Routledge Seditious Theology: Punk and the Ministry of Jesus

Seditious Theology explores the much analysed British punk movement of the 1970s from a theological perspective. Imaginatively engaging with subjects such as subversion, deconstruction, confrontation and sedition, this book highlights the stark contrasts between the punk genre and the ministry of Jesus while revealing surprising similarities and, in so doing, demonstrates how we may look at both subjects in fresh and unusual ways. Johnson looks at both punk and Jesus and their challenges to symbols, gestures of revolt, constructive use of conflict and the shattering of relational norms. He then points to the seditious pattern in Jesus' life and the way it can be discerned in some recent trends in theology. The imaginative images that he creates provide a challenging image of Jesus and of those who have relooked radically in recent years at what being a ’seditious’ follower of Christ means for the church. Introducing both a new partner for theological conversation and a fresh way of how to go about the task, this book presents a powerful approach to exploring the life of Christ and a new way of engaging with both recent theological trends and the more challenging expressions of popular culture. Review 'This is a daring and well-informed study, which holds together the dissonant perspectives of punk and theology, and, in so doing, shocks the reader into seeing the scandal of both anew.' – Gavin Hopps, University of St Andrews, UK 'Thoughtfully conceived, stylishly written, and intellectually daring, Mark Johnson’s reading of the British punk movement as a form of imaginative re-identification with the life and ministry of Jesus is a richly rewarding contribution to the study of theology and popular culture.' – Philip Shaw, University of Leicester, UK About the Author Mark Johnson is Assistant to the Principal of Waverley Abbey College and tutors post-graduate students in Theology at St Mary's College in the University of St Andrews. He holds a BA (Hons) in Theology from the University of Gloucestershire and a PhD in Divinity from the University of St Andrews.