Philosophy of religion Books
Oxford University Press The Sacred Depths of Nature
Book SynopsisFor many of us, the great scientific discoveries of the modern age -- the Big Bang, evolution, quantum physics, relativity -- point to an existence that is bleak, devoid of meaning, pointless. But in The Sacred Depths of Nature, eminent biologist Ursula Goodenough shows us that the scientific world view need not be a source of despair. Indeed, it can be a wellspring of solace and hope. This eloquent volume reconciles the modern scientific understanding of reality with our timeless spiritual yearnings for reverence and continuity. Looking at topics such as evolution, emotions, sexuality, and death, Goodenough writes with rich, uncluttered detail about the workings of nature in general and of living creatures in particular. Her luminous clarity makes it possible for even non scientists to appreciate that the origins of life and the universe are no less meaningful because of our increasingly scientific understanding of them. At the end of each chapter, Goodenough''s spiritual reflections Trade ReviewThe groundwork for a religious naturalism is superbly laid - in this respect the detail and precision with which she [Goodenough] presents the context of our human experience is an important advance on previous authors. The structure of her book is also an important innovation, in its alternation of third-person and first-person perspectives. Most importantly of all, she presents a highly coherent case for the possibility of a planetary ethic which bypasses the authority of scriptural tradition deriving its authority instead from science * Ecotheology *
£34.19
Oxford University Press Humes Abject Failure
Book SynopsisBy situating Hume''s famous work Of Miracles (which notoriously argues against the possiblity of miracles) in the context of the 18th-century debate on miracles, Earman shows that Hume''s argument is largely unoriginal, and largely without merit where it is original. On the positive side, he shows how progress can be made on the issues, so provocatively posed in Hume''s essay, about the ability of eyewitness testimony to establish the credibility of marvelous and miraculous events. Earman''s work is simultaneously a contribution to the history of ideas, the philosophy of religion, and to probability and induction.Trade Review[the] argument itself is very clear, very cogent, and very apposite to present debates * MIND *
£42.27
Oxford University Press Warranted Christian Belief
Book SynopsisThis is the third volume in Alvin Plantinga''s trilogy on the notion of warrant, which he defines as that which distinguishes knowledge from true belief. In this volume, Plantinga examines warrant''s role in theistic belief, tackling the questions of whether it is rational, reasonable, justifiable, and warranted to accept Christian belief and whether there is something epistemically unacceptable in doing so. He contends that Christian beliefs are warranted to the extent that they are formed by properly functioning cognitive faculties, thus, insofar as they are warranted, Christian beliefs are knowledge if they are true.Trade ReviewWarranted Christian Belief is a tour de force ... it will be a welcome summary of an important movement, and for anyone interested in debates about the rationality of religious belief, a reference book for many years to come. * Books & Culture *Plantinga has an eminently winsome writing style - down-to-business but also witty and at times playfully sarcastic ... Plantinga is a contemporary analytical philosopher, but he bucks the trend, and theologians and historians of Christian thought will be impressed by the historical and theological acuity on display in this book. * Books & Culture *Warranted Christian Belief is the product of decades of effort, retraced steps, refined argumentation, prolonged meditation, and conversation with other philosophers and theologians. * Books & Culture *This is an impressive book ... Every philosopher interested in epistemology should read it and every philosopher should be interested in epistemology * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *This is an important book, the culmination of Plantinga's three part work in epistemology ... do not be offended by that word ('C*******n') in the title ... read this book even if you foolishly insist that Christianity is not a live option * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *Table of ContentsPreface Part I Is There a Question? 1 Kant 2 Kaufman and Hick Part II What Is the Question? 3 Justification and the Classical Picture 4 Rationality 5 Warrant and the Freud-and-Marx Complaint Part III Warranted Christian Belief 6 Warranted Belief in God 7 Sin and Its Cognitive Consequences 8 The Extended Aquinas/Calvin Model: Revealed to Our Minds 9 The Testimonial Model: Sealed Upon Our Hearts 10 Objections Part IV Defeaters? 11 Defeaters and Defeat 12 Two (Or More) Kinds of Scripture Scholarship 13 Postmodernism and Pluralism 14 Suffering and Evil Index
£103.24
Oxford University Press Warranted Christian Belief
Book SynopsisThis is the third volume in Alvin Plantinga''s trilogy on the notion of warrant, which he defines as that which distinguishes knowledge from true belief. In this volume, Plantinga examines warrant''s role in theistic belief, tackling the questions of whether it is rational, reasonable, justifiable, and warranted to accept Christian belief and whether there is something epistemically unacceptable in doing so. He contends that Christian beliefs are warranted to the extent that they are formed by properly functioning cognitive faculties, thus, insofar as they are warranted, Christian beliefs are knowledge if they are true.Trade ReviewWarranted Christian Belief is a tour de force ... it will be a welcome summary of an important movement, and for anyone interested in debates about the rationality of religious belief, a reference book for many years to come. * Books & Culture *Plantinga has an eminently winsome writing style - down-to-business but also witty and at times playfully sarcastic ... Plantinga is a contemporary analytical philosopher, but he bucks the trend, and theologians and historians of Christian thought will be impressed by the historical and theological acuity on display in this book. * Books & Culture *Warranted Christian Belief is the product of decades of effort, retraced steps, refined argumentation, prolonged meditation, and conversation with other philosophers and theologians. * Books & Culture *This is an impressive book ... Every philosopher interested in epistemology should read it and every philosopher should be interested in epistemology. * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *This is an important book, the culmination of Plantinga's three part work in epistemology ... do not be offended by that word ('C*******n') in the title ... read this book even if you foolishly insist that Christianity is not a live option. * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *The book is full of philosophical and theological interest and is an exciting book to read... Throughout the book the writing is clear and entertaining, parts of it written with a controlled passion and enthusiasm, and with hafts of sarcasm, self-deprecation and other assorted humour. Plantinga has command of a vast range of philosophical and theological material. * Mind *Table of ContentsPreface Part I Is There a Question? 1 Kant 2 Kaufman and Hick Part II What Is the Question? 3 Justification and the Classical Picture 4 Rationality 5 Warrant and the Freud-and-Marx Complaint Part III Warranted Christian Belief 6 Warranted Belief in God 7 Sin and Its Cognitive Consequences 8 The Extended Aquinas/Calvin Model: Revealed to Our Minds 9 The Testimonial Model: Sealed Upon Our Hearts 10 Objections Part IV Defeaters? 11 Defeaters and Defeat 12 Two (Or More) Kinds of Scripture Scholarship 13 Postmodernism and Pluralism 14 Suffering and Evil Index
£36.09
Oxford University Press, USA Self and SelfTransformation in the History of Religions
Book SynopsisThis title brings together scholars of a variety of the world's major civilizations to focus on the universal theme of inner transformation. All major religions insist on this, yet conceptions of the inner world of the person vary widely from one civilization to another.
