Nature and existence of God Books

Book SynopsisAn insightful discussion of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in the Protestant tradition, and how it is related to eschatology in both Pauline and modern theological thought.Trade Review"Pastor of a non-denominational church in southern California, Beck says that the doctrine of the Holy Spirit has swung back and forth between an institutional tendency and an experiential tendency in Protestantism since the Reformation. Both make significant contributions to the ongoing understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, he says, but also come with unwanted baggage. Rather than try to rehabilitate one or the other, he proposes Christian eschatology as a third option that comes not from the Protestant tradition but from the original language of pneumatology." Book News Inc, Reference - Research Book News - October 2011 "This is a very stimulating treatment of the relationship between eschatology and pneumatology and readers will find it a useful, insightful introduction to Moltmann in particular." Peter C. Orr, in Theological Book ReviewTable of ContentsAcknowledgments; An Eschatological Orientation in Pneumatology; The Holy Spirit and the Pauline Eschatological Framework; Eschatological Characteristics of Pauline Pneumatology; Main Themes in the Theology of Jurgen Moltmann; Moltmann's Eschatology; The Holy Spirit and Human Communities'; The Holy Spirit and the Individual; The Holy Spirit and Creation; Toward an Eschatological Pneumatology; Abbreviations; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisA classic work of ecclesiastical theology by one of the pre-eminent Russian theologians of the late 19th-century.Trade Review"[...] Solovyev disentangled essential Orthodoxy from Slavophilism and developed a critique of the social order of the age of Alexander III, basing his arguments on the Bible and tradition. He thus offers an alternative both to Tsarist reaction and to socialist revolution ... we can be grateful that it is available again in this reprint of Donald Attwater's English translation of 1937." John Arnold, Theology, vol 79, issue 49Table of ContentsTranslator's Preface Author's Preface Part One Introduction: Nature, Death, Sin, Law, Grace I. Prayer II. Sacrifice and Alms-Deeds III. Fasting Part Two I. Christianity II. The Church III. The Christian State and Christian Society Conclusion: Christ's Example as the Guide of Conscience

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Book SynopsisIlluminates the question of the cosmic reality of Christ and his nature in relation to the earth and creation.

