Theology Books

Book SynopsisPresents a balanced perspective of the doctrine at the center of Christian belief - the Church's faith in eternal life. This work brings together recent emphasis on the theology of hope for the future with more traditional elements of the doctrine. It also includes a preface by Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI.Table of ContentsContents; Preface to the German Original; Preface to the English Edition; A Note on the Current Volume; I. Introduction: The State of the Question; Part One. The Eschatological Problem as a Question About the Very Essence of Christianity; II. The Exegetical Data; III. Word and Reality in Contemporary Appreciation; Part Two. Death and Immortality. The Individual Dimension of Eschatology; IV. The Theology of Death; V. The Immortality of the Soul and the Resurrection of the Dead; Part Three. The Future Life; VI. The Resurrection of the Dead and the Return of Christ; VII. Hell, Purgatory, Heaven; Appendix I. Between Death and Resurrection; Appendix II. Afterword to the English Edition.

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Book SynopsisIn this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Fred Sanders teaches readers how to hold a proper understanding of both the person and power of the Holy Spirit, exploring his role in both the Old and New Testaments.

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Book SynopsisIn the latest volume of the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series, theology professor John S. Feinberg has written a robust treatment of the doctrine of Scripturethe foundation of all theology.

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Book SynopsisBiographical Introduction by William S. Barker. Bunyan wrote extensively on topical theological and practical matters, issues that faced the church in his time, which face us still. The Intercession of Christ is one of these works. In it Bunyan traces the nature of Jesus' intercession, who it should affect, the benefits it gives us and how effective that intercession is. Bunyan is also keen to show the interferences of the doctrine on such subjects as backsliding, how Christ's intervention is affected when we continue to sin, and there sins of God's people worse than the sins of others.