£64.60
Oxford University Press, USA Black Puritan Black Republican The Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes 17531833 Religion in America
Book SynopsisBorn in Connecticut, Lemuel Haynes was first an indentured servant, then a soldier in the Continental Army, and, in 1785, an ordained congregational minister. Haynes''s writings constitute the fullest record of a black man''s religion, social thought, and opposition to slavery in the late-18th and early-19th century. Drawing on both published and rare unpublished sourcess, John Saillant here offers the first comprehensive study of Haynes and his thought.Trade ReviewIn Haynes we have a significant but neglected figure whose life and writings link theology, republicanism, and abolitionism in ways that challenge prevailing notions of religion and republican ideology in the revolutionary and early national period. Haynes was a free man of color, minister, and author, steeped in Edwardsean Calvinism, who came of age to the shot heard round the world and the Declaration of Independence. He forged these seemingly diverse strands into a black critique of a slaveholding society that professed liberty and inalienable rights. Saillant has done a wonderful job of making Haynes' stance understandable and compelling. * Kenneth Minkema, Executive Editor, The Works of Jonathan Edwards *
£67.45
Oxford University Press Augustines Invention of the Inner Self
Book SynopsisIn this book, Phillip Cary argues that Augustine invented the concept of the self as a private inner space-a space into which one can enter and in which one can find God. Although it has often been suggested that Augustine in some way inaugurated the Western tradition of inwardness, this is the first study to pinpoint what was new about Augustine''s philosophy of inwardness and situate it within a narrative of his intellectual development and his relationship to the Platonist tradition. Augustine invents the inner self, Cary argues, in order to solve a particular conceptual problem. Augustine is attracted to the Neoplatonist inward turn, which located God within the soul, yet remains loyal to the orthodox Catholic teaching that the soul is not divine. He combines the two emphases by urging us to turn in then up--to enter the inner world of the self before gazing at the divine Light above the human mind. Cary situates Augustine''s idea of the self historically in both the Platonist and the Christian traditions. The concept of private inner self, he shows, is a development within the history of the Platonist concept of intelligibility or intellectual vision, which establishes a kind of kinship between the human intellect and the divine things it sees. Though not the only Platonist in the Christian tradition, Augustine stands out for his devotion to this concept of intelligibility and his willingness to apply it even to God. This leads him to downplay the doctrine that God is incomprehensible, as he is convinced that it is natural for the mind''s eye, when cleansed of sin, to see and understand God. In describing Augustine''s invention of the inner self, Cary''s fascinating book sheds new light on Augustine''s life and thought, and shows how Augustine''s position developed into the more orthodox Augustine we know from his later writings.Trade Review"...a first-rate study of the influences on the great bishop and the innovations he made to his intellectual/spiritual inheritance."--Theology Today
£25.64
Oxford University Press, USA Michael Polanyi Scientist and Philosopher
Book SynopsisMichael Polanyi was one of the great figures of European intellectual life in the 20th century. A highly acclaimed physical chemist in the first period of his career who became a celebrated philosopher after World War II, Polanyi taught in Germany, England, and the United States. This biography focuses on Polanyi and his work.Trade Reviewvery informative...The apparently objective description of Polanyi's relationship to religion is one of the special values of this book. * Istvan Hargittai, Structural Chemistry *The work is triply welcome: It is the first biographical book on Polanyi; its panoramic scope will make more scholars aware of the magnitude of his achievements; and - meticulously researched, most accessible, and replete with fascinating details - the text is of a particularly high standard. * Struan Jacobs, Sophia *This book will be found valuable both by scholars and by the general reader. scoherent, congenial, yet comprehensive and compelling * Derry Jones, Chemistry World *
£78.85
Oxford University Press In Gods We Trust The Evolutionary Landscape of Religion Evolution and Cognition Evolution and Cognition Series
Book SynopsisThis ambitious, interdisciplinary book seeks to explain the origins of religion using our knowledge of the evolution of cognition. A cognitive anthropologist and psychologist, Scott Atran argues that religion is a by-product of human evolution just as the cognitive intervention, cultural selection, and historical survival of religion is an accommodation of certain existential and moral elements that have evolved in the human condition.Trade ReviewWith almost 1000 references and discussions of most of human history and culture, from Neanderthal burials to suicide-bombers in the Palestinian anti-colonialist struggle, this book is consciously and truly encyclopedic in scope, and shows both breadth and depth of scholarship...the reader finds himself constantly challenged and provoked into an intellectual ping-pong game as he follows the arguments and the huge body of findings marshalled to buttress them...Atran managed to combine the old and the new by relating the automatic cognitive operations to existential anxieties. This combination will be a benchmark and a challenge to students od religion in all disciplines. * Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi, in Human Nature Review *In Gods We Trust is by far the best exploration so far of the evolutionary basis of religious behavior. * James Fox, Prof of Anthropology, Stanford University *Scott Atran, a cognitive anthropologist and psychologist, presents in this volume a rich, nuanced cognitive-evolutionary account of religion... From this vantage, religion is not doctrine, or institutions, or even faith. Religion ensues from the ordinary workings of the human mind as it deals with emotionally compelling problems of human existence, such as birth, aging, death, unforeseen calamities, and love... I have little but praise for this marvelous book... It does not take long to realize that one is dealing with a formidable mind; Atran is not only a fine writer, his breadth of knowledge and intellectual depth are nothing short of inspiring. This book is one to read slowly and savor. Keep a post-it pad handy, to mark the pages: the scope of this book is so wide-ranging that whatever your research interest in evolutionary psychology, it is bound to be touched upon at some point in these 400 pages of informative analysis. * Human Nature Review *Table of Contents1: Introduction: An Evolutionary Riddle Part I: Evolutionary Sources 2: The Mindless Agent: Evolutionary Adaptations and By-products 3: God's Creation: Evolutionary Origins of the Supernatural Part II: Absurd Commitments 4: Counterintuitive Worlds: The Mostly Mundane Nature of Religious Belief 5: The Sense of Sacrifice: Culture, Communication, and Commitment Part III: Ritual Passions 6: Ritual and Revelation: The Emotional Mind 7: Waves of Passion: The Neuropsychology of Religion Part IV: Mindblind Theories 8: Culture without Mind: Sociobiology and Group Selection 9: The Trouble with Memes: Inference versus Imitation in Cultural Creation 10: Conclusion: Why Religion Seems Here to Stay
£37.04
Oxford University Press Minds and Gods
Book SynopsisThis provocative book explains the origins and persistence of religious ideas on the basis of common structures and functions of human thought. The first general introduction to the new cognitive science of religion, Minds and Gods presents the major themes, theories, and thinkers involved in this revolutionary new approach to human religiosity. Arguing that we cannot understand what we think until we first understand how we think, the book pursues the evolutionary forces that molded the modern human mind and continue to shape our ideas and actions today. Todd Tremlin details many of the adapted features of the brain - illustrating their operation with examples of everyday human behavior - and shows how mental endowments inherited from our ancestral past lead people to naturally entertain religious ideas. Tremlin provides a clear and comprehensive account of the developing field of the cognitive science of religion. This accessible and engaging volume is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the religious mind.Trade Review...it is good, especially in a world endlessly troubled by religious differences, to have a new theoretical analysis suggesting that there are core religious beliefs that transcend our differences and that stem from universal featues of the human mind. * Ann Cale Kruger, Having Faith, Nature, *The volume is a very clear introduction to the work of the theorists of religion * Thomas Dixon, TLS *
£42.27
Oxford University Press Inc Spirituality for the Skeptic
Book SynopsisIs it possible to be spiritual and yet not believe in the supernatural? Can a person be spiritual without belonging to a religious group or organization? In Spirituality for the Skeptic, philosopher Robert Solomon philosopher Robert Solomon explores what it means to be spiritual in today''s pluralistic world. Based on Solomon''s own struggles to reconcile philosophy with religion, this book offers a model of a vibrant, fulfilling spirituality that embraces the complexities of human existence and acknowledges the joys and tragedies of life. Soloman has forged an enlightened new path that synthesizes spirituality with emotions, intellect, science, and common sense. His new paradigm, naturalized spirituality, establishes as its cornerstone the thoughtful love of life--a passionate concern for the here-and-now, and not the by-and-by. Being spiritual doesn''t mean being holed up as a recluse, spending hours in meditation and contemplation, Solomon argues. It demands involvement and emotionaTrade Review"Professor Solomon offers an approach to spirituality (and I think religion, and broader still the philosophy of religion) that many will find extremely attractive and timely.... Solomon treats this subject in a delicate fashion, one that will be the envy of experienced theologians and philosophers of religion."--G. Elijah Dann
£14.99
Oxford University Press Inc AlGhazalis Philosophical Theology
Book SynopsisThe Muslim theologian al-Ghazali, who was active at the turn of the 12th century in Iran, Iraq, and Syria, was one of the most influential theologians of Islam. In this book, Frank Griffel will present the most comprehensive examination to date of the life and thought of this important figure. The book is divided into two parts. In the first, Griffel gives an account of what it known about al-Ghazali''s life, offers brief discussions of his major works, and examines the legacy of his thought by tracing the lineage of his students and followers. In the second part, he provides a systematic exploration of al-Ghazali''s theology. He explicates al-Ghazali''s views on epistemology, cosmology, physical theory, creation, ethics, theodicy, and a host of other topics. Throughout, he offers a serious revision to traditional views of al-Ghazali, showing that his most important achievement was the creation of a new rationalist theology in which he transformed the Aristotelian views of thinkers sucTrade Reviewrefreshing and informative. * Muhammad Khan, The Muslim News *This is an illuminating book, both in its form and its substance, and it is possible for the avid reader of the history of Islamic thought initially to become excited when skimming through its contents * Veysel Kaya, Ilahiyat Studies *Table of ContentsChapter One: A Life Between Public and Private Instruction: Al-Ghaz?l?'s Biography ; Chapter Two: Al-Ghaz?l?'s Most Influential Students and Followers ; Chapter Three: Al-Ghaz?l? On the Role of falsafa in Islam ; Chapter Four: The Reconciliation of Reason and Revelation Through the "Rule of Interpretation" ; Chapter Five: Cosmology in Early Islam-Developments that Led to al-Ghaz?l?'s Incoherence of the Philosophers ; Chapter Six: The Seventeenth Discussion of the Incoherence of the Philosophers ; Chapter Seven: Knowledge of Causal Connections is Necessary ; Chapter Eight: Causes and Effects in the Revival of the Religious Sciences ; Chapter Nine: Cosmology in Works Written After the Revival
£95.00
Oxford University Press Inc Inner Grace Augustine in the Traditions of Plato and Paul
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£68.40
Oxford University Press Outward Signs
Book SynopsisWe are used to thinking of words as signs of inner thoughts. In Outward Signs, Philip Cary argues that Augustine invented this expressionist semiotics, where words are outward signs expressing an inward will to communicate, in an epochal departure from ancient philosopical semiotics, where signs are means of inference, as smoke is a sign of fire. Augustine uses his new theory of signs to give an account of Biblical authority, explaining why an authoritative external teaching is needed in addition to the inward teaching of Christ as divine Wisdom, which is conceived in terms drawn from Platonist epistemology. In fact for Augustine we literally learn nothing from words or any other outward sign, because the truest form of knowledge is a kind of Platonist vision, seeing what is inwardly present to the mind. Nevertheless, because our mind''s eye is diseased by sin we need the help of external signs as admonitions or reminders pointing us in the right direction, so that we may look and see Trade ReviewAlong with its companion work, Inner Grace, this careful and insightful book breaks new ground in the study of Augustine theology of grace and sacraments. * Augustines.de *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION: EXPRESSIONIST SEMIOTICS AND THE POWERLESSNESS OF THE EXTERNAL; PART I: WORDS FROM WHICH WE LEARN NOTHING; PART II: POWERLESS SACRAMENTS; CONCLUSION