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Book SynopsisPeter Heehs is an independent scholar based in India. His publications include Writing the Self (Bloomsbury, 2013) and The Lives of Sri Aurobindo (2008). His books have been translated into Russian, Dutch, French and Japanese.Trade ReviewHeehs offers a clear, analytical, narrative history that demonstrates how certain elements of non-theistic (or not strictly theistic) thought and practice in the religious histories of India, China, and the Greco-Roman world eventually coalesced to produce the burgeoning ‘godless’ spirituality of the modern West. * Journal of Contemporary Religion *Peter Heehs’s book and historical examination, Spirituality without God, comes at a timely moment in the discourse on spiritual practice. * Bulletin of the British Association for the Study of Religions *The book gives a map, through time and place, of the world’s various theistic and nontheistic spiritualities … The 'spiritual but not religious' phenomenon is growing, and readers can learn more about it through this thoughtful and knowledgeable author, who for decades has been a resident of an intentional, spiritual community. * Horizons: The Journal of the College Theology Society *Spirituality Without God should be read by all professors at seminaries around the world. It is helpful for gaining insight and understanding in the rise of modern nontheistic religions and spiritualities. It would be an excellent book for use in Christian evangelism classes. * Reading Religion *For those interested in spirituality and its practices, Peter Heehs' book is an interesting source ... Easy to access, very well documented. * Archives de sciences sociales des religions (Bloomsbury Translation) *Heehs is a clear and engaging writer… The book would thus fit easily and well in an undergraduate classroom. * Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses *Spirituality without God: A Global History of Thought and Practice traces the history of nontheistic spiritual thought and practice from the ancient world to our days. In this comprehensive, thought provoking work Peter Heehs traces a variety of spiritual approaches to life which were combined with disbelief in the supernatural. Peter Heehs shows in this impressive and well researched book that the search for spiritual wisdom unfettered by God(s), flourished for thousands of years, alongside religions based on worship of Divine beings. * Boaz Huss, Professor of Jewish Thought, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel *Spirituality without God is an ambitious exploration of the rich history and pervasive influence of godless spirituality in many regions of the world, and the shifting meanings attached to the word spirituality. With its autobiographical reflections, Peter Heehs’ engaging study is particularly timely in a period when many in Europe and North America, the ‘none of the aboves’, choose to identify themselves as spiritual rather than religious. For anyone wishing to understand how ‘spiritual’ has come to mean, according to Peter Heehs, virtually the opposite of ‘religion’, Spirituality without God will be a rewarding read. * Gwilym Beckerlegge, Professor of Modern Religions, The Open University, UK *A fascinating and creative non-Eurocentric approach to the history of religion that is relevant to understanding contemporary religious ideas and practices. This is a very interesting book with a broad audience by a fine historian with a creative and synthetic approach. * Jay L. Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities, Smith College and Harvard Divinity School, USA *Table of ContentsPrologue, A Religion is Born 1. Introduction: Religion and Spirituality, Gods and Godlessness 2. Theistic and Nontheistic Religions in the Ancient World 3. Defending and Debating Tradition 4. The Triumph of Theism 5. The Coming of Modernity and the Decline of God 6. Secularizing the Sacred 7. The Death and Afterlife of God Epilogue, Spiritual but Still Religious? Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisRamon Harvey revisits the Muslim theologian Ab Manr al-Mturd (d. 333/944) from Samarqand and puts his system, and that of the Mturd school, into lively dialogue with modern thought to show that a contemporary Muslim philosophical theology (kalm jadd) can provide original and constructive answers to perennial theological questions.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of Camas, the Iona Community's outdoor activity centre on the Isle of Mull. With its emphasis on creativity, connection with nature, community and outdoor spirituality, Camas has enriched and inspired the lives of many young people and adults, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Reflecting themes of ecology, community, youth work, theology, history, outdoor education and social justice, Down the Track tells the story of every decade of the centre's history so far from the time when George MacLeod took Borstal Boys' there in the 1940s, right through to its modern redevelopment and current programme. This anthology includes inspirational poems, essays, quotes, interviews and other writing reflecting the ethos of Camas from former staff and volunteers, local people, Iona Community members and group leaders. Most significantly, woven throughout the book are comments from young people. Rachel McCann is a former youth and social worker who has been involved in Camas on and off for over twenty years. She is a published poet and writer and her work has appeared in a number of books and magazines. She drew on the international, informal network of Camas friends whilst researching, collecting, writing and editing material over the last several years. Give me some more of these silences. The kind that are filled with the sounds of creation. Like the constant ebb and flow of the sea, or directionless noise of the wind and rain, or the solitary cry of the oystercatcher, echoing against granite From Camas Reflection by Neil Squires

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Book SynopsisFrom Plato to Wittgenstein and religions from Judaism to the Hindu tradition, interspersed with divine influences from Classical Greece, Romantic poetry, and the occasional scene from 'Alien', ‘God: A Guide for the Perplexed’ charts the path of humanity's great spiritual odyssey: the search for God. Leading the way through this minefield is acclaimed philosopher-theologian Keith Ward, blending the sublime and the eclectic in a narrative which offers wit, erudition and moments of genuine pathos. As a survey of the different manifestations of God through the centuries, and an examination of humanity's search for the divine, this is an engaging and informative book. As a deeply moving testament to our endless capacity for spiritual hope, it is compulsive reading for anyone interested in, or embarking on, the great quest for meaning. ‘A lively and very clearly written discussion summarizing and criticizing the thoughts of many significant thinkers.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Wry but delightfully non-ironic, intelligent and clear, this book is a blessing. ‘ Publishers Weekly ‘Highly informed, witty and immensely accessible. One of the most congenial, lively and informative introductions to this field.’ Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University

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Book SynopsisThe earth is my mother, and on her bosom I shall repose.Attributed to Tecumseh in the early 1800s, this statement is frequently cited to uphold the view, long and widely proclaimed in scholarly and popular literature, that Mother Earth is an ancient and central Native American figure. In this radical and comprehensive rethinking, Sam D. Gill traces the evolution of female earth imagery in North America from the sixteenth century to the present and reveals how the evolution of the current Mother Earth figure was influenced by prevailing European-American imagery of America and the Indians as well as by the rapidly changing Indian identity. Gill also analyzes the influential role of scholars in creating and establishing the imagery that underlay the recent origins of Mother Earth and, upon reflection, he raises serious questions about the nature of scholarship. Mother Earth might be modern, stressing the supposed biological ground of native life and its rich mythic tradition, but it

