Mediators of Tradition – Embodiments of Doctrine in Rural Swedish Parish Life

• Published in: Ecclesial Practices
• Main Author: Ideström, Jonas
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Brill 2016
• Subjects: Religious studies; Northern Sweden
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/22144471-00301004; https://brill.com/view/journals/ep/3/1/article-p53_4.xml; https://data.brill.com/files/journals/22144471_003_01_S004_text.pdf

The aim of this article is to analyse how doctrines are embodied in local church life and how they mediate tradition in a local church and community. The article draws on a larger research project focusing on questions concerning ecclesial identity in rural areas of northern Sweden. The ecclesiological analysis and approach is inspired by Actor-Network Theory. The material embodiments of theological doctrines in the Eucharistic liturgy are interpreted as mediators of tradition within the thick fabric of the liturgy and the ecclesial context. The analysis results in a picture of the thick ecclesial fabric in which doctrines are mediated and given meaning in parish life. The article also shows how doctrines can be mediated and translated on a personal level in relation to the liturgy.