£99.75
Oxford University Press Inc MEDICAL MIRACLES DOC SAINTS HEAL MOD C
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£38.47
Oxford University Press The Fundamentalist Mindset
Book SynopsisThis penetrating book sheds light on the psychology of fundamentalism, with a particular focus on those who become extremists and fanatics. What accounts for the violence that emerges among some fundamentalist groups? The contributors to this book identify several factors: a radical dualism, in which all aspects of life are bluntly categorized as either good or evil; a destructive inclination to interpret authoritative texts, laws, and teachings in the most literal of terms; an extreme and totalized conversion experience; paranoid thinking; and an apocalyptic world view. After examining each of these concepts in detail, and showing the ways in which they lead to violence among widely disparate groups, these engrossing essays explore such areas as fundamentalism in the American experience and among jihadists, and they illuminate aspects of the same psychology that contributed to such historical crises as the French Revolution, the Nazi movement, and post-Partition Hindu religious practiTrade ReviewThe Fundamentalist Mindset captures well a timely discussion that beckons the reader to further research and reflection. * Claude Barbre, Journal of Religion and Health *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements i Preface iii Martin E. Marty Introduction 1 Charles B. Strozier and David M. Terman Part I: What is the Fundamentalist Mindset? 9 1 Definitions and Dualisms 10 Charles B. Strozier and Katharine Boyd 2 Theories of Group Psychology, Paranoia, and Rage 18 David M. Terman 3 The Apocalyptic 41 Charles B. Strozier and Katharine Boyd 4 The Charismatic Leader and the Totalism of Conversion 60 Charles B. Strozier, Katharine Boyd, and James W. Jones Part II: Motivations for Violence 71 5 The Paranoid Gestalt 72 David M. Terman 6 The Apocalyptic Other 97 Charles B. Strozier 7 Triggering the Fundamentalist Mind: Having Control Under Control 111 Bettina Muenster and David Lotto 8 Fundamentalist Faith States: Affect Regulation and the Attachment Relationship to God 126 Daniel Hill Part III: Christian and American Contexts 139 9 Eternal Warfare: Violence on the Mind of American Apocalyptic Christianity 140 James W. Jones 10 Opening the Seven Seals of Fundamentalism 164 Charles B. Strozier 11 The Unsettling of the Fundamentalist Mindset: Shifts in Apocalyptic Belief in Contemporary Conservative Christianity 188 Lee Quinby Part IV: Global and Historical Contexts 212 12 Motivations for Jihadi Violence 213 Farhad Khosrokhavar 13 Ordering Chaos: the Nazi Millennialism and the Quest for Meaning 238 David Redles 14 The French Revolution and the Paranoid Gestalt 273 David P. Jordan 15 Hindu Victimhood and India's Muslim Minority 304 John R. McLane Conclusion: A Fundamentalist Mindset? 336 James W. Jones
£26.12
Oxford University Press Pointing at the Moon
Book SynopsisThis volume collects essays by philosophers and scholars working at the interface of Western philosophy and Buddhist Studies. Many have distinguished scholarly records in Western philosophy, with expertise in analytic philosophy and logic, as well as deep interest in Buddhist philosophy. Others have distinguished scholarly records in Buddhist Studies with strong interests in analytic philosophy and logic. All are committed to the enterprise of cross-cultural philosophy and to bringing the insights and techniques of each tradition to bear in order to illuminate problems and ideas of the other. These essays address a broad range of topics in the philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, logic, epistemology, and metaphysics, and demonstrate the fecundity of the interaction between the Buddhist and Western philosophical and logical traditions.Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Zen and the Unsayable ; 2. Wittgenstein and Zen Buddhism: One Practice, No Dogma ; 3. The No-Thesis View: Making Sense of Verse 29 of Nagarjuna's Vigrahavyavartani ; 4. Why the Buddha Never Uttered a Word ; 5. Is Reductionism Expressible? ; 6. Mountains Are Just Mountains ; 7. How Do Madhyamikas Think? Notes on Jay Garfield, Graham Priest, and Paraconsistency ; 8. A Dharmakirtian Critique of Nagarjunians ; 9. Would It Matter All That Much If There Were No Selves? ; 10. Svasa?vitti as Methodological Solipsism: "Narrow Content" and the Problem of Intentionality in Buddhist Philosophy of Mind ; Bibliography
£37.04
Oxford University Press Inc The Six Perfections
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£37.04
Oxford University Press Hugh of Saint Victor
Trade Review[Rorem's] breadth of scholarship, his devotion to and love of his subject material, his depth of insight and his clarity of expression all contribute towards making the reading of this book an inspiring and rewarding enterprise ... This book will be of great interest for students of medieval thought, for those interested in the development of Christian pedagogy and for all who have embarked on the spiritual quest. * Paul Rout, Theology *Table of ContentsFOREWORD BY BRIAN DAVIES; PREFACE; ABBREVIATIONS; APPENDIX: HUGH AND DIONYSIUS; THE COMMENTARY ON THE CELESTIAL HIERARCHY; BIBLIOGRAPHY
£36.57
Oxford University Press Inc Nagarjunas Madhyamaka
Book SynopsisThe Indian philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna (c. 150-250 CE) was the founder of the Madhyamaka (Middle Path) school of Mahayana Buddhism and arguably the most influential Buddhist thinker after Buddha himself. Indeed, in the Tibetan and East Asian traditions, Nagarjuna is often referred to as the ''second Buddha.'' His primary contribution to Buddhist thought lies is in the further development of the concept of sunyata or ''emptiness.'' For Nagarjuna, all phenomena are without any svabhaba, literally ''own-nature'' or ''self-nature'', and thus without any underlying essence. In this book, Jan Westerhoff offers a systematic account of Nagarjuna''s philosophical position. He reads Nagarjuna in his own philosophical context, but he does not hesitate to show that the issues of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy have at least family resemblances to issues in European philosophy.Trade ReviewOf course the book should be read by anyone seriously interested in Indian and Buddhist philosophy. But those who do metaphysics would do well to consider the challenges that Nagarjuna's arguments represent. They may find that they have reason to thank Westerhoff for making these arguments accessible to non-specialists. * Mark Siderits, Mind *Table of ContentsACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; ABBREVIATIONS; BIBLIOGRAPHY
£31.02
Oxford University Press Compendium of Theology
Book SynopsisTowards the end of his life, St. Thomas Aquinas produced a brief, non-technical work summarizing some of the main points of his massive Summa Theologiae. This ''compendium'' was intended as an introductory handbook for students and scholars who might not have access to the larger work. It remains the best concise introduction to Aquinas''s thought. Furthermore, it is extremely interesting to scholars because it represents Aquinas''s last word on these topics. Aquinas does not break new ground or re-think earlier positions but often states them more directly and with greater precision than can be found elsewhere. There is only one available English translation of the Compendium (published as ''Aquinas''s Shorter Summa: Saint Thomas''s Own Concise Version of his Summa Theologiae,'' by Sophia Institute Press). It is published by a very small Catholic publishing house, is marketed to the devotional readership, contains no scholarly apparatus. Richard Regan is a highly respected Aquinas traTable of ContentsPreface Biblical Abbreviations Other Abbreviations Introduction Compendium of Theology Main Text Glossary Index of Persons General Index
£26.12
Oxford University Press Supernatural Selection
Book SynopsisIn 2006, scientist Richard Dawkins published a blockbuster bestseller, The God Delusion. This atheist manifesto sparked a furious reaction from believers, who have responded with numerous books of their own. By pitting science against religion, however, this debate overlooks what science can tell us about religion. According to evolutionary psychologist Matt J. Rossano, what science reveals is that religion made us human.In Supernatural Selection, Rossano presents an evolutionary history of religion. Neither an apologist for religion nor a religion-basher, he draws together evidence from a wide range of disciplines to show the valuable--even essential--adaptive purpose served by systematic belief in the supernatural. The roots of religion stretch as far back as half a million years, when our ancestors developed the motor control to engage in social rituals--that is, to sing and dance together. Then, about 70,000 years ago, a global ecological crisis drove humanity to the edge of extincTrade Reviewa valuable book * Bruce Buttler, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION
£41.79
Oxford University Press The Resurrection An Interdisciplinary Symposium on the Resurrection of Jesus
Book SynopsisThis collection of papers is an international, ecumenical, and interdisciplinary study of Jesus'' resurrection that emerged from the `Resurrection Summit'' meeting held in New York at Easter 1996. The contributions represent mainstream scholarship on biblical studies, fundamental theology, systematic theology, philosophy, moral theology, and homiletics, and combine to offer a timely, wide-ranging, and well-balanced work on the central truth of Christianity.Trade Reviewencourage further reflections on the mystery which lies at the heart of our faith. * Maryanne Traylen, Catholic Herald *thoroughly professional theology. ... Here, in these essays, we have Christian theology at its best, intellectually demanding and engaged with issues of central importance - a good combination. * The Tablet, 23 August 1997 *
£72.71
Oxford University Press The Problem of Evil
Book SynopsisThis collection of important writings fills the need for an anthology that adequately represents recent work on the problem of evil. This is perhaps one of the most discussed topics in the philosophy of religion, and is of perennial interest to philosophers and theologians.Trade Review`I don't know of anything better in the area.' Christopher Hughes, King's College, London`an authoritative collection, with a helpful introduction and useful bibliographies thematically arranged' Theological Book Review`Another excellent group of readings in the Oxford Series.' Terence O'Keeffe, University of UlsterTable of ContentsIntroduction: J.L. Mackie: Evil and omnipotence; Nelson Pike: Hume on evil; Roderick M. Chisholm: The defeat of good and evil; Terence Penelhum: Divine goodness and the problem of evil; Alvin Plantinga: God, evil, and the metaphysics of freedom; Robert Merrihew Adams: Middle knowledge and the problem of evil; William L. Rowe: the problem of evil and some varieties of Atheism; Stephen J. Wykstra: The Humean obstacle to evidential arguments from suffering: On avoiding the evils of 'appearance'; William J. Rowe: Evil and the theistic hypothesis: a response to Wykstra; John Hick: Soul-making and suffering; Diogenes Allen: Natural evil and the love of God; Marilyn McCord Adams: Horrendous evils and the goodness of God; Notes on contributors; Bibliography; Index of names
£37.99
Clarendon Press Discerning the Mystery
Book SynopsisThis book seeks to exorcize the spectre of the Enlightenment by drawing on H. G. Gadamer''s demonstration of `how little the traditions in which we stand are weakened'' by the legacy of the Enlightenment. It then applies these insights to theology where the importance of tradition and the unity between theology and spirituality are rediscovered.Trade Review`a Yeatsian reverie' Times Literary Supplement'Mr Louth writes like an angel' Theology`A most learned, well-written and provoking book, with some surprises for all' Expository Times'It deserves to be widely studied and discussed ... Louth has given us a programme to occupy our attention for some time.' John McIntyre, Religious Studies'The reader finds himself being drawn into a long and fascinating conversation in which poets meet philosophers, philosophers meet theologians, and theologians encounter historians and literary critics. Claudel, Goethe, T. S. Eliot, Gadamer, Polanyi, Marcel, Lossky, de Lubac, Torrance, to mention only some, all make their contribution.' PN Review'it remains an interesting and original attempt to grapple with the nature of theology ... This book needs to be read as an eloquent protest against the dryness of much modern theology and biblical interpretation' Peter Forster, St John's College, Durham, Anvil, Vol.8, No.1, 1991Table of ContentsDissociation of sensibility; the legacy of the enlightenment; science and mystery; tradition and the tacit; return to allegory; living the mystery.