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Book Synopsis‘Give thanks to YHWH, for he is good, for his covenant faithfulness endures for ever’ (Ps. 136:1; a.t.) There are now numerous models that seek to explain how the biblical covenants relate to one another. In an attempt to evaluate these models, James Hely Hutchinson mines the rich seams of the book of Psalms. After covering the key data on covenant relationships in Books 1–3 of the psalter, Hely Hutchinson considers the perplexity expressed in the pivotal Psalm 89: in the face of the exile, the promises to David appear to be null and void. The building blocks of the response lie with the first five books of the Bible, and chiefly with the inviolable character of the promises to Abraham (Book 4 of the psalter). However, if the Abrahamic covenant is to reach fulfilment, the problem of sin must be dealt with once and for all, and a glorious new-covenant regime must be established in which a host of covenants converge in their fulfilment. Central to this regime, which lies beyond the exile, is the eternal rule of David’s superior, righteous seed and son who is also a perpetual priest and a suffering servant (Book 5). Identifying new-covenant newness as ‘eschatological satisfaction (fulfilment)’ and ‘transcendent inauguration’, Hely Hutchinson tackles a range of matters that contribute to our understanding of the contours of redemptive history. The overall aim is to enhance readers’ grasp of God’s breath-taking salvation plan, ability to handle Scripture aright and worship of the Master.Trade ReviewCreative, thoughtful, and attuned to the interconnectedness of Scripture... Pastors preaching on the Psalms will glean from Hutchinson's work, and students and scholars will reap a bountiful harvest. * D. A. Carson & Benjamin L. Gladd *James Hely Hutchinson carefully traces the place of the biblical covenants within the book of Psalms, demonstrating both their importance for the canonical shape of the book and also why this matters for us today. Widely read and closely attentive to the text, this is a vital treatment of this important topic. * David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol *In this book, James Hely-Hutchinson offers an outstanding model for studies on biblical theology exemplifying careful biblical exegesis and showing awareness of relevant scholarly issues involved but also keeping in view the whole storyline of the Bible. He carefully traces from the Book of Psalms how, even in the Old Testament, all the biblical covenants point beyond themselves to something new, bigger and better in fulfilment of the new covenant. Both pastors and students will benefit from the perceptively laid out argument of this book. It is an invaluable source of information for years to come on covenant theology discussions and Psalms study. * Ma’afu Palu – Director of Graphe Bible College, Sydney. Senior Pastor, Tongan Evangelical Wesleyan Church *James Hely Hutchinson has dared to address some large, perpetually debated questions about the relationships among the biblical covenants through a new lens: the book of Psalms. In a creative interweaving of the messages of the different parts of the Psalter—understanding the Psalter as a unified collection in its final form—he shows how the major covenants—Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Levitical, Davidic, and New Covenants—are addressed in the book of Psalms and highlights the continuities, discontinuities, and complementary elements among them. An intriguing read that I recommend with pleasure. * David M. Howard, Jr. Professor of Old Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary *Answering the Psalmist's Perplexity stands as an indispensable resource for scholars delving into the Psalter, providing clarity on its relationship with biblical covenants, particularly the new covenant. Dr. James Hely Hutchinson's meticulous analysis of the Psalms' composition unravels the enigma that the psalmist ponders, shedding light on God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. In this scholarly work, JHH's insights not only enhance our understanding of the Psalter but also contribute to a deeper grasp of its pivotal role within the broader scope of redemptive history. * Angie Velasquez Thornton, Director of Women's Ministry for SOLA (TGC Quebec) *In this fascinating study, Hely Hutchinson deftly and meticulously explores several key issues within a single volume. Not only does he present a robust, holistic interpretation of the Psalter, but he also demonstrates how the relationship between various divine-human covenants informs and is informed by the Psalter’s arrangement. As such, this is a must read for all those interested in the Psalter’s biblical-theological significance and/or contrasting theological systems in which the relationship between various divine covenants is of key importance. * Paul R. Williamson, Lecturer in Old Testament, Hebrew and Aramaic, Moore College, Sydney *James Hely Hutchinson has spent more than two decades studying the arrangement of the psalms in the Psalter. His book provides a compelling account of the way that this arrangement reflects God’s salvation plan. By analysing the relationships between the different covenants mentioned across the Psalter, Hely Hutchinson provides fascinating insights into the way that the psalms work as a collection to give hope for the future ideal Davidic king who will bless and be blessed by a new-covenant people from all nations. He also explains and evaluates a spectrum of seven different positions on covenant relationships and irenically charts a way forward in the light of his findings in the Psalter. His book richly rewards careful reading. * Anthony R. Petterson, Lecturer in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew, Morling College, Sydney *Here is an up-to-date, broad-sweeping engagement with the book of Psalms and its contribution to question of the relationship between the different biblical covenants. The reader finds here innovative interaction between Psalm 89 and the Psalter in its totality, set in the context of biblical theology and working with sound exegesis. Building on his previous work in Psalms studies, Hely Hutchinson tackles a difficult question: "What is new about the new covenant, according to the book of Psalms?" Many studies dealing with editorial criticism on the Psalter have been published in the last few decades. This one carefully locates the discussion not only in the Psalter itself, but also includes careful insights from the different covenants progressively revealed in Scripture. Answering the Psalmist’s Perplexity is a refreshing and challenging study, but also a model of biblical theology. * Pierre Constant, Chair of New Testament Studies, Toronto Baptist Seminary *My resonance with this book is deep and wide, methodological and exegetical. James Hely Hutchinson serves as a surefooted guide (in English! at your desk!) through the highest mountain passes of the Psalter: its editorial arrangement, its contribution to our understanding of the covenants, and its typological presentation of the coming king. Here is a book whose author has meditatively studied the Psalms, and reading this book is the next best thing to exegeting through the Psalter with him in class. So if you can't get to Belgium to take his class in French, avail yourself of what he has provided for you in this book. * James M. Hamilton, Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *

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Book SynopsisThe God that we were brought up on is not big enough to be God. To be both religious and spiritual, modernity must be able to absorb the notion of a cosmic and evolving God. This notion redefines the place and purpose of humanity itself. The old notions of who is in charge, who is superior and whose theology is paramount is in a state of flux. Unless, or until, this new vision comes into play, directs our hearts, guides our business, underlies our technology, the world itself is not ready to understand or survive the horizon of Newness on which it stands.

