Lausanne Global Pulse 12, no. 2011 (December 2011): 1–9.
20. Forster, D.A., The role of the Church in reconciliation in South Africa. Lausanne World Pulse, April 2010. Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. Wheaton Illinois.
21. Forster, D.A., How technology is changing, or should change, the way in which the Gospel is shared. Lausanne World Pulse, June/July 2010. Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. Wheaton Illinois.
22. Forster, D.A. Business as Ministry. Lausanne Global Pulse 9, no. 2010 (August 2010): 1–8. 

Conference papers:

1.    Forster, D.A., Christian and positive: A positive theology for an HIV+ Church Paper presented to the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization Theology Working Group in Beirut, Lebanon (February 2010).
2.    Forster, D.A., An integral reading of forgiveness in Matthew 18.21-35. Paper presented at the University of the North West, New Testament Ethics and Cosmology conference, 10 August 2012.
3.    Activating Moral Imagination: EXPOSED2013 as a faith based Fourth Generation Approach? Forster, DA and Bowers du Toit N, 2014. Paper presented at the ISTR, Münster, Germany 26 July 2014.
4.    Forster, D.A., What hope is there for South Africa? Stellenbosch University Winter School (Keynote address) July 2014.
5.    Forster, D.A., Mandela and the Methodists: Faith fact or fallacy? Theological Society of South Africa Keynote address, July 2014
6.    Forster, D.A., Mandela and the Methodists: Faith fact or fallacy? San Leopoldo – South by South Public Theology Network, September 2014
7.    Forster, D.A., Truth and Reconciliation Commission revisiting the faith hearings of 1997. I was nominated to represent the Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s presentation to the TRC in Stellenbosch on 8 and 9 October 2014.
8.    Forster, D.A., Mandela and the Methodists: Faith fact or fallacy? American Academy of Religion, Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, November 2014
9.    Forster, D.A., Graça Machel: African Methodist liberationist. Theological Society of Southern Africa, June 2015
10.    Forster, D.A., Nelson Mandela: African Christian Humanist. American Academy of Religion, Wesleyan and Methodist Studies Unit, Atlanta GA., 21 November 2015
11.    Forster, D.A., Reports from the field: The state of Public Theology in Southern Africa. American Academy of Religion, Wildcard Session, Global Network for Public Theology, 22 November 2015
12.    Forster, D.A., A State Church? In conversation – the Methodist Church of Southern African and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Stellenbosch University, Beyers Naude Center for Public Theology / Bonhoeffer Unit, October 2015
13.    Forster, D.A., On calling and vocation – faith and work in contemporary society. EKD Frankfurt Germany, November 2015.
14.    Forster, D.A., On the 250th Anniversary of A plain account of Christian perfection: Wesleyan theological hybridity and its implications for contemporary discourses on Christian humanism. American Academy of Religion, Wesley Studies Unit, 20 November 2016.
15.    Forster, D.A., Thinking Olive instead of ‘Red’ or ‘Green’? An engagement with the sustainability and development discourses in Southern African Methodist Theological Ethics. Summer School of the Humboldt University, 8 June 2017.
16.    Forster, D.A., The (im)possibility of forgiveness? Nelson Mandela and the Politics of forgiveness in South Africa. Bamberg University, 12 June 2017.
17.    Forster, D.A., Public Theologies and Globalization. Berlin Institute for Public Theology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 22 June 2017.
18.    Forster, D.A., The (im)possibility of forgiveness? Considering the Complexities of Religion, Race and Politics in South Africa. Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary, One and Undivided Conference, 22 September 2017.
19.    Forster, D.A., A state Church? A consideration of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the light of South Africa’s Kairos document. American Academy of Religion, Wesley Studies, 22 November 2017.
20.    Forster, D.A. Decolonising global methodism. Revival, Revolution and Reform in Global Methodism: An Understanding of Christian Perfection as African Christian Humanism in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Oxford University, Oxford Institute for Methodist Theological Studies, Fernley Hartley Trust Lecture, August 2018.
21.    Forster, D.A. Translation and a politics of forgiveness in South Africa? What black Christians believe, and white Christians do not seem to understand. Lund University, November 2018.
22.    Forster, D.A. Populism and Religion outside the US: Research and Reflections from the South African context. American Academy of Religion, Wildcard Plenary Session on Religion and Populism. November 2018.
23.    Forster, D.A. Walking Humbly with God: Bible Studies to the 130th General Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Cape Town, September 2019.
24.    Forster, D.A. Can public theology bridge the divide? Navigating space, speech, and spirituality in relation to South Africa’s politics of forgiveness. University of Bamberg, Global Network for Public Theology International Conference, October 2019.
25.    Forster, D.A. God health and politics? A Public Theological Engagement. International Lecture Series – Pontifical University of Curitiba, Brazil and Stellenbosch University, South Africa, September 2020.
26.    Forster, D.A. A critical consideration of the relationship between African Christianities and American Evangelicalism: A cautionary tale of theo-political exceptionalism? Oxford Center for Religion and Public Life, February 2021