£52.25
Oxford University Press Kierkegaard
Book SynopsisA clear introduction to the major works of Kierkegaard that highlights the Lutheran framework of Kierkegaard's thought, and combines exposition of the philosophical, theological, and historical context of his works with an engaging critical dialogue that brings Kierkegaard into debate with twenty-first-century thought.Trade ReviewWith her very engaging style, and commitment to honest and= open dialogue with subject and reader alike, Hampson is never dull. * John Saxbee, Church Times *Placed in his Lutheran context (instead of air-lifted up into 'philosophy') the Dane is beguiling once more. * Oxford Today *This book is not only a fitting tribute to Kierkegaard and an absorbing and stimulating introduction to his work, but, in its breadth on learning and wisdom, reflects the spirit of the man himself. * Susan Halstead, Curator of Czech, Slovak, and Lusatian Studies at the British Library *Readers searching for a general introduction to some of the Lutheran aspects of Kierkegaard's most celebrated writings will find a welcome companion with Daphne Hampson. * Church of England Newspaper *Functioning on different levels, this book will have a broad appeal to many different kinds of reader. Hampson wonderfully orchestrates a critical dialogue with Kierkegaard in a way that provides ample demonstration of the importance of his thought today. This highly readable work represents a valuable contribution to Kierkegaard studies. * Jon Stewart, Associate Research Professor, Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre, Copenhagen *A marvel of scholarship. Hampson is one of the few interpreters of Kierkegaard able to take account of both the philosophical and theological backdrop of Kierkegaards thought. Clear, comprehensive, and elegantly written, one of the book's most important merits is the success Hampson enjoys in locating Kierkegaard within his own Lutheran tradition. * Gordon Marino, Professor of philosophy; Director, Hong Kierkegaard Library, St Olaf's College *A delightful powerful new book on Kierkegaard. Acknowledging his radical conservatism, insisting against Kierkegaard on the need for collective responses to social injustice, Hampson nonetheless writes in a spirit of critical friendship. Combining a forthright accessible style with real scholarship and familiarity with Kierkegaard's personal, intellectual and spiritual struggles, she brings him vividly to life for our time. * David Wood, Professor of philosophy, Vanderbilt University *Setting Kierkegaard in his intellectual context, this book guides readers through the key texts, identifying and debating the questions they provoke. Hampson has inspired many students to engage with this most demanding of writers. Her book will both attract new readers and serve as a stimulating refresher to those familiar with Kierkegaard's writings. * George Pattison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Oxford University *Hampson writes accessibly when situating and contrasting Kierkgaard amid the flux of the history of ideas. * Joshua Furnal, Church of England Newspaper *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why Read Kierkegaard? ; 1. Kierkegaard's Intellectual Context ; 2. Fear and Trembling ; 3. Philosophical Fragments ; 4. The Concept Angst ; 5. Love's Deeds ; 6. Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments ; 7. The Sickness unto Death ; 8. Practice in Christianity ; 9. The Point of View for Kierkegaard's Work as an Author
£27.07
OUP Oxford The Oxford Handbook of the Study of Religion
Book SynopsisThe Oxford Handbook of the Study of Religion provides a comprehensive overview of the academic study of religion. Written by an international team of leading scholars, its fifty-one chapters are divided thematically into seven sections. The first section addresses five major conceptual aspects of research on religion. Part two surveys eleven main frameworks of analysis, interpretation, and explanation of religion. Reflecting recent turns in the humanities and social sciences, part three considers eight forms of the expression of religion. Part four provides a discussion of the ways societies and religions, or religious organizations, are shaped by different forms of allocation of resources. Other chapters in this section consider law, the media, nature, medicine, politics, science, sports, and tourism. Part five reviews important developments, distinctions, and arguments for each of the selected topics. The study of religion addresses religion as a historical phenomenon and part six loTable of ContentsList of Figures and Tables List of Contributors Michael Stausberg and Steven Engler: Introduction: Aims, Scope, and Organization Part I. Religion 1: Michael Stausberg & Mark Q. Gardiner: Definition 2: Giovanni Casadio: Historicizing and Translating Religion 3: Michael Stausberg & Steven Engler: Theories of Religion 4: Heinz Streib and Constantin Klein: Religion and Spirituality 5: Lois Lee: Non-religion Part II. Theoretical Approaches 6: Armin W. Geertz: Cognitive Science 7: Peter Seele & Lucas Zapf: Economics 8: John H. Shaver, Benjamin Grant Purzycki, and Richard Sosis: Evolutionary Theory 9: Darlene Juschka: Feminism and Gender Theory 10: Gavin Flood: Hermeneutics 11: Matthew Day: Marxism 12: Arvind Mandair: Postcolonialism 13: Mark Q. Gardiner and Steven Engler: Semantics 14: Robert A. Yelle: Semiotics 15: Paul-François Tremlett: (Post)-structuralism 16: Philip A. Mellor and Chris Shilling: Social Theory Part III. Modes 17: Volkhard Krech: Communication 18: David Morgan: Materiality 19: Jeppe Sinding Jensen: Narrative 20: Axel Michaels and William S. Sax: Performance 21: Rosalind I. J. Hackett: Sound 22: David Chidester: Space 23: David Chidester: Time Part IV. Environments 24: Anne Koch: Economy 25: Benjamin Schonthal: Law 26: Oliver Krüger: Media 27: Adrian Ivakhiv: Nature 28: Pamela Klassen: Medicine 29: Hubert Seiwert: Politics 30: Laura J. Vollmer and Kocku von Stuckrad: Science Carole M. Cusack: Sports Alex Norman: Tourism Part V. Topics 33: Jason C. Bivins: Belief 34: John Corrigan: Emotion 35: Craig Martin: Experience 36: Christoph Auffarth: Gift and Sacrifice 37: Gustavo Benavides: Gods 38: Henrik Bogdan: Initiation and Transitions 39: Manfred Hutter: Priests, Prophets, Sorcerers 40: Hugh B. Urban: Purity 41: Gavin Flood: Salvation Part VI. Processes 42: Steve Bruce: Differentiation 43: Albert de Jong: The Disintegration and Death of Religions 44: Asonzeh Ukah: Expansion 45: Manuel A. Vásquez and David Garbin: Globalization 46: Jörg Rüpke: Individualization and Privatization 47: Olav Hammer: Tradition and Innovation 48: Jeremy Carrette: Objectification and Commodification 49: Paul Christopher Johnson: Syncretism and Hybridization Part VII. The Discipline 50: Michael Stausberg: History 51: Thomas A. Tweed: Relevance
£40.99
Oxford University Press Analytic Theology
Book SynopsisPhilosophy in the English-speaking world is dominated by analytic approaches to its problems and projects; but theology has been dominated by alternative approaches. Many would say that the current state in theology is not mere historical accident, but is, rather, how things ought to be. On the other hand, many others would say precisely the opposite: that theology as a discipline has been beguiled and taken captive by ''continental'' approaches, and that the effects on the discipline have been largely deleterious. The methodological divide between systematic theologians and analytic philosophers of religion is ripe for exploration. The present volume represents an attempt to begin a much-needed interdisciplinary conversation about the value of analytic philosophical approaches to theological topics. Most of the essays herein are sympathetic toward the enterprise the editors are calling analytic theology; but, with an eye toward balance, the volume also includes essays and an introductTrade Reviewan excellent collection of essays, and one that analytic theologians and philosophers of religion will no doubt highly value ... highly recommended. * Kevin Timpe, Religious Studies *The editors of this volume have elicted new essays from an impressive list of contributors, including both long established figures in philosophy and theology and other relatively new... these are good essays well worth reading, * Gordon Graham, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Table of ContentsI: IN DEFENSE OF ANALYTIC THEOLOGY ; II: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ; III: ON THE DATA FOR THEOLOGY: SCRIPTURE, REASON, AND EXPERIENCE ; IV: ANALYTIC APPROACHES RECONSIDERED
£135.00
Oxford University Press, USA Calvin Participation and the Gift
Book SynopsisIs the God of Calvin a fountain of blessing, or a forceful tyrant? Is Calvin''s view of God coercive, leaving no place for the human qua human in redemption? These are perennial questions about Calvin''s theology which have been given new life by Gift theologians such as John Milbank, Graham Ward, and Stephen Webb.J. Todd Billings addresses these questions by exploring Calvin''s theology of `participation in Christ''. He argues that Calvin''s theology of `participation'' gives a positive place to the human, such that grace fulfils rather than destroys nature, affirming a differentiated union of God and humanity in creation and redemption. Calvin''s trinitarian theology of participation extends to his view of prayer, sacraments, the law, and the ecclesial and civil orders. In light of Calvin''s doctrine of participation, Billings reframes the critiques of Calvin in the Gift discussion and opens up new possibilities for contemporary theology, ecumenical theology, and Calvin scholarship aTrade ReviewAn attentive, stimulating interaction with Calvin's corpus, informed by the scholarly literature and bestowing upon it fresh insights into Calvin's theology at every turn. * James R. A. Merrick. The Journal of Theological Studies *Well-written and well researched... raise[s] important questions regarding the role of union with Christ in Calvin's theology. * John V. Fesko, Orthodox Presbyterian Church *Calvin's theology of participation, according to Billings, has theological, biblical and ecclesial promise. If you are interest in participation and Calvin, this is clearly the place to come, and his insight into contemporary issues make this volume a relevant, thoughtful and probing account of Calvin's theology. * Kyle Strobel, Theology Forum *...With this work Billings has made a major contribution to Calvin studies...This is a work of clarity and sanity, and displays Billings' thorough familiarity with Calvin's insights on the development of Calvin's theology, the sources of his thought, and offers an utterly convincing way to read his theology. * Myk Habets Pacific Journal