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Book SynopsisGeoffrey F. Nuttall establishes the primacy of the doctrines of the Holy Spirit in seventeenth-century English Puritanism and demonstrates the continuity of the Reformation tradition from the more conservative views of Luther to the more radical interpretations of the Quakers. Nuttall illuminates prominent spokesmen, including Richard Sibbes, Richard Baxter, John Owen, Walter Cradock, Morgan Llwyd, and George Fox. In a new Introduction, Peter Lake discusses the relevance of Nuttall's book to, and its influence on, major works in seventeenth-century English history written since 1946.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewShe enlists her readers in a close reading and careful analysis of enduring texts from several major religious and philosophical traditions as a way to gain and understanding of key issues in fundamental metaphysics and moral philosophy. Choice For those looking for an introduction to world philosophy, this is an excellent option...Lobel is to be thanked for providing us with a wonderful book that both instructs and inspires our own philosophical and spiritual journeys. -- Tracy Sayuki Tiemeier National Catholic Reporter Lobel's Quest for God and the Good is about the travel, not the destination; it is about raising the questions, not answering them once and for all. -- Yaniv Feller Journal of Jewish ThoughtTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction 1. "God Saw That It Was Good": The Creation of the World in the Hebrew Bible 2. A Divine Craftsman Shapes All for the Good: Plato's Realm of the Forms 3. Change and the Good: Chinese Perspectives 4. The Harmony of Reason and Revelation: Augustine and Maimonides on Good and Evil 5. You Are the Absolute: Philosophies of India 6. Compassion, Wisdom, Awakening: The Way of Buddhism 7. The Good Is That to Which All Things Aim: Aristotle on God and the Good 8. The Philosopher as Teacher: Al-F?r?b? on Contemplation and Action 9. The Imitation of God: Maimonides on the Active and the Contemplative Life 10. The Dance of Human Expression: al-Ghaz?l? and Maimonides ConclusionNotes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. The Problem with God 2. What in God's Name Am I Doing? 3. The Impossible Dream 4. Even If the Flesh Is Willing 5. Atheism... 6... and Agnosticism 7. Full Faith and No Credit 8. It's All in a Good Cause 9. Detective Fiction 10. An Inkling of ... 11... the Truth Afterword: Not Enough? Acknowledgments Amplifications and Clarifications (AKA "Notes") Index

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Book SynopsisThe title of Lash''s book, inspired by a combination of George Herbert and Gerard Manley Hopkins, symbolizes his answer to the problem with which he is concerned, that of religious experience. ''I propose,'' he says, ''to argue, on the one hand, that it is not the case that all experience of God is necessarily religious in form or content and, on the other hand, that not everything which it would be appropriate to characterize as religious experience would thereby necessarily constitute experience of God.''To sustain his argument he begins by building up an account of the relationship between the principal elements of human experience which contrasts quite fundamentally with that proposed and presupposed in William James''s classic, The Varieties of Religious Experience, drawing on writers as different as Schleiermacher and Buber, Rahner and Newman. ''However,'' he goes on, ''this is not a book about James or Newman, Rahner or Schleiermacher. It is the issues, or the aTrade Review"A classical, contemporary example of the theological mind at its clearest is Nicholas Lash’s Easter in Ordinary. This complex, distilled, but deeply affecting study of William James, Newman, von Hügel, and Buber, among others, is the choice product of the believing theologian’s art. Tradition rebottled with an awareness of postmodern needs but not necessarily with the mass-market tastes in mind. Demanding, uncommon, quenching." —Commonweal“Relying on John Henry Newman, Friedrich von Hügel, Martin Buber and, more briefly, Hegel, Kant, Schleiermacher, J. F. Fries, and Karl Rahner, and writing from a Christian perspective—Lash argues that mysticism should not be reduced to ‘feelings’ and that the experience of God is not something other than the general experiences had in ordinary life. While accessible to lay readers, this book would be appreciated by professional philosophers and theologians.” —Library Journal