 

 

Dion's most recent books are entitled 'The (im)possibility of forgiveness? An empirical intercultural reading of Matthew 18.15-35' (SUN Press, 2017) and,  Between Capital and Cathedral:  Essays on Church and State relationships. (University of South Africa Press, 2013).

 

 

The rest of this page contains a list of books that I have written - you can order them from Amazon.com by clicking the link below each book.

 

First, there is the inspirational book 'Transform your work life:  Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling' - you can visit the official web page for the book here.  You can purchase copies of the book in most book shops in South Africa - or you can order the book online here (it is shipped overnight in South Africa, and anywhere in the else in the world as well).

You can download the first few chapters of the book here.

I am under contract from Cambridge Scholars Press to publish my research on neuroscience and artificial intelligence. The working title is 'Why you may not be who you think you: An adventure in neuroscience, artificial intelligence and theology'.

  • What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists.

    What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists.

    by Dion A Forster, Wessel Bentley

    Endorsements for What are we thinking?

        'My enthusiasm for this book is fired by a number of factors. First, there is the variety of authors and topics. Second, the variety of topics reflects key points in our social, cultural, economic and political context. Third, there is a crying need to up-to-date books that relate the whole gospel to the whole world. Fourth, the book does not aim to indoctrinate us, but rather to challenge us to become thinking Christians in our own contexts. And while Christian readers of all denominations will be challenged and enriched by this book, a fifth reason for my enthusiasm is that it gives contemporary expression to the spirit of John Wesley. Not only were his interests wide ranging, as are the topics in this book, but he managed to develop that rate and precious mix of a theology that is simultaneously passionate and reasonable, both deeply spiritual and socially engaged. That is the excellent mix that this book also offers' - Rev Prof Dr Neville Richardson

        'This timely release introduces the reader to fresh, diverse, provocative and urgent voices within the Wesleyan tradition. They share insights on a number of contemporary issues that will push theological boundaries, spiritually enrich, motivate and challenge to action. Each contribution draws from the deep wells of their own life and pastoral experience and beckons the reader to drink from this veritable calabash of collective wisdom which adds to the current theological and public discourse. What are we thinking? is a source for growth. I recommend it to all thoughtful readers' - Rev Ivan Abrahams, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. 

    About the book:

    What are our emerging theologians thinking and saying about some of the pressing issues confronting the church and society today? Most of us need to have our thinking stimulated and challenged from time to time. Here is just such an opportunity. You may not necessarily agree with everything you read, but the issues are critical and need to be debated!