of Baptist Research *This is a valuable study of what is an important though much neglected theme of Calvin's. It should be read by all with an interest in Calvin's theology. * Anthony N. S. Lane, London School of Theology *In the best sense, this is a work of deep theological recollection: with a view to rescuing Reformed theology from its Zwinglian captivity, it restores an appreciation for the catholicity of the Reformed tradition. In the course of defending Calvin against his radically orthodox despisers, Todd Billings carefully and persuasively articulates a vision of Calvin's theology as a source for contemporary constructive theology. And one could hope that the rich vision of sacramental participation he so deftly describes might trickle down into Reformed practice. Billings invites us to imagine how different our Reformed churches might be if they were actually "Calvinist." * James K. A. Smith, Calvin College *This fine study by Todd Billings gives us fresh ways of looking at a familiar figure. Lucidly written, meticulous, precise and extremely well-informed, Billings' discussion of participation, that ancient Pauline category, opens the door both to new historical and constructive insights. An indispensable study for students of Calvin, historians of Christian thought and theologians of the Gift. * Kevin Madigan, Harvard Divinity School *I know of no other monograph that offers such a comprehensive view of the theme of participation in Calvin's work. Billings makes a persuasive case for the central importance of this motif in the Reformer's thought. This is an erudite yet very readable book. * Don Compier, Graceland University *I warmly recommend Billings' book as a serious piece of scholarly research that is not afraid to tackle some of the more popular theological schools of thought in a manner that is respectful, thoughtful and analytically powerful. Billings is the first to systematically analyse Calvin's theology of participation. He manages to pull together a Calvinian doctrine of participation which can stand on its own strength and which presents a genuine, and in decisive ways original, contribution to Calvin research. Any further critique of of Calvin's theology as based on coercion or violence will have to give an account of Billings' masterful scholarship. * Hans Boersma, Regent College *Billings has broadened our understanding of Calvin as one for whom God's grace and our faithful response form two parts of a whole... The bottom line is that this book matters. * Julie Canlis, Theology in Scotland. *This lucid and well-written book throws down a significant challenge to those concerned with the project of theology. ... It is not possible in a short review to do justice to the sophistication of Billing's careful reading of Calvin. * Bruce Gordon, Scottish Journal of Theology *Table of Contents1. Calvin, Participation, and the Problem of the Gift in Contemporary Thought ; 2. Calvin's Doctrine of Participation: Contexts and Continuities ; 3. The Development of Calvin's Language of 'Participation in Christ' ; 4. Participation in Christ: The Activity of Believers in Prayer and the Sacraments ; 5. Participation and the Law: God's Accommodation to Humanity so that Humanity may be Accommodated to God ; 6. The Promise of Calvin's Theology of Participation
£137.50
Clarendon Press World Without Design
Book SynopsisPhilosophical naturalism, according to which philosophy is continuous with the natural sciences, has dominated the Western academy for well over a century; but Michael Rea claims that it is without rational foundation, and that the costs of embracing it are surprisingly high. The first part of World Without Design aims to provide a fair and historically informed characterization of naturalism. Rea then argues compellingly to the surprising conclusion that naturalists are committed to rejecting realism about material objects, materialism, and perhaps realism about other minds. This conclusion is striking, largely because naturalism is often simply identified with materialism, and the remaining two theses are ones that naturalists very typically want to endorse. Rea goes on to examine two alternative research programs: intuitionism and supernaturalism, and argues for the conclusion that intuitionism, under certain circumstances, is self-defeating.World Without Design offers a provocativeTrade ReviewReview from previous edition succinct and penetrating ... Thoroughly researched and richly argued, World Without Design will prove valuable to anyone interested in the naturalistic tradition * Troy Cross, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Table of Contents1 NATURALISM ; 2 ONTOLOGY ; 3 ALTERNATIVES
£36.09
Clarendon Press The Resurrection of God Incarnate
Book SynopsisWhether or not Jesus rose bodily from the dead remains perhaps the most critical and contentious issue in Christianity. Argument has centred upon the veracity of explicit New Testament accounts of the events, often ending in deadlock. The author, though, takes a broader approach.Trade Review... earnest, powerful book ... worth the perseverance it demands ... Professor Swinburne's argument develops into a compelling commentary on the New Testament, its writers or compilers, and their experiences. * Contemporary Review *... well-organised, precise, rigorous and unevasive ... read the book one will learn much. * The Tablet *Swinburne's book is densely argued. He writes with great clarity, explaining carefully any technical language that he uses. This book often demands close attention from the reader, but it remains accessible. It's argument is breathtaking in its simplicity and scope, and it offers point after point which preachers and teachers might use as pegs on which to hang expository material in sermons or in other contexts ... this book is an outstanding tour de force which offers much to those who would proclaim the resurrection today. * Church of England Newspaper *Table of ContentsPART I: GENERAL BACKGROUND EVIDENCE ; PART II: PRIOR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE ; PART III: POSTERIOR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE ; PART IV: CONCLUSION
£155.00
Clarendon Press The Resurrection of God Incarnate
Book SynopsisWhether or not Jesus rose bodily from the dead remains perhaps the most critical and contentious issue in Christianity. Until now, argument has centred upon the veracity of explicit New Testament accounts of the events following Jesus''s crucifixion, often ending in deadlock. In Richard Swinburne''s new approach, though, ascertaining the probable truth of the Resurrection requires a much broader approach to the nature of God and to the life and teaching of Jesus.The Resurrection can only have occurred if God intervened in history to raise to life a man dead for thirty six hours. It is therefore crucial not only to weigh the evidence of natural theology for the existence of a God who has some reason so to intervene, but also to discover whether the life and teaching of Jesus show him to be uniquely the kind of person whom God would have raised. Swinburne argues that God has reason to interfere in history by becoming incarnate, and that it is highly improbable that we would find the evidTrade ReviewThe most distinguished British philosopher of religion of his generation, Richard Swinburne has made a monumental contribution to the analysis and defense of theistic belief generally and Christian belief in particular. * Conversations in Religion and Theology *Swinburne's argument is both powerful and provocative ... he has effectively linked background knowledge, prior historical evidence, and posterior historical evidence in a distinctive argument for a traditional Christology. * Conversations in Religion and Theology *The Resurrection of God Incarnate is a very good book. It will substantially enrich the contemporary conversation regarding the identity of Jesus, and it deserves to be read by any theologian, philosopher of religion, New Testament scholar, or historian interested in the emergence of Christianity. * Conversations in Religion and Theology *... well-organised, precise, rigorous and unevasive ... read the book one will learn much. * The Tablet *Swinburne's book is densely argued. He writes with great clarity, explaining carefully any technical language that he uses. This book often demands close attention from the reader, but it remains accessible. It's argument is breathtaking in its simplicity and scope, and it offers point after point which preachers and teachers might use as pegs on which to hang expository material in sermons or in other contexts ... this book is an outstanding tour de force which offers much to those who would proclaim the resurrection today. * Church of England Newspaper *Table of ContentsPART I: GENERAL BACKGROUND EVIDENCE ; PART II: PRIOR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE ; PART III: POSTERIOR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE ; PART IV: CONCLUSION
£42.74
Oxford University Press Leontius of Jerusalem
Book SynopsisThis is a new edition and translation of the Testimonies of the Saints of Leontius of Jerusalem, a sixth-century monk and one of the most important so-called neo-Chalcedonian theologians. It is essential reading for understanding the Church's debate with the Monophysites in the time of Justinian.Table of ContentsI. INTRODUCTION ; II. TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS ; 1. Testimonies of the Saints ; 2. Aporiae ; III. APPENDIX: THE ARGUMENT OF THE TESTIMONIES OF THE SAINTS SUMMARIZED
£162.50
Oxford University Press Wandering in Darkness C
