Reflecting on/with my Companions

Abstract

My encounter with these offerings from my theological colleagues has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my scholarly career. In many respects writing is a lonely and fearful activity. One carries into the act a community of dialogue, and one imagines a caring audience. But the actual reader is never present, and one can never be certain that he or she will not respond with indifference or disdain. Beyond the manuscript lies the void. Thus to encounter the work of eleven scholars from neighboring domains of inquiry, all of whom have devoted themselves to a serious dialogue with my writing and those to whom I am closely related is a joyous affirmation of relationship. To be sure there are many differences and disagreements; yet in the caring way they have been offered here, they are to be cherished. But most exciting for me is the many ways in which these scholars have creatively extended the range of ideas. In their dialogue with constructionist ideas new vistas are opened both conceptual and practical. Do we not approach the ecstasy of dialogue when our conjunction brings forth realities never before imagined?