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Book SynopsisApophasis has become a major topic in the humanities, particularly in philosophy, religion, and literature. This monumental two-volume anthology gathers together most of the important historical works on apophaticism and illustrates the diverse trajectories of apophatic discourse in ancient, modern, and postmodern times. William Franke provides a major introductory essay on apophaticism at the beginning of each volume, and shorter introductions to each anthology selection. The second volume, Modern and Contemporary Transformations, contains texts by Hölderlin, Schelling, Kierkegaard, Dickinson, Rilke, Kafka, Rosenzweig, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Weil, Schoenberg, Adorno, Beckett, Celan, Levinas, Derrida, Marion, and more.Trade Review“One of the most important and original contributions to the discussion of apophasis in recent years. . . . Franke’s historical and disciplinary range, in light of his well-written and compelling essays, provides an illuminating insight into the pervasiveness of apophatic discourse. . . . Franke’s anthology is a resource which should not be ignored. Few others, maybe no others, provide the same clarity, coherence, and scope.” —Christianity and Literature“The genius of Franke’s two-volume critical anthology on apophatic discourses is the work’s breadth and depth of engagement with the concept in variously distinct and even conflicting contexts. . . . Franke manages his sweeping and inclusive exploration of apophatic discourses by identifying a thematic lens for selecting his sources as part of a larger, conceptually-rooted genre of discourse. . . . The greatest strength of Franke’s two-volume collection resides in the sheer fact that nothing like it exists.” —Essays in Philosophy“The second volume, stretching from Holderlin to Jean-Luc Marion, provides readings from sources as diverse as Schelling, Dickinson, Kafka, Wittgenstein, John Cage, and Maurice Blanchot. . . . Franke observes that these modern and contemporary apophatic currents, as ra dical as they truly are, are nevertheless thoroughly indebted to the 'ancient theological matrices' out of which they indirectly (or not so indirectly) spring. . . . I recommend these two volumes as essential reading for philosophers, theologians, literary scholars, intellectual historians, critical theorists—in short, anyone interested in an illuminating and vital perspective on just about any facet of Western arts and letters." —Religion and Literature

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Book SynopsisApophasis has become a major topic in the humanities, particularly in philosophy, religion, and literature. This monumental two-volume anthology gathers together most of the important historical works on apophaticism and illustrates the diverse trajectories of apophatic discourse in ancient, modern, and postmodern times. William Franke provides a major introductory essay on apophaticism at the beginning of each volume, and shorter introductions to each anthology selection. The second volume, Modern and Contemporary Transformations, contains texts by Hölderlin, Schelling, Kierkegaard, Dickinson, Rilke, Kafka, Rosenzweig, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Weil, Schoenberg, Adorno, Beckett, Celan, Levinas, Derrida, Marion, and more.Trade Review“One of the most important and original contributions to the discussion of apophasis in recent years. . . . Franke’s historical and disciplinary range, in light of his well-written and compelling essays, provides an illuminating insight into the pervasiveness of apophatic discourse. . . . Franke’s anthology is a resource which should not be ignored. Few others, maybe no others, provide the same clarity, coherence, and scope.” —Christianity and Literature“The genius of Franke’s two-volume critical anthology on apophatic discourses is the work’s breadth and depth of engagement with the concept in variously distinct and even conflicting contexts. . . . Franke manages his sweeping and inclusive exploration of apophatic discourses by identifying a thematic lens for selecting his sources as part of a larger, conceptually-rooted genre of discourse. . . . The greatest strength of Franke’s two-volume collection resides in the sheer fact that nothing like it exists.” —Essays in Philosophy“The second volume, stretching from Holderlin to Jean-Luc Marion, provides readings from sources as diverse as Schelling, Dickinson, Kafka, Wittgenstein, John Cage, and Maurice Blanchot. . . . Franke observes that these modern and contemporary apophatic currents, as ra dical as they truly are, are nevertheless thoroughly indebted to the 'ancient theological matrices' out of which they indirectly (or not so indirectly) spring. . . . I recommend these two volumes as essential reading for philosophers, theologians, literary scholars, intellectual historians, critical theorists—in short, anyone interested in an illuminating and vital perspective on just about any facet of Western arts and letters." —Religion and Literature