Book SynopsisOnly the most naïve or tendentious among us would deny the extent and intensity of suffering in the world. Can one hold, consistently with the common view of suffering in the world, that there is an omniscient, omnipotent, perfectly good God? This book argues that one can.Wandering in Darkness first presents the moral psychology and value theory within which one typical traditional theodicy, namely, that of Thomas Aquinas, is embedded. It explicates Aquinas''s account of the good for human beings, including the nature of love and union among persons. Eleonore Stump also makes use of developments in neurobiology and developmental psychology to illuminate the nature of such union. Stump then turns to an examination of narratives. In a methodological section focused on epistemological issues, the book uses recent research involving autism spectrum disorder to argue that some philosophical problems are best considered in the context of narratives. Using the methodology argued for, the book gives detailed, innovative exegeses of the stories of Job, Samson, Abraham and Isaac, and Mary of Bethany. In the context of these stories and against the backdrop of Aquinas''s other views, Stump presents Aquinas''s own theodicy, and shows that Aquinas''s theodicy gives a powerful explanation for God''s allowing suffering. She concludes by arguing that this explanation constitutes a consistent and cogent defense for the problem of suffering.Trade ReviewEleanore Stump has written a magnificent book. ... It gives us a deeply insightful account of the nature of love, as desire for the good of the beloved and for union with the beloved * Richard Swinburne, Expository Times {Main} *This is an excellent book. Baehr proposes an interesting and original account of the proper goals of a virtue theory for epistemology and makes substantive progress toward developing a theory of his own. The quality of argument is very high and Baehr's writing is elegant and clear. * Andrew D. Cling, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Eleonore Stumps major new book on the problem of suffering is perhaps the most important contribution to the field in decades. . . . reading this book is a thought- provoking spiritual journey which raises all kinds of fresh yet down-to-earth and urgent questions. Ultimately, it may have the potential to transform how we think about and do theology for, once joint attention takes precedence over correct belief and virtuous conduct, then our lives become more complex yet richer. * Philip Goodchild, Religion *a true breakthrough... which is in a manner her magnum opus... A truly magnificent achievement, the book is rich with compelling narratives from inside and outside the Judeo-Christian Scriptures. * Trent Dougherty, Analysis *Noted Aquinas scholar Stump weaves together theology, philosophy, and biblical studies in a comprehensive exploration of suffering and redemption... . her rigorous, careful argumentation and outstanding use of Scripture in the service of analytic philosophy make this an important book for studies of theology and philosophy of religion. It is a necessary addition to collections in theology and philosophy. Highly recommended. * Choice *Wandering in Darkness is Eleonore Stump's magisterial treatment of the problem of evil... It is bold, meticulously argued, and highly nuanced. In terms of scope and power, Stump's book clearly ranks among the best book length treatments of the problem of evil... Stump has produced a book that deserves the careful attention of any philosophically able reader interested in the problem of suffering in light of the belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, essentially good God. * Charles Taliaferro & Paul Reasoner, European Journal for the Philosophy of Religion *Eleonore Stump's major new book on the problem of suffering is perhaps the most important contribution to the field in decades... reading this book is a thought-provoking spiritual journey which raises all kinds of fresh yet down-to-earth and urgent questions. Ultimately, it may have the potential to transform how we think about and do theology * Philip Goodchild, Theology *Stump's book is original, insightful, and brilliant. This magnum opus is the product of measured thought and mature experience. In it, Stump mounts a strong, lucid defense of a traditional Christian (specifically Thomistic) understanding of the problem of suffering (limited in her investigation to the suffering of fully functional adult persons). To do this, she uses both analytic philosophy and narratives... The philosophy is excellent... those who share the Thomistic worldview will also find Stump's reflections to be deeply moving reminders of the excellence and wonder of God's love. * Glen Harden, Religious Studies Review *immensely ambitious... her interpretation of the four biblical narratives is... stunningly successful, repeatedly finding new levels of meaning. * Stephen Mulhall, Times Literary Supplement *a must-read for philosophers of religion and a very beneficial read for other philosophers and for other scholars of religion. It is without question a highly nuanced and philosophically deep book. I have benefited both personally and philosophically from reflecting on what Stump says in the book about love, and Stump's insights on Franciscan knowledge of persons have led me to a deeper appreciation of the prospects for a religiously rich form of "skeptical faith," one that allows, paradoxically, for knowing God even if one lacks the knowledge or even the belief that God exists. More generally, the potential for applying some of the central ideas in the book to other problems in philosophy is enormous. * Paul Draper, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *It takes a lifetime, as well as a remarkable life, to write a book like Wandering in Darkness. Eleonore Stump asks: Is it possible in the face of suffering to believe in a God who is omnipotent and perfectly morally good? She relentlessly explores this inquiry not only by helping us to see that the question itself must be questioned, but by applying to the query her extraordinary erudition, a gift for philosophical and analytical clarity, and what must be hard-won and profound theological judgements. * Stanley Hauerwas, Christian Century *Eleonore Stump's Wandering in Darkness poses a learned, astutely crafted argument for the compatability of human suffering and God's existence, and in doing so it provides a number of innovations that will be of real interest to analytic philosophers of religion in particular and more generally to anyone curious about the so-called 'problem of evil' * Daniel Colucciello Barber, Journal of Religious Studies *Table of ContentsPART I: THE NATURE OF THE PROJECT; PART II: THE WORLD AT LARGE: LOVE AND LONELINESS; PART III: THE WORLD OF THE STORIES: SUFFERING IN PARTICULAR; PART IV: OTHER-WORLDLY THEODICY: WHAT WE CARE ABOUT IN A DEFENSE
£123.50
Oxford University Press Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion
Book SynopsisThe Hegel Lectures SeriesSeries Editor: Peter C. Hodgson Hegel''s lectures have had as great a historical impact as the works he himself published. Important elements of his system are elaborated only in the lectures, especially those given in Berlin during the last decade of his life. The original editors conflated materials from different sources and dates, obscuring the development and logic of Hegel''s thought. The Hegel Lectures series is based on a selection of extant and recently discovered transcripts and manuscripts. The original lecture series are reconstructed so that the structure of Hegel''s argument can be followed. Each volume presents an accurate new translation accompanied by an editorial introduction and annotations on the text, which make possible the identification of Hegel''s many allusions and sources. Lectures on the Philosophy of ReligionOne-Volume Edition, The Lectures of 1827Hegel''s Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion represent the final and in some ways tTrade Review...indispensable to serious students of Hegel. * Nicholas Walker, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
£49.40
Oxford University Press Hegel
Book SynopsisThe Hegel Lectures SeriesSeries Editor: Peter C. Hodgson Hegel''s lectures have had as great a historical impact as the works he himself published. Important elements of his system are elaborated only in the lectures, especially those given in Berlin during the last decade of his life. The original editors conflated materials from different sources and dates, obscuring the development and logic of Hegel''s thought. The Hegel Lectures series is based on a selection of extant and recently discovered transcripts and manuscripts. Lectures from specific years are reconstructed so that the structure of Hegel''s argument can be followed. Each volume presents an accurate new translation accompanied by an editorial introduction and annotations on the text, which make possible the identification of Hegel''s many allusions and sources. Hegel''s Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion represent the final and in some ways the decisive element of his entire philosophical system. His conception and exTrade Review...indispensable to serious students of Hegel. * Nicholas Walker, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
£58.00
Clarendon Press Faith and Reason
Book SynopsisRichard Swinburne presents a new edition of the final volume of his acclaimed trilogy on philosophical theology. Faith and Reason is a self-standing examination of the implications for religious faith of Swinburne''s famous arguments about the coherence of theism and the existence of God.By practising a particular religion, a person seeks to achieve some or all of three goals - that he worships and obeys God, gains salvation for himself, and helps others to attain their salvation. But not all religions commend worship, and different religions have different conceptions of salvation. Faced with these differences, Richard Swinburne argues that we should practice that religion which has the best goals and is more probably true than the creeds of other religions. He proposes criteria by which to determine the probabilities of different religious creeds, and he argues that, while requiring total commitment, faith does not demand fully convinced belief. While maintaining the same structure aTrade ReviewA closely-argued philosophical treatise. * Methodist Recorder *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. The Nature of Belief ; 2. Rational Belief ; 3. The Value of Rational Religious Belief ; 4. The Nature of Faith ; 5. The Purpose of Religion ; 6. The Role of Creeds ; 7. The Comparison of Creeds ; Epilogue: Faith is Voluntary
£43.22
Clarendon Press Belief in God
Book SynopsisBelief in God answers two questions: what, if anything, is it that Jews, Christians, and Muslims are agreeing about when they join in claiming that there is a God; and what, if any, prospects are there for rationally defending or attacking this claim? In the context of a sustained argument for particular answers to these questions, Tim Mawson tackles many of the most prominent topics in the philosophy of religion. He argues that those who believe that there is a God are best interpreted as believing that there is a being who is essentially personal, transcendent, immanent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, perfectly free, perfectly good, and necessary; and non-essentially creator of the world and value; revealer of Himself; and offerer of everlasting life. Having explored the meaning and consistency of this conception of God in the first half of the book, Mawson goes on to consider whether or not belief or the absence of belief in such a God might be the sort of thing that does not ratiTrade ReviewAnyone working in the analytical tradition of philosophy of religion, at any level, would find something of interest in the book: both as teaching material (I know from experience how much students enjoy some of the experiments), and as a contribution in its own right. * Philosophy *a lively and engaging introduction to the philosophy of religion...makes some significant contributions to contemporary debates in the subject, and which will provide a great deal of discussion among those working in this field ... his style is contagiously enthusiastic ... Mawson has presented a provocative and stimulating argument concerning the nature and existence of God * Brian Clack, Ars Disputandi *The conversational and relaxed style, as of a good undergraduate supervision, full of lively illustrations in the form of little parables, appeals. But the discussion moves to a higher level than the commendation suggests, and T.J. Mawson voices interesting and provocative thoughts. * Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsTHE CONCEPT OF GOD ; THE EXISTENCE OF GOD ; FAITH
