Towards Friendship-Shaped Communities: A Practical Theology of Friendship

A unique and incisive exploration of the place and nature of friendship in both its personal and civic dimensions

In Towards Friendship-Shaped Communities: A Practical Theology of Friendship, distinguished theological researcher Anne-Marie Ellithorpe delivers a constructive and insightful exploration of the place and nature of friendship as innate to being human, to the human vocation, and to life within the broader community. Of particular interest to members and leaders of faith communities, this book responds to contemporary concerns regarding relationality and offers a comprehensive theology of friendship.

The author provides an inclusive and interdisciplinary study that brings previous traditions and texts into dialogue with contemporary contexts and concerns, including examples from Indigenous and Euro-Western cultures. Readers will reflect on the theology of friendship and the interrelationship between friendship and community, think critically about their own social and theological imagination, and develop an integrative approach to theological reflection that draws on Don Browning’s Fundamental Practical Theology.

Integrating philosophical, anthropological, and theological perspectives on the study of friendship, this book presents:

• A thorough introduction to contemporary questions on friendship and discussions of co-existing friendship worlds
• Comprehensive explorations of friendship in first and second testament writings, as well as friendship within classical and Christian traditions
• Practical discussions of theology, friendship, and the social imagination, including explorations of mutuality and spirit-shaped friendships
• Considerations for outworking friendship ideals within communities of practice, from the perspective of strategic (or fully) practical theology

Perfect for graduate and advanced undergraduate students taking courses on friendship or practical theology, Towards Friendship-Shaped Communities: A Practical Theology of Friendship will also earn a place in the libraries of scholars of practical theology and community practitioners, including ministers, priests, pastors, spiritual advisors, and counselors.

Keywords: Theological imagination, social imaginary, friend, friendship, civic friendship, social friendship, nature of friendship, friendship and faith, faith friendships, contemporary friendship, friendship theory, theological friendship, classical friendship, Christian friendship