Redirecting to here.
Welcome to NigelOakley.comTuesday, 11 September 2007 Who am I?ImageEver since I worked in Botswana for three years (from Jan 1988 to December 1990), I have had a passionate interest in World Development issues. To further that end, I studied for two years at All Nations Christian College for a degree in Biblical and Cross-Cultural Studies. My studies took me to South Africa, Pakistan – and Durham! It is here in Durham that I obtained my doctorate, where my wife works as a GP and where my two sons Alastair and Jonathan have been born.Apart from being the WDO for the diocese, I am a writer, and part-time teaching assistant at Durham University.What resources are available on these webpages?ImageThis world or the next? In the world but not of it?Prophetic vision or grubby engagement with the world as it is?These are the tensions I grapple with in my book ‘Engaging Politics?’ as I try to show how Christians can, indeed must, engage with politics and with political debate. As the blurb on the book says:‘he demonstrates, in chapters on Augustine, Liberation theology, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Stanley Hauerwas how these tensions exist in every strand of Christian political thinking; and then he applies those tensions to case studies varying from today’s highly charged debates on sexuality to the war on terrorism. In every case, he demonstrates that non-involvement is a non-option. This book is both an intelligent introduction to the difficult world of Christian political theology and to some of the key debates that are shaping our times.’The forum on the book is open for discussion, so once you’ve read to the book do feel free to engage in conversation with me about it. As the Bishop of Durham says in his foreword:‘This is the kind of book that everyone will disagree with at some point, but everyone will learn from at a great many other points. What nobody should do is to ignore it.’And the blog? That’s a more general series of observations on life as a diocesan World Development Officer, writer, and (with my wife being a full-time GP) ‘primary carer’ of our two boys.My roleEach diocese has a World Development Representative / Adviser / Officer who is commissioned by the Bishop to be an advocate for global issues in the diocese and act as a source of information to clergy, PCCs and parish members.These issues include:• The cancellation of unpayable poor country debt• Trade justice• Poverty alleviation• The environmentIn other words, this is all about proclaiming the mission of God to a poor, hungry and hurting world.Whilst world development issues are serious and vitally important, getting involved can release creativity, vitality and be fun.What can I offer?• Information on world development issues• Details of campaigning organizations• Articles for church magazines• Sermons and talks to groups or whole church congregations• Encouragement to get involved This world or the next? In the world but not of it? Prophetic vision or grubby engagement with the world as it is?These are the tensions Nigel Oakley grapples with as he shows how Christians can, indeed must, engage with politics and with political debate. He demonstrates, in chapters on Augustine, Liberation theology, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Stanley Hauerwas how these tensions exist in every strand of Christian political thinking; and then he applies those tensions to case studies varying from today’s highly charged debates on sexuality to the war on terrorism. In every case, he demonstrates that non-involvement is a non-option. This book is both an intelligent introduction to the difficult world of Christian political theology and to some of the key debates that are shaping our times.‘It is a happy occasion to comment on this book by Nigel Oakley who … offers a constructive Christian position for the more difficult challenges facing us in our world today.’Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School, North Carolina‘This book will be an important tool for individuals and churches who are prepared to open their eyes to God’s reality, their minds to his multi-faceted but integrated truth, and their hearts to his compassion for a world greatly beloved but greatly afflicted.’N.T. Wright, Bishop of Durham‘Nigel Oakley binds the wisdom and practice of the past to the issues and dilemmas of the present in a most creative and stimulating way. This hugely informative book will rescue Christians from simplistic or monochrome answers to the biblical, theological and ethical complexity of wrestling with political realities.’Christopher J.H. Wright, International Director, Langham Partnership International‘Engaging Politics demonstrates that, far from being incompatible, Christianity, social justice and political engagement are inseparable. A thought-provoking, stimulating and action inducing read.’Steve Chalke MBE, Founder of Oasis Global and FaithworksNigel Oakley is World Development Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Durham, UK. He has a PhD from the University of Durham in political theology.