£34.67
Oxford University Press Mind and Emergence
Book SynopsisStrong claims have been made for emergence as a new paradigm for understanding science, consciousness, and religion. Tracing the past history and current definitions of the concept, Clayton assesses the case for emergent phenomena in the natural world and their significance for philosophy and theology. Complex emergent phenomena require irreducible levels of explanation in physics, chemistry and biology. This pattern of emergence suggests a new approach to the problem of consciousness, which is neither reducible to brain states nor proof of a mental substance or soul. Although emergence does not entail classical theism, it is compatible with a variety of religious positions. Clayton concludes with a defence of emergentist panentheism and a Christian constructive theology consistent with the new sciences of emergence.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition Endorsement: Philip Clayton provides here a carefully considered and closely argued defence of the idea of strong emergence in relation to both the natural sciences and the human mind. The erudite argument is well-grounded in the relevant literature and solidly related to the evolutionary process whereby complexity has come into being. The book will be an indispensable reading for those concerned with the `big questions' related to the human mind, such as issues of agency and freedom. * George Ellis, University of Cape Town *Table of Contents1. From Reduction to Emergence ; 2. Defining Emergence ; 3. Emergence in the Natural Sciences ; 4. Emergence and Mind ; 5. Emergence and Transcendence
£36.57
Oxford University Press, USA Our Fate Essays on God and Free Will
Book SynopsisOur Fate is a collection of John Martin Fischer''s previously published articles on the relationship between God''s foreknowledge and human freedom. The book contains a new introductory essay that places all of the chapters in the book into a cohesive framework. The introductory essay also provides some new views about the issues treated in the book, including a bold and original account of God''s foreknowledge of free actions in a causally indeterministic world. The focus of the book is a powerful traditional argument for the incompatibility of God''s foreknowledge and human freedom to do otherwise. Fischer presents this argument (in various forms) and defends it against some of the most salient criticisms, especially Ockhamism.The incompatibilist''s argument is driven by the fixity of the past, and, in particular, the fixity of God''s prior beliefs about our current behavior. The author gives special attention to Ockhamism, which contends that God''s prior beliefs are not over-and-done-with in the past, and are thus not subject to the intuitive idea of the fixity of the past. In the end, Fischer defends the argument for the incompatibility of God''s foreknowledge and human freedom to do otherwise, but he further argues that this incompatibility need not entail the incompatibility of God''s foreknowledge and human moral responsibility. Thus, through this collection of essays, Fischer develops a semicompatibilist view -- the belief that God''s foreknowledge is entirely compatible with human moral responsibility, even if God''s foreknowledge rules out freedom to do otherwise.Trade ReviewFischer's argument is interesting not only for specialists who are interested in the (in)compatibility of God's foreknowledge, the freedom to choose otherwise and moral responsibility but also for specialists who are interested in the (in)compatibility of causal determinism, the freedom to choose otherwise and moral responsibility. The reason is that the two issues have much ground in common, while there are also relevant differences, which Fischer elucidates. * Martijn Boot, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Online *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; 1. Introduction: God, Freedom, and Moral Responsibility ; 2. Scotism ; 3. Freedom and Actuality ; 4. Putting Molinism in its Place ; 5. Power Over the Past ; 6. Freedom, Foreknowledge, and the Fixity of the Past ; 7. Ockhamism: The Facts ; 8. Snapshot Ockhamism ; 9. Engaging with Pike: God, Freedom, and Time ; with Patrick Todd and Neal A. Tognazzini ; 10. The Truth about Freedom A Reply to Merricks ; with Patrick Todd ; 11. The Truth about Foreknowledge ; with Patrick Todd ; 12. Omniscience, Freedom, and Dependence ; with Neal A. Tognazzini
£76.95
Oxford University Press Why Religion Is Natural and Science Is Not
Book SynopsisOne of the pioneers of the cognitive science of religion, adds insight to the interdisciplinary discussion in this provocatively titled work .... McCauley''s work is erudite, precise, well argued.-Library JournalThe battle between religion and science, competing methods of knowing ourselves and our world, has been raging for many centuries. Now scientists themselves are looking at cognitive foundations of religion--and arriving at some surprising conclusions. Over the course of the past two decades, scholars have employed insights gleaned from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and related disciplines to illuminate the study of religion. In Why Religion is Natural and Science Is Not, Robert N. McCauley, one of the founding fathers of the cognitive science of religion, argues that our minds are better suited to religious belief than to scientific inquiry. Drawing on the latest research and illustrating his argument with commonsense examples, McCauley argues that religion has existTrade ReviewWhy Religion Is Natural and Science Is Not provides a powerful new paradigm to explore the relationship between science and religion. * Journal of Religion *Table of ContentsChapter One ; Natural Cognition ; Chapter Two ; Maturational Naturalness ; Chapter Three ; Unnatural Science ; Chapter Four ; Natural Religion ; Chapter Five ; Surprising Consequences ; References
£32.29
Oxford University Press Friendship as Sacred Knowing
Book SynopsisWe are haunted, Samuel Kimbriel suggests, by a habit of isolation buried, often imperceptibly, within our practices of understanding and relating to the world. In this volume he works through the complexities of this disposition to contest its place within contemporary philosophical thought and practice. He focuses on the human activity of friendship. Chapters one and two examine friendship to unearth the contours of this habit towards isolation and to reveal certain ills that have long attended it. Chapters three through seven place these isolated ways of relating to the world into critical dialogue with the tradition of late-antique and early-medieval Johannine Christianity, in which intimacy and understanding go hand in hand. This tradition drew the human activities of friendship and enquiry into such unity that understanding itself became a kind of communion. Kimbriel endorses a return to an antique and particularly Christian philosophical habit--the befriending of wisdom.Trade ReviewA very valuable work...Among the book's many virtues is its balanced combination of careful exegetical scholarship and complex philosophical argument...Kimbriel's writing style is patient, subtle, and engaging, and his achievements here will be useful to a wide range of scholars -- in historical philosophy, for sure, but also in those interested in friendship, the self, knowledge, and theology. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *This book will be of interest to a great variety of scholars in theology and philosophy ... elegantly proportioned [and] constructive. * Guido de Graaff, Studies in Christian Ethics *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; Abbreviations ; Introduction ; Part I - Friendship and disengagement ; 1: Friendship and isolation ; 2: Friendship, virtue and contemplation ; Part II - Friendship and enquiry: Beyond disengagement ; 3: Sacred knowing and indwelling love ; 4: The porous enquirer ; 5: The veiled path: Enquiry, agency and desire ; 6: Human finitude and the paradox of enquiry ; 7: Friendship and deification ; Conclusion ; Bibliography ; Primary texts ; Secondary texts ; Index
£92.15
Oxford University Press The God of Metaphysics
Book SynopsisCan philosophy offer reasonable grounds for the existence of a God as the centre of actual faith, rather than just a theoretical Absolute? Many contemporary thinkers have concluded that no genuine religion could be based upon metaphysics. In this book, however, T. L. S. Sprigge examines sympathetically the most notable metaphysical systems of the last four centuries which purport to put religion on a rational footing and, after a thorough examination of their claims, considers what kind of religious outlook they might support and (more briefly) how they actually affected the lives of their proponents. The thinkers studied include Spinoza, Hegel, T. H. Green, Bernard Bosanquet (together with a brief discussion of Bradley), Josiah Royce, A. N. Whitehead, and Charles Hartshorne, concluding with an exposition of the author''s own viewpoint (pantheistic absolute idealism) and a general discussion on the relation between metaphysics and religion. There is also a chapter on Kierkegaard as theTrade Reviewit is, I confess, immensely refreshing to read a book such as Sprigge's... I have immense admiration for Sprigge's pluck and resolve. In summary metaphysical systems can function in religious terms. In this sense I think Sprigge makes a persuasive philosophical case. * Anderew Vincent *Table of Contents1. Introductory ; 2. The God of Spinoza ; 3. Hegelian Christianity ; 4. Kierkegaard and Hegelian Christianity ; 5. T. H. Green and the Eternal Consciousness ; 6. Bernard Bosanquet ; 7. Josiah Royce ; 8. Process Philosophy and Theology: Whitehead and Hartshorne ; 9. Panthesitic Idealism ; 10. Concluding Remarks