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Book SynopsisThe central task of Being With God is an analysis of the relation between apophaticism, trinitarian theology, and divine-human communion through a critical comparison of the trinitarian theologies of the Eastern Orthodox theologians Vladimir Lossky (190358) and John Zizioulas (1931 ), arguably two of the most influential Orthodox theologians of the past century. These two theologians identify as the heart and center of all theological discourse the realism of divine-human communion, which is often understood in terms of the familiar Orthodox concept of theosis, or divinization. The Incarnation, according to Lossky and Zizioulas, is the event of a real divine-human communion that is made accessible to all; God has become human so that all may participate fully in the divine life.Aristotle Papanikolaou shows how an ontology of divine-human communion is at the center of both Lossky''s and Zizioulas''s theological projects. He also shows how, for both theologTrade Review“The book compares the Trinitarian theologies of Vladimir Lossky and John Zizioulas with a view to illustrating how each author conceives of the communion between God and humanity. Both authors affirm the reality of the divine-human communion, yet there are profound differences in the way Lossky and Zizioulas envisage and explain such communion.” —Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies“In this book, Aristotle Papanikolaou compares the Trinitarian theologies of Vladimir Lossky and John Zizioulas, two of the foremost Orthodox minds of the twentieth century. He argues that while both men take the reality of divine-human communion as the starting point for their reflection about God, they wind up constructing dissimilar, even mutually incompatible, theologies.” —Anglican Theological Review“The result is a helpful comparative analysis that shows how common affirmations within the theological task can lead to very different outcomes: Lossky with his prominent apophaticism and Zizioulas with his Eucharistic ecclesiology. . . . Being with God shows that substantial diversity exists within contemporary Orthodox theology . . . Papanikolaou shows himself to be a careful reader of Lossky and Zizioulas.” —International Journal of Systematic Theology“This is an analysis of the relation between apophaticism, Trinitarian theology, and divine-human communion through a critical comparison of the Trinitarian theologies of Vladimir Lossky and John Zizioulas, arguably two of the most influential Orthodox theologians of the past century. Papanikolaou shows how an ontology of divine-human communion is at the center of both Lossky's and Zizioula's theological projects and how they use this core belief as a self-identifying marker against 'Western' theologies.” —Theology Digest“How is divine-human encounter possible given that the triune God transcends human logic, thought, and speech-so that man can speak of him only in apophatic (negative) terms? How is this possible unless the triune God is immanent within creation and man can speak of him in cataphatic (positive) terms? . . . Papanikolaou's work is important because it critically compares two ontological answers to these questions by Vladimir Lossky (1903-1958) and John Zizioulas (1931-), two of the most influential Eastern Orthodox theologians of the twentieth century. As such, it provides a window into significant developments and debates in contemporary Orthodox thought.” —Westminster Theological Journal “This book is a tour de force of conversational theology. The author offers a beautiful exercise in a 'hermeneutics of charity,' because, for him, critical engagement with the two theologians under discussion does not amount to deconstruction but to a fruitful and truthful encounter, which takes the 'struggle' of conversation seriously.” —The Journal of Religion“This carefully researched, cogently argued book undertakes a comparative exploration of two twentieth century orthodox theologians: Vladimir Lossky and John Zizioulas. While their emphases and conclusions differ, both authors endeavor to counteract the 'western' rationalism sneaking into contemporary orthodoxy by appealing to the doctrine of theosis. . . . By far the most beautifully written sections of Being with God are those concerned with Zizioulas's Eucharistic theology which, for Papanikolaou, counters with Losskian dangers of individualism, impersonalism, and substantialism.” —Modern Theology

