A Postmodern Theology of Ritual Action

A Postmodern Theology of Ritual Action is a unique work that seeks to explore where we find meaning within ritual and actions within the church. Bridging hermeneutics, philosophy, and postmodern thought, this work seeks to explore how to do theology with the community through conversation. Beginning with the mindset that meaning is already present within ritual action rather than outside it, Best engages the practice of foot washing among the Original Free Will Baptist denomination of eastern North Carolina. Foot washing suggests a new future for theology, a future that models love, service, and acceptance. Incorporating insights gained from conversing with philosophy, theology, and the Original Free Will Baptists, foot washing points toward a future relational practical theology. A Postmodern Theology of Ritual Action is a captivating work that draws from both philosophers and theologians to show that we can learn much by listening to the voices of religious practitioners.


""Jonathan Best's debut book reads like that of a veteran scholar. This important book opens new ground in theology and philosophy, suggesting possibilities of a new interpretive synthesis that creatively reimagines the nexus between ritual and relationship. The empirical approach directly constructs a robust theology without recourse to metaphysical speculation. This will be of great interest to those working in method and methodology, sacrament and ritual, and practical theology in general. I highly recommend it.""
--Bryan Froehle, Professor of Practical Theology, St. Thomas University (Miami)


Jonathan L. Best holds a PhD in Practical Theology from St. Thomas University as well as a Master of Divinity from Campbell University. He is an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University and an ordained minister of the Original Free Will Baptist Convention. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Rebekah.