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Book SynopsisBased on the 1928 Bampton Lectures, The Vision of God was the first of Kenneth E. Kirk''s three major books on moral theology. Drawing inspiration from the ascetic tradition of Christianity, Kirk advocates the priority of worship in ethical thought. Beginning with the sixth beatitude, he places the visio Dei front and centre throughout, placing himself in a eudaimonistic tradition that ranges from Irenaeus to Aquinas and the Shorter Catechism. Worship, he shows, offers the opportunity to discover and acknowledge something more valuable than the self, and thus contains the key to moral instruction. Although Kirk published an expanded ''complete edition'' of The Vision of God in 1931, he notes in the preface to the shorter text presented here that ''what remains approximates to, though it is not quite identical with, the actual lectures as originally delivered.'' The reader therefore has in their hands the essence of Kirk''s thesis, which continues to prompt debate today.Trade Review"It could be argued that Kirk's Vision of God is the single most significant essay on moral theology written by an Anglican in the twentieth century. . . . It is effectively a prolegomenon to virtue ethics, which, since the advent of Alasdair MacIntyre's After Virtue, has once again taken pride of place. But Kirk's argument also directs us towards an integrated vision of theology, where moral, ascetic and doctrinal thought coalesce within one context." Stephen Platten, in Theology, January 2021 "We have never read any theological work which has a more direct bearing on practical problems of ecclesiastical statesmanship and religious policy." Times Literary Supplement "A great book." Expository TimesTable of ContentsForeword Preface Lecture I. The Vision of God in Pre-Christian Thought 1. The Vision of God 2. Formalism and Rigorism 3. Jewish Anticipations 4. Pagan Anticipations 5. Philo of Alexandria Lecture II. The New Testament 1. Rigorism and Eschatology in the Teaching of Jesus 2. New Testament Variations 3. The Origin of New Testament Rigorism 4. The Vision of God in the New Testament Lecture III. Formalism 1. The Beginnings of Codification 2. Codification in the New Testament 3. The Dangers of Formalism 4. The Motive of Reward in the Gospels Lecture IV. Rigorism 1. The Beginnings of Monasticism 2. Monasticism and The Vision of God 3. The Gnostics Lecture V. The Reply to Rigorism (I. - Discipline) 1. Rigorists & Humanists 2. The Two Lives 3. The Reform of Monasticism Lecture VI. The Reply to Rigorism (II. - Doctrine) 1. Naturalism and Christianity 2. St Clement of Alexandria 3. St Augustine 4. St Bernard of Clairvaux Lecture VII. Confusion and Order 1. The Twelfth Century 2. The School of St Victor 3. St Thomas Aquinas 4. St Ignatius of Loyola 5. St Francis de Sales Lecture VIII. Law and Promise 1. The Reversal of Tradition 2. 'Worship' and 'Service' 3. Disinterestedness and Pure Love 4. Conclusion Index

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Book SynopsisAdam Harwood's Christian Theology is both biblically faithful and historically informed, providing a fresh synthesis of the essential doctrines of the faith. Topics include: Preface Theological Method The Doctrine of Revelation General Revelation Special Revelation The Doctrine of God The Doctrine of the Trinity God’s Name God’s Attributes Creation Providence and Evil Angels, Satan, and Demons The Doctrine of Humanity Human Identity and Constitution God’s Design for Human Sexuality Sin Original Sin The Doctrine of Christ The Person of Christ: New Testament Survey The Person of Christ: Doctrinal Development and Theological Issues The Work of Christ: Death and Resurrection, Biblical Survey of the Atonement The Work of Christ: Historical Survey of Atonement Models The Work of Christ: Theological Issues The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Biblical Survey of the Holy Spirit’s Person & Work Historical Survey of the Holy Spirit’s Person & Work Theological Survey of the Holy Spirit’s Person & Work The Doctrine of Salvation Biblical Survey of Salvation Predestination and Election Historical Survey and Issues in the Doctrine of Salvation The Doctrine of the Church Biblical and Historical Survey: The Nature and Marks of the Church Ministries and Ordinances Structures within and among Churches The Doctrine of Last Things Death, Afterlife, and the Christian Hope Thy Kingdom Come Hell and Heaven The church has been entrusted with God's revelation — and to steward the word of truth, we must confess the Bible's teaching with clarity and conviction. Writing from a Baptist perspective, Harwood brings fresh insights that many systematic theologies lack. With readable prose, suggestions for further study, and discussion questions, Christian Theology will equip students and pastors to clarify and articulate what they believe and why.

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Book SynopsisThis book takes a distinctive approach to the same-sex-union debate by framing the issue as a matter of marriage. Darrin Snyder Belousek demonstrates that the interpretation of Scripture affects whether the church should revise its doctrine of marriage for the sake of sanctioning same-sex union. Engaging charitably yet critically with opposing viewpoints, he delves deeply into what marriage is, what it is for, and what it means as presented in the biblical narrative and the theological tradition, articulating a biblical-traditional theology of marriage for the contemporary church. Afterword by Wesley Hill.Table of ContentsContentsLiving in the Midst: A Personal IntroductionPart 1: Surveying the Situation: Where We Are1. Stand at the Crossroads: Taking a Bearing2. Where I Start: Approach and AssumptionsPart 2: Framing the Question: A Matter of Marriage3. A Great Mystery: Marriage in Scripture and Tradition4. From the Beginning: Jesus, Marriage, and Genesis5. Admiring Virginity, Honoring Marriage: Early Church Debate6. Coupled Together Otherwise: Alterations and ImplicationsPart 3: Evaluating the Case: Assessing Arguments for Marriage Innovation7. Hasn't the Church Changed Before? Considering Historical Precedents8. Might Scripture Provide Support? Considering Biblical WarrantsPart 4: Seeking a Direction: Which Way to Walk9. Testing the Spirits: Considering Paths to Innovation10. It Seemed Good to the Holy Spirit: Guidance for DiscernmentAfterword by Wesley HillIndexes