£59.85
Oxford University Press Basil of Caesarea Gregory of Nyssa and the Transformation of Divine Simplicity
Book SynopsisDivine simplicity is the idea that, as the ultimate principle of the universe, God must be a non-composite unity not made up of parts or diverse attributes. The idea was appropriated by early Christian theologians from non-Christian philosophy and played a pivotal role in the development of Christian thought. Andrew Radde-Gallwitz charts the progress of the idea of divine simplicity from the second through the fourth centuries, with particular attention to Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa, two of the most subtle writers on this topic, both instrumental in the construction of the Trinitarian doctrine proclaimed as orthodox at the Council of Constantinople in 381. He demonstrates that divine simplicity was not a philosophical appendage awkwardly attached to the early Christian doctrine of God, but a notion that enabled Christians to articulate the consistency of God as portrayed in their scriptures.Basil and Gregory offered a unique construal of simplicity in responding to their prTrade ReviewRadde-Gallwitz has produced a book of impeccable historical and philological scholarship, which nevertheless at no point leaves the reader in any doubt that the ultimate objective of the work is squarely in the theological field... highly original * Johannes Zachhuber, Journal of Theological Studies *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Simplicity and the Problem of Contradiction: Ptolemy and the Legacy of Marcion ; 2. From Science to Silence: Clement of Alexandria and Origen ; 3. Agen(n)etos and the Identity Thesis: Justin, Dionysius of Alexandria, and Athanasius, and Athanasius ; 4. "Truly repay the debt": Aetius and Eunomius of Cyzicus ; 5. Basil of Caesarea I: On Not Knowing God's Essence (But Still Knowing God) ; 6. Basil of Caesarea II: Concepts, Reality, and Reading ; 7. "Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect": Gregory of Nyssa on Simplicity and Goodness ; Conclusion: The Transformation of Divine Simplicity
£133.00
Oxford University Press Human Rights and Common Good
Book SynopsisThis central volume in the Collected Essays brings together John Finnis''s wide-ranging contribution to fundamental issues in political philosophy.The volume begins by examining the general theory of political community and social justice. It includes the powerful and well-known Maccabaean Lecture on Bills of Rights -- a searching critique of Ronald Dworkin''s moral-political arguments and conclusions, of the European Court of Human Rights'' approach to fundamental rights, and of judicial review as a constitutional institution. It is followed by an equally searching analysis of Kant''s thought on the intersection of law, right, and ethics. Other papers in the book''s opening section include an early assessment of Rawls''s A Theory of Justice, foundational discussions of migration rights, national boundaries, and the rights of non-citizens, and a challenging paper on virtue and the constitution. The volume then focuses on central problems in modern political communities, including the pTable of ContentsHUMAN RIGHTS AND COMMON GOOD: GENERAL THEORY ; JUSTICE AND PUNISHMENT ; WAR AND JUSTICE ; AUTONOMY, EUTHANASIA, AND JUSTICE ; AUTONOMY, IVF, ABORTION, AND JUSTICE ; MARRIAGE, JUSTICE, AND THE COMMON GOOD
£77.90
Oxford University Press Confusion of the Spheres
Book SynopsisCursory allusions to the relation between Kierkegaard and Wittgenstein are common in the philosophical literature, but there has been little in the way of serious and comprehensive commentary on the relationship of their ideas. Genia Schönbaumsfeld closes this gap and offers new readings of Kierkegaard''s and Wittgenstein''s conceptions of philosophy and religious belief. Chapter one documents Kierkegaard''s influence on Wittgenstein, while chapters two and three provide trenchant criticisms of two prominent attempts to compare the two thinkers, D. Z. Phillips and James Conant. In chapter four, Schönbaumsfeld develops Kierkegaard''s and Wittgenstein''s concerted criticisms of the ''spaceship view'' of religion and defends it against the common charges of ''fideism'' and ''irrationalism''. As well as contributing to contemporary debate about how to read Kierkegaard''s and Wittgenstein''s work, A Confusion of the Spheres addresses issues which not only concern scholars of Wittgenstein anTrade ReviewA sharply argued contribution to the philosophical effort to understand religious language * John Whittaker, Review of Metaphysics *Genia Schönbaumsfeld's book ... breaks novel ground in its comparison of Kierkegaard and Wittgenstein ... Schönbaumsfeld outlines an attractive interpretative position that gives us a way of making sense not only of Kierkegaard's and Wittgenstein's work ... but of what it is to have a religious belief. ... it deserves to be taken seriously, and is highly recommended. * Jamie Turnbull, International Journal of Philosophical Studies *Genia Schönbaumsfeld's impressive recent book ... offers a novel and fascinating way of understanding Wittgenstein's pivotal aims as a philosopher and the motives behind his work, particularly his 'therapeutic' method. * Jonathan Beale, Ratio *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Kierkegaard's Influence on Wittgenstein's Thought ; 2. The Point of Kierkegaard's and Wittgenstein's Philosophical Authorship ; 3. Sense and Ineffabilia - Kierkegaard and the Tractatus ; 4. A Confusion of the Spheres - Kierkegaard's and Wittgenstein's Conception of Religious Belief ; Conclusion ; Index
£42.27
Oxford University Press Epicureanism at the Origins of Modernity
Book SynopsisThis landmark study examines the role played by the rediscovery of the writings of the ancient atomists, Epicurus and Lucretius, in the articulation of the major philosophical systems of the seventeenth century, and, more broadly, their influence on the evolution of natural science and moral and political philosophy. The target of sustained and trenchant philosophical criticism by Cicero, and of opprobrium by the Christian Fathers of the early Church, for its unflinching commitment to the absence of divine supervision and the finitude of life, the Epicurean philosophy surfaced again in the period of the Scientific Revolution, when it displaced scholastic Aristotelianism. Both modern social contract theory and utilitarianism in ethics were grounded in its tenets. Catherine Wilson shows how the distinctive Epicurean image of the natural and social worlds took hold in philosophy, and how it is an acknowledged, and often unacknowledged presence in the writings of Descartes, Gassendi, HobbeTrade ReviewBy pointing us to the Epicurean flavor of many of the ideas that pervaded seventeenth- and eighteenth-century metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and natural and political philosophy - Catherine Wilson's work offers a great opportunity to improve our understanding of what was involved in the transformation of Scholastic doctrines into modern philosophy. * Anik Waldow, Journal of the American Academy of Religion *Wilson's book is learned, judicious, and full of subtle observations. * Eric Schiliesser, Mind 119 d *lucid and engagingly written... I find the argument entirely compelling... [this] is really a beautiful book. Epicureanism at the Origins of Modernity says true and original things in a pleasing manner. It is worth reading for anyone with even a passing interest in seventeenth-century philosophy. * Antonia LoLordo, Metascience *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Revival of Ancient Materialism ; 1. Atomism and Mechanism ; 2. Corpuscular Effluvia: Between Imagination and Experiment ; 3. Order and Disorder ; 4. Mortality and Metaphysics ; 5. Empiricism and Mortalism ; 6. Three Critics of Epicureanism ; 7. Politics and Community ; 8. The Problem of Materialism in the New Essays ; 9. Some Motives and Incentives to the Study of Nature: The Case of Robert Boyle ; 10. Happiness, Welfare, and Morality ; AFTERWORD ; BIBLIOGRAPHY ; INDEX
£43.22
Oxford University Press Predestination
Book SynopsisPredestination has been the subject of perennial controversy among Christians, although in recent years theologians have shied away from it as a divisive and unedifying topic. In this book Matthew Levering argues that Christian theological reflection needs to continue to return to the topic of predestination, for two reasons: Firstly, predestinarian doctrine is taught in the New Testament. Reflecting the importance of the topic in many strands of Second Temple Judaism, the New Testament authors teach predestination in a manner that explains why Christian theologians continually recur to this topic. Secondly, the doctrine of predestination provides a way for Christian theologians to reflect upon two fundamental affirmations of biblical revelation. The first is God''s love, without any deficiency or crimp, for each and every rational creature; the second is that God from eternity brings about the purpose for which he created us, and that he permits some rational creatures freely and permTrade Reviewa fresh and insightful work on a challenging theological topic. * Todd Billings, Theology *Matthew Levering, a young Roman Catholic scholar from the States, has added to his growing list of publications this wise and scholarly book on a theological theme which continues to be important. The book is well organised, very clearly written (the author explaining complex ideas in accessible ways), and has a clear line of argument which runs from its introduction to its conclusion. It's a nicely produced volume too. * Robert Ellis, Regent's Reviews *Levering's text is valuable as an encyclopedia of predestination, beautifully balancing discussion of primary sources with current secondary literature. * Jeffrey A. Vogel, Journal of Theological Studies *Levering's book should deservedly become a helpful resource for theological students as they begin to engage with issues of grace and election in the Western theological tradition. * John C. McDowell, Colloquium *Predestination is a welcome contribution to the current debates over predestination and it amply displays biblical, theological and historical clarity and competence. I strongly recommend the book and encourage readers to request it for their institutions' libraries * Randal Rauser, Scottish Journal of Theology *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. The Biblical Roots of the Doctrine of Predestination ; 2. The Patristic Period: Outlining the Problem ; 3. The Medieval Period: Seeking a Balance ; 4. The Reformation and Early Modern Period: Causal Chains ; 5. The Twentieth Century: God's Absolute Innocence ; 6. Two Affirmations
£125.88