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Book SynopsisThe need to position Christianity in relation to other religions has sparked renewed interest in the theme of creation. This book represents an introduction to a neglected aspect of Christian doctrine, and an example of theology, where Christianity is brought into dialogue with contemporary issues.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Posits that polytheism, and Roman polytheism in particular, can help societies navigate political, social, and religious diversity." * Publishers Weekly *"This small book is excellent for high school and college students, enthusiasts of the history of religions, and anyone who is curious about interreligious dialogue and its difficulties. This book is highly recommended. One will find none better." * World History Encyclopedia *"A valuable and long-overdue work." * Reading Religion *Table of ContentsContents Introduction: The Gods in Exile 1. Sacrificing the Nativity Scene and Bombing the Mosque 2. Festivity Figurines: Animals, Shepherds, Three Kings 3. End of the Year Figurines: Sigilla, Sigillaria, and Compitalia 4. A Life Through Figurines: The Lararium 5. Thou Shalt Have No Other God Before Me 6. Translating the Gods, Translating God 7. Grammatical Paradoxes: The Name of God 8. The Interpretatio of the Gods 9. Polytheism, Curiosity, and Knowledge 10. What If Monotheisms Were Just Polytheisms in Disguise? 11. Tolerance vs. Interpretatio 12. Polytheism as Language 13. Giving Citizenship to the Gods 14. The Long Shadow of Words 15. The Twilight of Writing, the Sunset of Scripture Appendix A. Religious Tolerance and Intolerance in the Ancient World Appendix B. The Ups and Downs of Paganus Notes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisArguing for a new direction in postmodern theological thinking, away from the liberalism and nihilism of so-called postmodern theologians, this book collects together examples of the work of Continental critical theorists relevant to the study of theology or religious studies.Trade Review"Its theses are destined to be the subject of much discussion and have already generated comment in scholarly journals." Tracey Rowland, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge "This book, skilfully edited and introduced by Graham Ward, provides a framework for those who want to explore how theology might benefit from a critical engagement with postmodernism." Richard Arrandale, Canterbury Christ Church College "We are much indebted to the editor and publisher for this volume which will prove helpful to a wide variety of readers." Merold Westphal, Fordham University in Philosophia ChristiTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors. Acknowledgements. Introduction or, A Guide to Theological Thinking in Cyberspace: Graham Ward. Part I: Selected Texts:. 1. Georges Bataille (1897-1962): Introduction. Bataille Text: From Theory of Religion: Craig James (University of Cambridge). 2. Jacques Lacan (1901-1981): Introduction. Text: The Death of God: Cleo McNelly Kearns (Rutgers University and New Brunswick Theological Seminary). 3. Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995): Introduction. Text: God and Philosophy: Robert Gibbs (University of Toronto). 4. Roland Barthes (1915-1980): Introduction. Text: Wrestling with the Angel: Textual Analysis of Genesis 32: Valentine Cunningham (Oxford University). 5. René Girard (b.1923): Introduction. Text: The God of Victims: Gerard Loughlin (University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne). 6. Michel Foucault (1926-1984): Introduction. Text: From The History of Sexuality:Mary McClintock Fulkerson and Susan J. Dunlop (Both Duke Divinity School, North Carolina USA). 7. Michel de Certeau (1925-1986): Introduction. Text : How is Christianity Thinkable Today? and White Ecstasy: Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt (Loyola University, Baltimore USA). 8. Jacques Derrida (b.1930): Introduction. Text: From How to Avoid Speaking: Kevin Hart (Monash University). 9. Luce Irigaray (b.1930): Introduction. Text: Equal to Whom?: Grace M. Jantzen (University of Manchester). 10. Julie Kristeva (b.1941): Introduction. Text: From In the Beginning was Love: Pamela Sue Anderson (University of Sunderland). Part II: Selected Essays: . 11. From Patriarchy into Freedom: A Conversation between American Feminist Theology and French Feminism: Rebecca S. Chopp (Emory University, Georgis USA). 12. Liturgy and Kenosis, from Expérience et Absolu: Jean-Yves Lacoste. 13. Postmodern Critial Augustinianism: A Short Summa in Forth-two Responses to Unasked Questions: John Milbank (Peterhouse, Cambridge). 14. Metaphysics and Phenomenology: A Summary for Theologians: Jean-Luc Marion (University of Paris X Nanterre). 15. Asyndeton: Syntax and Insanity. A Study of the Revision of Nicene Creed: Catherine Pickstock (Emmanuel College, Cambridge). 16. New Jerusalem, Old Athens, from The Broken Middle: Gillian Rose (late of the University of Warwick). 17. Saintliness and Some Aporias of Postmodernism, from Saints and Postmodernism: Edith Wyschogrod (Queens College, City University of New York). Index.

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Book Synopsis* Introduces students to the burgeoning field of postmodern theology. * Brings together for the first time readings by major continental critical theorists relevant to the study of theology or religious studies.Trade Review"Its theses are destined to be the subject of much discussion and have already generated comment in scholarly journals." Tracey Rowland, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge "This book, skilfully edited and introduced by Graham Ward, provides a framework for those who want to explore how theology might benefit from a critical engagement with postmodernism." Richard Arrandale, Canterbury Christ Church College "We are much indebted to the editor and publisher for this volume which will prove helpful to a wide variety of readers." Merold Westphal, Fordham University in Philosophia ChristiTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors. Acknowledgements. Introduction or, A Guide to Theological Thinking in Cyberspace: Graham Ward. Part I: Selected Texts:. 1. Georges Bataille (1897-1962): Introduction. Bataille Text: From Theory of Religion: Craig James (University of Cambridge). 2. Jacques Lacan (1901-1981): Introduction. Text: The Death of God: Cleo McNelly Kearns (Rutgers University and New Brunswick Theological Seminary). 3. Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995): Introduction. Text: God and Philosophy: Robert Gibbs (University of Toronto). 4. Roland Barthes (1915-1980): Introduction. Text: Wrestling with the Angel: Textual Analysis of Genesis 32: Valentine Cunningham (Oxford University). 5. René Girard (b.1923): Introduction. Text: The God of Victims: Gerard Loughlin (University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne). 6. Michel Foucault (1926-1984): Introduction. Text: From The History of Sexuality:Mary McClintock Fulkerson and Susan J. Dunlop (Both Duke Divinity School, North Carolina USA). 7. Michel de Certeau (1925-1986): Introduction. Text : How is Christianity Thinkable Today? and White Ecstasy: Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt (Loyola University, Baltimore USA). 8. Jacques Derrida (b.1930): Introduction. Text: From How to Avoid Speaking: Kevin Hart (Monash University). 9. Luce Irigaray (b.1930): Introduction. Text: Equal to Whom?: Grace M. Jantzen (University of Manchester). 10. Julie Kristeva (b.1941): Introduction. Text: From In the Beginning was Love: Pamela Sue Anderson (University of Sunderland). Part II: Selected Essays: . 11. From Patriarchy into Freedom: A Conversation between American Feminist Theology and French Feminism: Rebecca S. Chopp (Emory University, Georgis USA). 12. Liturgy and Kenosis, from Expérience et Absolu: Jean-Yves Lacoste. 13. Postmodern Critial Augustinianism: A Short Summa in Forth-two Responses to Unasked Questions: John Milbank (Peterhouse, Cambridge). 14. Metaphysics and Phenomenology: A Summary for Theologians: Jean-Luc Marion (University of Paris X Nanterre). 15. Asyndeton: Syntax and Insanity. A Study of the Revision of Nicene Creed: Catherine Pickstock (Emmanuel College, Cambridge). 16. New Jerusalem, Old Athens, from The Broken Middle: Gillian Rose (late of the University of Warwick). 17. Saintliness and Some Aporias of Postmodernism, from Saints and Postmodernism: Edith Wyschogrod (Queens College, City University of New York). Index.

