The Faculty of Theology hosted a symposium on the Faculty Research Theme (FRT) ‘Ecodomy: Life in its fullness’ at the Research Commons Auditorium, Groenkloof Campus, during October 2014.

The theme concerns issues related to the concept oikodomé (a concept touched on, inter alia, in 2 Cor 13:10; Rom 14:19; Eph 2:21), which gives expression to God's household in its totality while taking religious world views, values and norms into consideration. Important focus points include aspects of global justice, human dignity, reconciliation, moral formation and responsible citizenship. These aspects are encapsulated in the theme ‘Life in its fullness’, the main concept being oikodomé (meaning household), which has to do with, for instance, the well-being of the household, economy, ecology, theology, religion, life and impoverishment.

The FRT which combine interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary perspectives in theology and religion and other disciplines in other departments and faculties at UP, consist of three clusters, namely:

1. The basics:      Old and New Testament Studies
2. Beliefs:            Dogmatics and Christian Ethics with Church History and Church Polity
3. Practices:        Science of Religion and Missiology with Practical Theology

Prof Barbara Rössing, Professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and Prof Nancy Howell, Professor of Theology and Philosophy of Religion at the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, presented papers at the symposium and gave guidance on defining the contours of this research theme. Five plenary speakers were also identified from each cluster to share their perspectives on the topic, and also their views related to and research done in their disciplines.