     

    Contents include:

     

    • Whose truth will set us free?
    • Searching for an African Methodist Liturgical theology
    • How we can read the same Bible and reach different ethical conclusions
    • Pastoral care with Christian gay women
    • A response to global warming and the environment
    • The economic implications of Biblical principles
    • Biblical metaphors of healing and transformation
    • Reading the Scriptures through women?s eyes
    • A perspective on youth development in South Africa
    • The use of rape in the Bible as a military metaphor
    • A call for 'affirmative action' for theological application

     

    Contributors:

    Rev Dr Wessel Bentley | Rev Mogomotsi Diutlwileng | Rev Dr Dion Forster | Rev Kevin Light | Rev Mantso Matsepe | Rev Madika Sibeko | Rev Alan Storey | Rev Debbie van de Laar | Rev John van de Laar | Rev Vusi Vilikati

     

    The full reference for the book is:

    Bentley, W & Forster, DA (eds.) 2008 What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists. Cape Town. Methodist Publishing house. (ISBN 978-91988352-6).

    Here's a bit more information from a section that I wrote in the Editors' introduction:

        The idea for this book grew out of a conversation with Bishop Ivan Abrahams, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. One afternoon he and I sat in Christ Church College, Oxford, speaking about the richness of our Southern African Methodist heritage. As we talked we celebrated the blessing and diversity of our Methodist Connexion. The Methodist Church of Southern Africa covers a geographical area that spans 6 nations (Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa). Within the denomination there is a veritable rainbow of cultures, and age groups - not to mention the divergent theological perspectives and styles of worship. When you mix the Wesleyan passion for Christian perfection with such diversity and a rich social history, the outcome is quite remarkable to say the least!

        In the weeks that followed that conversation I thought how sad it was that we did not have a resource, such as a book or a journal, that could capture and reflect the blessing of our theological diversity. So, early one morning, I emailed a number of 'emerging' scholars with the following idea: Each one was to write a chapter for the book. The only requirement was that their chapter should reflect a clear position on some theological or social issue about which they felt passionate. Many responded enthusiastically to the challenge, and so this book began to take shape!

        In the pages of this book a variety of topics have been considered. Some chapters deal with theological issues (such as the notion of theological truth, approaches to theology, and the use of metaphor in theology and scripture), others consider more practical matters (such as economics and the Christian faith, the training of laity, youth development, and crafting an authentically African liturgical tradition), still others have considered some of the topical issues of time and context (such as the Church and persons of a same sex orientation, gender issues, and issues of the environment).

     This book has two simple aims:

        1. To present a compilation of 'position papers' by Methodist scholars that reflect some of the issues that Southern African Methodists are praying about, talking about, and thinking about. In this sense the book aims to be 'zeitgeist' (a 'spirit of the times'), reflecting some of our current theological thinking on contemporary issues. You may not necessarily agree with all of the points made here. However, you are encouraged to consider the points that the author makes, to understand why he or she holds the position that is presented, and then to go on to form your own opinions and understanding of what you believe in relation to the issue at hand.

        2. This leads to the second aim, namely that we wanted to open the way for our members to begin to think critically about some contemporary challenges and opportunities that Southern Africa, and the Church in Southern Africa, faces. In this regard the book aims to stimulate prayer, thought, further conversation and ultimately courageous action.

        I pray that you will be challenged to grow in your own faith as you read the chapters of this book. Ultimately our common aim is to find the most effective, Christ-like, God honouring ways of establishing God's Kingdom here on earth.

    Order What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists(edited by Dr Dion A Forster and Dr Wessel Bentley) for R165 in South Africa (order form)

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  • Methodism in Southern Africa: A celebration of Wesleyan Mission

    Methodism in Southern Africa: A celebration of Wesleyan Mission

    by Dion A Forster, Wessel Bentley

    One cannot be a faithful Christian without being in mission!  The question is, however, what is true mission?  And more specifically what mission does God want you to do in your context?  This book is a rich resource that will aid you to work out the answers to these critical questions.  In its pages you will find challenging insights from our past, helping you to understand the unique and special mission focus that God has given to Southern African Methodists.  You'll be able to get some insights into what the Church is currently doing in mission, and perhaps even find some places in which you can involve yourself or your congregation.  But most importantly, this book will help you to think about how you can take the healing and transforming love of Jesus Christ into an unknown future.  The contributors to this book include past and present Bishops, University lecturers, Pastors and Ministers of Churches, all of whom are dedicated to Christ and committed to helping you fulfill your call to mission.  This book is a collaboration between the Education for Ministry and Mission Unit of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, and Africa Upper Room Ministries.  The profits from the book go towards the ministerial students fund of the Methodist Church and help in the training of ministers.

