The Language of Exile: Ministerial Formation in the Post-Christian Context

Abstract

The Babylonians decisively invaded Ancient Israel in 587 BCE and sent many of the leading citizens of Judah off to exile in Babylon. This marginalizing act demanded that the people of Israel adapt their faith and the practice of it to a new and challenging set of circumstances. While the experience of the church in North America is very different than that of ancient Israel it is facing a time of moving from near the center of cultural influence to a place nearer to the margins. The experience of ancient Israel can inform the life of the church today. The prayer language of Israel found in the book of Lamentations and a number of Psalms can provide perspectives that will inform practices for ministerial formation in these challenging days