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Book SynopsisInstead of introducing students to Christian theology through its doctrines, this text introduces it through discussion of church practices and the experience of everyday Christian life. It argues that the goal of inquiring after God should be spiritual growth as well as intellectual understanding.Trade Review"Charry's organization of these classic and contemporary readings is intellectually, spiritually, and practically compelling ... This collection will be helpful to a range of 'inquirers' and would also provide an excellent resource for college and seminary courses." Religious Studies ReviewTable of ContentsPart I: Christian Catechesis: Initial Formation:. 1. Inquiring After God When Instructing Beginners: Elucidating the Creed. Text: Catechetical Oration of Gregory Nazianzus or Gregory of Nyssa. 2. Inquiring After God When Meditating on Scripture: Practicing God's Word. Text: Bernard of Clairvaux - selected Sermons on the Song of Songs, or Luther's or Calvin's commentaries. 3. Inquiring After God Through Prayer. Text: Maximus Conessor On the Our Father. 4. Inquiring After God Through the Sacraments: Tasting the Kingdom. Text: Tertullian or Cyril of Jerusalem Mystagogical Catechesis. 5. Inquiring After God When Preaching. Text: Augustine's Homilies. Part II: Ongoing Formation: Practicing the Christian Life: . 6. Inquiring After God Through Art: Learning of God and Living With the Saints. Text: Theodore the Studite on The Holy Icons. 7. Inquiring After God Through Experience: Appropriating and Correcting the Faith of the Church. Text: Julian of Norwich Showings. 8. Inquiring After God Through Christian Living: Imitating Christ as Ministry. Text: William Law or John Wesley. 9. Inquiring After God Through Creation: Reasoning as God's Creature. Text: Thomas Aquinas Selection from the Summa Theologiae.

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Book Synopsis* Pursues theological inquiry as a spiritual as well as an intellectual discipline. * Focuses on Christian practices over the centuries rather than on doctrines and their interrelations. * Offers a completely new approach for those coming to the discipline for the first time.Trade Review"Charry's organization of these classic and contemporary readings is intellectually, spiritually, and practically compelling ... This collection will be helpful to a range of 'inquirers' and would also provide an excellent resource for college and seminary courses." Religious Studies ReviewTable of ContentsPart I: Christian Catechesis: Initial Formation:. 1. Inquiring After God When Instructing Beginners: Elucidating the Creed. Text: Catechetical Oration of Gregory Nazianzus or Gregory of Nyssa. 2. Inquiring After God When Meditating on Scripture: Practicing God's Word. Text: Bernard of Clairvaux - selected Sermons on the Song of Songs, or Luther's or Calvin's commentaries. 3. Inquiring After God Through Prayer. Text: Maximus Conessor On the Our Father. 4. Inquiring After God Through the Sacraments: Tasting the Kingdom. Text: Tertullian or Cyril of Jerusalem Mystagogical Catechesis. 5. Inquiring After God When Preaching. Text: Augustine's Homilies. Part II: Ongoing Formation: Practicing the Christian Life: . 6. Inquiring After God Through Art: Learning of God and Living With the Saints. Text: Theodore the Studite on The Holy Icons. 7. Inquiring After God Through Experience: Appropriating and Correcting the Faith of the Church. Text: Julian of Norwich Showings. 8. Inquiring After God Through Christian Living: Imitating Christ as Ministry. Text: William Law or John Wesley. 9. Inquiring After God Through Creation: Reasoning as God's Creature. Text: Thomas Aquinas Selection from the Summa Theologiae.