    To order this book please email Dion Forster (R140 in South Africa, $20 if outside of South Africa).

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  • An uncommon spiritual path - the quest to find Jesus beyond conventional Christianity

    An uncommon spiritual path - the quest to find Jesus beyond conventional Christianity

    by Dion A Forster

    Are you tired of 'consumer' driven religion? Are you finding that the 'popular' steps to faith no longer satisfy your desire for true spiritual living? Then the novel and courageous approach of this book could be just what you have been longing for.

    The truth is that people cannot be whole unless they have an active and deep spiritual life. One of the great shortcomings of many contemporary western cultures is that they lull us into believing that we can find peace, joy, and fulfillment in what we own, or in what we do. Sadly, many people have come to discover that the pursuit of wealth, power, and recognition by one’s peers, are shallow and meaningless against the backdrop of what it means to be truly alive. When one considers that a human person has physical, psychological, and spiritual needs, the pursuit of true and ultimate meaning becomes all the more important in a world that seems so increasingly devoid of depth.

    This book charts a different course to the norm. It examines a way of life that may seem quite austere and strange to most of us. However, it will be shown that it is not the spiritual methodology, or even the content of this particular spiritual path, that brings blessing and peace. Rather, it is passing beyond methods, ideas, and even doctrines, that brings us into the presence of the God who gives and sustains true life; the kind of life Jesus speaks of in John’s Gospel (John 10:10)

    This book charts this uncommon spiritual path by examining the 'non-dual' spirituality of Henri le Saux (Swami Abhishiktananda - meaning 'the bliss of Christ'), a French Benedictine monk in India. His approach is challenging, courageous, and even unsettling in some instances. However, his deep commitment to finding Christ is an inspiration.

    About the Author

    Rev Dr Dion A Forster is the Dean of John Wesley College, the Seminary of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Pretoria. He is an Ordained Methodist minister. He holds a Doctorate in Science and Theology. He teaches Systematic Theology, Ethics, New Testament and Greek. He serves as a part time lecturer in Systematic Theology and Ethics at the University of South Africa, and in the Department of New Testament at the University of Pretoria. Dion preaches regularly at the Bryanston Methodist Church, and has a weekly radio program called "The Ministry and Me" on Radio Pulpit.

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  • Christ at the centre - Discovering the Cosmic Christ in the spirituality of Bede Griffiths

    Christ at the centre - Discovering the Cosmic Christ in the spirituality of Bede Griffiths

    by Dion A Forster

    About the book

    This book aims to address some of the common problems that 'modernism' and Western materialism have wrongly thrust upon the Christian faith. These problems include such things as the assumption that true Christianity must be framed in a Western cultural guise, the false duality between spiritual living and social responsibility, enmity between faith and science, unnecessary conflict between Christianity and other living faiths, and the loss of the sacred as a result of the dominance of Western individualism and materialism. I attempt to address these problems by presenting a novel and creative spiritual path that has the potential to address these dualities and struggles. At it's core this book is a discussion of Fr Bede Griffiths wonderfully rich Christology. Throughout the book the doctrine of Christ is framed within a mystical approach to the person and work of Jesus, offering new insights and a fresh theological vocabulary.

