1. Keep theology relevant in a public sphere

I sampled widely from the GNPT workshops offered during the conference. Afterward, many published recordings of their Zoom sessions, so I transcribed and analyzed them in detail. Since the live conference, I have reviewed seventeen papers and presentations from the Public Theology sessions. The range was indeed broad: Speakers were from the Global North and South, with slightly greater representation from Brazil and Germany. Presenters included PhD candidates and established professors. Topics ranged from individual philosophers and theologians to regional case studies and broader public theology approaches. A general tendency emerged: critical theory was often invoked as a corrective to polarization, the blame often placed on populists and especially evangelicals. Yet there was denominational diversity, from Baptist and Assembly of God to Catholic. Approaches varied, too, from explicitly scriptural treatments to papers grounded almost entirely in critical theory, with little connection to Christian theology itself. There was a clustering of references, with the most mentions going to German thinkers Carl Schmitt, Jürgen Moltmann, Jürgen Habermas, and Dorothee Sölle. This reflects the overall focus on the role of theology in polarized societies: fostering relationships, translating theological ideas into public life, and protecting marginalized groups. Bamberg’s Thomas Wabel was cited in Manfred Pirner’s paper on public spirituality. About one-third of the papers focused on Brazil, and about the same proportion mentioned the role of evangelicals in right-wing politics and exclusionary ideologies. The one Brazilian evangelical presenter (Jonas de Oliveira, “Where Can I Find a Biblical Base in the Relationship Between Land and Ecology”) argued that his denomination’s focus (on soteriology, pneumatology, and eschatology) was misplaced and should instead be on ecology. The emphasis on Brazilian evangelicalism reflected the number of Brazilian presenters and matched the papers’ general tenor. Altogether, the collective effort was to keep theology relevant in a public sphere marred by polarization and exclusion. Papers outlined problems in specific regions and groups, showing how theology has historically exacerbated them and continues to do so. They described specific elements of the problem, such as hate speech, and proposed responses, such as immanent critique and public spirituality. Overall, the tension between upholding the truth of specifically Christian content and translating that content to the public sphere, especially in an environment where exclusion is perceived to be a major danger, was very much in evidence.

2. Both critical and constructive

7th Global Network for Public Theology (GNPT) 

The seventh triennial consultation of the Global Network for Public Theology was hosted by the Richard John Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life. The GNPT opened with a spirit of reflection, collaboration and vision, gathering theologians, scholars and faith leaders from across the globe to engage the theme „Scripture in the Public Square“. Dr. Matthew Kaemingk (Vice-Chair of GNPT, Director of the Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life and Associate Professor of Faith and Public Life at Fuller Seminary) set the tone for the consultation by framing the event as a space where Scripture can be explored as a resource for addressing contemporary public challenges with theological depth and civic responsibility. By honoring its founders, hearing greetings from global partners and orienting participants toward the consultation theme, the ceremony affirmed GNPT´s mission: to bring theology into conversation with pressing public challenges of our time. 

During the consultation Dr. Munther Isaac, Lutheran Pastor in Bethlehem and prominent Palestinian theologian, delivered a deeply moving and provocative address entitled „Faith, the Bible, and Genocide in Gaza“. He framed his lecture as a prophetic witness, raising urgent questions about the role of Christian faith in times of systemic violence and human suffering. In his view, Gaza represents not only a political and humanitarian tragedy but also a profound test of global Christian theology and discipleship. 

Next on the agenda was „The New Testament is (not) a Public Text“ from Dr. John B. Green. He offered a thought-provoking lecture exploring the complex relationship between Scripture and the public sphere. His presentation focused especially on the Letter of James as resource for public theology. Dr. Green highlighted how this text addresses community ethics, justice for the poor and the practical outworking of faith. He argued that James provides (in his letter) a hermeneutical bridge for engaging issues such as inequality, speech in the public domain and the integration of faith with action. 

On the next day I joined the special panel session: nature prospects of public theology. It provided an important opportunity for reflection on the identity, scope and future directions of public theology. In the opening Dr. Clive Pearson (Charles Sturt University) framed the discussion by pointing to the global growth of public theology over the past two decades. He emphasized the need for clarity regarding its distinct 

contributions, ongoing challenges and capacity to engage pressing public issues across diverse contexts. The panel presentation included Dr. Jefferson Zeferino of the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas. He highlighted how public theology must remain attentive to local realities while contributing to global conversations. Dr. Zeferino underscored the main points: Contextual Sensitivity, Dialogue and Public Voice and Future Prospects. Public theology must engage lived realities such as poverty, inequality and political polarization, making theology both relevant and transformative. It requires openness to dialogue with other disciplines, faith traditions and civic actors, ensuring theology is not confined to ecclesial spaces but participates in shaping public discourse. Public theology´s credibility and vitality depend on its ability to remain both critical and constructive, addressing contemporary crises while offering hope grounded in the theological vision. 

Under Dr. Pearson´s moderation and through Dr. Zeferino´s reflections, the participants were challenged to envision public theology as a dynamic, contextually engaged practice that can shape more just and hopeful public life