Historical consciousness and theological imagination: in appreciation of Philippe Denis

Abstract

The article reflects on key issues relating to Denis’ work as a church historian at the interface of theology, ecclesiastical and social history, and theological formation. The importance of the development of an historical consciousness is a necessary element for doing theology, and therefore in the formation of theologians understood broadly. The article stresses the role of interactive memory and imagination in doing theology in correlation with historical construction. Denis is an exemplary practitioner of the art within the South African context.