    Karl Rahner wrote that the "Christian of the future will be a mystic or he will not exist at all". Increasing numbers of Christians, and Christian theologians, are starting to recognise how important a lived experience of the mystery of Jesus Christ is in finding true life, and in doing sound theology. Bede Griffiths, a Benedictine Monk who was educated at Oxford and spent most of his life adapting his Christian faith to the culture and philosophy of India, came to embody the depth and riches of mystical spirituality in his life and teaching. His integrated approach to spiritual living has helped many people to discover, and rediscover, the rich experience of being truly and fully alive in Christ. This book examines the elements that made Fr Bede's spirituality so significant. It discusses his understanding of the Person, nature, and work of Christ from a mystical and spiritual perspective. Fr Bede's Christology is informed by such varied sources as the Catholic Christian tradition, Indian philosophy, Hindu religion, quantum physics, transpersonal psychology, micro-biology, and the perennial philosophy. This book is a valuable resource for persons who seek to deepen their relationship with God and foster fresh and creative ways of expressing that spirituality in their everyday lives. It also has a great deal to offer the more serious theological mind through the discussions on experiential theological methodologies and the challenging new vocabulary and approach to Christology.

    About the Author

    Rev Dr Dion A Forster is the Dean of John Wesley College, the Seminary of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Pretoria. He is an Ordained Methodist minister. He holds a Doctorate in Science and Theology. He teaches Systematic Theology, Ethics, New Testament and Greek. He serves as a part time lecturer in Systematic Theology and Ethics at the University of South Africa, and in the Department of New Testament at the University of Pretoria. Dion preaches regularly at the Bryanston Methodist Church, and has a weekly radio program called "The Ministry and Me" on Radio Pulpit.

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  • Making Disciples in a World Parish: Global Perspectives on Mission and Evangelism

    Making Disciples in a World Parish: Global Perspectives on Mission and Evangelism

    by Paul W. Chilcote

    Paul Chilcote to let me know that 'Making disciples in a world parish: Global perspectives on Mission and Evangelism' was published.

    I was privileged to contribute one of the chapters that make up this book.  I wrote about the theology and ministry of Christians in Southern Africa in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  In my chapter I discussed issues such as the contextualisation of theological methodology, an insight into what it means to live with HIV/AIDS and what it could mean for Christians and the Church to respond appropriately in that context.  It is entitled 'Evangelism, mission and discipleship in Southern Africa: How hope is overcoming tragedy'.

    I'd encourage you to check out the book at the following URL - you can purchase the book from Amazon here.

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  • An introduction to Wesleyan Spirituality (Wesley Society of South Africa)

    An introduction to Wesleyan Spirituality (Wesley Society of South Africa)

    by Dion Forster
    About the book:
    Christian perfection is central to Wesleyan spirituality. John Wesley's understanding of the notion of Christian perfection owed its development to the three primary theological influences on his spiritual formation, namely: 
    • Puritanism, 
    • mysticism 
    • and the early Church fathers.

    Wesleyan spirituality is first and foremost a matter of Christian practice - Wesley wanted to figure out 'what worked'. As such, doctrine is a secondary priority in this pragmatic approach to holiness. By this it is simply understood that John Wesley was a Christian pragmatist, seeking a livable spirituality, rather than primarily focussing on doctrine. 

    From the author.

    I was asked to write this monograph as part of the Methodist Church of Soutnern Africa's Wesley Society series (it is volume number 6 in the series).  Having completed the first draft of the manuscript in 2001, Dr Arthur Attwell helped to sharped the text and grammar.

    This little book was intended primarily for lay readers and lay preachers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, many of whom have English as a second or third language.  As such we did our best to keep it as short and clear as we possibly could without diluting the historical and theological elements of Wesley's Spirituality.
    Please do take a look at the two other books on Methodism and Wesley that I wrote with Dr Wessel Bentley. Those volumes are each about 150-200 pages in length and contain a number of superb scholarly and inspirational articles on Methodist history, theology and mission.  They entitled 'Methodism in Southern Africa:  A celebration of Wesleyan Mission' and 'What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists'.  Both of these books are available for purchase in the Amazon book store.
    God bless you,
    Dion Forster (Cape Town).

     

     

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