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Book SynopsisThe Divine Attributesis an engaging analysis of the God of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam from the perspective of rational theology.Trade Review"Intellectually rigorous, yet written with great clarity, this book enables the reader to understand the attributes; omnipotence, omniscience, perfect goodness, eternality, etc. – that make up the dominant idea of God in Western civilization. Highly recommended!" William L. Rowe, Purdue University "This is a masterly exercise in rational theology by two leading metaphysicians. Their rigorous approach and skilful application of recent developments in analytical metaphysics make this book at once authoritative, lucid, and compelling. As well as being an extremely valuable resource for students and teachers of philosophy and theology, it advances contemporary debate about the proper understanding of God's nature in important and interesting new ways." E. J. Lowe, University of Durham "This book is excellent: thoughtful, rigorous, and systematic. In addition to being a penetrating and sophisticated work, it is also highly readable." John Fischer, University of California at RiversideTable of ContentsSeries Editor's Preface. Acknowledgments. Authors' Note. Introduction to Rational Theology. 1. The Idea of God. Historical Conceptions of the Divine. God as a Maximally Great Being. 2. Substantiality. Substance Among Other Categories. Substance and Independence. Spinoza's Divine Substance. 3. Incorporeality. Spirituality and Omnipresence. Are Souls Unintelligible?. Is Body-Soul Interaction Unintelligible?. Divine Simplicity. 4. Necessary Existence. Necessity and Contingency. Necessary Beings and Contingent Beings. Modalities and Possible Worlds. Necessary Beings versus Self-Existent Beings. 5. Eternality. Temporal versus Atemporal Eternality. A Defense of Temporal Eternality. Incorruptibility versus Immutability. 6. Omniscience. Omniscience as Maximal Knowledge. The Analysis of Omniscience. Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom. 7. Perfect Goodness, Perfect Virtue, and Moral Admirability. God and the Nature of Morality. Perfect Goodness and Consequences. Perfect Virtue and Moral Rules. Maximal Greatness and Moral Admirability. 8. Omnipotence. Maximal Power and the Uniqueness of God. What an Omnipotent Agent Can Do. The Analysis of Omnipotence. Divine Omnibenevolence, Omnipotence, and Freedom. Concluding Remarks and Prolegomena to Future Rational Theology. Glossary. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis reading of Kant's religious thought suggests that he is in fact more accurately read as a precursor to 19th-century atheism than to liberal Protestant theology. The book also includes an extended examination of Kant's own moral proof of the existence of God.Trade Review“ This is a book of which its author can be proud. It has a very provocative thesis, is excellently and clearly argued, and should stimulate a good deal of discussion.” Van A. Harvey, Professor Emeritus of Religion, Stanford University “Michalson argues that Kant’s writings on morality and religion increasingly portray the idea of God as adjunct to human morality, and not as something beyond the human. The use of Kant’s work s a foundation for a mediating theology is based, the author shows, on a fundamental misreading of Kant. The Thesis is clearly stated, is strongly supported by documentation and textual interpretation, and its implications for contemporary religious thought are sketched. This is an excellent book.” Wayne Proudfoot, Professor of Religion, Columbia UniversityTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Kant, Modernity and Theism. 2. Kant's Moral Argument: Diminishing the Divine. 3. Autonomy's Autonomy. 4. Reason's Interest. 5. Heaven Comes to Earth: The Ethical Commonwealth. 6. Conclusion. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe most significant issue on the religious scene is whether it is possible, or even desirable, to believe in God. Kaufman's valuable study does not offer a doctrine of God, but instead explores why God is a problem for many moderns, the dimensions of that problem, and the inner logic of the notion of God as it has developed in Western culture.Table of ContentsPreface Part I. Introduction 1. The Problem of God 2. Christian Theology and the Scientific Study of Religion Part II. God 3. Transcendence Without Mythology 4. Two Models of Transcendence 5. God as Symbol Part III. God and the World 6. On the Meaning of "Act of God" 7. Revelation and Cultural History 8. God and Evil Part IV. Belief and Unbelief 9. Secular, Religious, and Theistic World-Views 10. The Foundations of Belief 11. The Secular Utility of "God-Talk" Index

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