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The themes that draw people from around the world to Trinity Institute conferences are typically traditional theological ones.They are ancient themes, big as redwoods, that have captivated religious minds from Augustine to Niebhur, to you and to me.

And now,with a conference that will ask participants to explore together Radical Abundance:A Theology of Sustainability , the Institute is poised to take a different turn.Granted, sustainability is not a traditional theological word, but it is becoming a theological word for now and the future.

Tying sustainability to abundance creates an illuminating paradox. We have the abundant life of which Jesus spoke, marked by generosity and fullness, alongside that which is able simply to support, to sustain, to keep going.Yet as Christians, we understand our lives in this world as a gift of God's abundant love — a love that sustains us. Perhaps we might suggest that sustainability is understanding God's abundant love and acting in response to that love.

Theology's role — our role — is to reflect on the teachings of the Church.Whether you are attending the conference live and in person, or through partner sites via the Internet, I welcome you to the Institute's process of practicing theology in community, so that we might reflect together, learning from one another. Perhaps sustainability is part of an old theological idea with a new name.

The Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper, Rector

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Radical Abundance
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