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of Choice Reviews' Outstanding Academic Titles of 2018"

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Book SynopsisA sequel to "The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail", which aims to reveal the very nature of the messianic legacy. This book asks such questions as: Was there more than one Christ? Was Christ the founder of Christianity? Were the disciples as peace-loving as it is traditionally assumed? and more.Trade ReviewWell documented and often sinister facts * Oxford Times *Pacy and interesting * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisWritten between the mid-fourth and late sixth centuries to commemorate and glorify the achievements of early Christian saints, these six biographies depict men who devoted themselves to solitude, poverty and prayer. Athanasius records Antony's extreme seclusion in the Egyptian desert, despite temptation by the devil and visits from his followers. Jerome also shows those who fled persecution or withdrew from society to pursue lives of chastity and asceticism in his accounts of Paul of Thebes, Hilarion and Malchus. In his Life of Martin, Sulpicius Severus describes the achievements of a man who combined the roles of monk, bishop and missionary, while Gregory the Great tells of Benedict, whose Rule became the template for monastic life. Full of vivid incidents and astonishing miracles, these Lives have provided inspiration as models for centuries of Christian worship.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the EnglTable of ContentsChronologyMap of the World of Antony, Paul, Hilarion, Malchus, Martin and BenedictGeneral Introduction:The Early Development of MonasticismThe Writing of Biography: Pagan Past and Christian FuturePrincipal Primary Sources relating to Early MonasticismThe Saints in IconographyTranslation Past and PresentFurther ReadingEarly Christian LivesLife of Antony by AthanasiusLife of Paul of Thebes by JeromeLife of Hilarion by JeromeLife of Malchus by JeromeLife of Martin of Tours by Sulpicius SeverusLife of Benedict by Gregory the GreatNotes

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Book SynopsisStories about gendered social relations permeate the Qur''an, and nearly three hundred verses involve specific women or girls. The Qur''an features these figures in accounts of human origins, in stories of the founding and destruction of nations, in narratives of conquest, in episodes of romantic attraction, and in incidents of family devotion and strife. Overall, stories involving women and girls weave together theology and ethics to reinforce central Qur''anic ideas regarding submission to God and moral accountability.Celene Ibrahim explores the complex cast of female figures in the Qur''an, probing themes related to biological sex, female sexuality, female speech, and women in sacred history. Ibrahim considers major and minor figures referenced in the Qur''an, including those who appear in narratives of sacred history, in parables, in descriptions of the eternal abode, and in verses that allude to events contemporaneous with the advent of the Qur''an in Arabia. Ibrahim finds that the Qur''an regularly celebrates the aptitudes of women in the realms of spirituality and piety, in political maneuvering, and in safeguarding their own wellbeing; yet, women figures also occasionally falter and use their agency toward nefarious ends. Women and Gender in the Qur''an outlines how women and girls - old, young, barren, fertile, chaste, profligate, reproachable, and saintly - enter Qur''anic sacred history and advance the Qur''an''s overarching didactic aims.Trade ReviewThis very readable book is an important intervention in the field of religion and gender and will benefit a wide range of audience, within and beyond the academy. The book will appeal to outsiders to Qur'ānic studies...Those within the field of Qur'ānic studies will profit from Ibrahim's many fresh exegetical insights, and by dialogue with her work our understanding of gender in the Qu'ān will be markedly advanced. * Tareq Moqbel, Regent's Park College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, Religion and Gender *...the appendices at the end of the work will be of particular interest to both scholars and students alike. Here Ibrahim collates all instances of female figures as well as female speech in the Qur'ān, which will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to any scholar working in this field. * F. Redhwan Karim, Markfield Institute of Higher Education, Reorient, Pluto Journals *Overall, this very readable book is an important intervention in the field of religion and gender and will benefit a wide range of audience, within and beyond the academy. The book will appeal to outsiders to Qur'ānic studies--for instance, the various references to Biblical literature, especially in the endnotes, will be welcomed by Biblical studies specialists. * Tareq Moqbel, Regent's Park College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, Religion and Gender *Ibrahim's very fine work is an invaluable resource * John Kaltner, Horizons *essential reading * Muhammad Misbah, Women's History Review *The author manages to artfully take an issue related to gender under the subheading of her chosen areas and discuss it through the prism of modern nuanced political connotations ... The book provides excellent ideas about gender and women in the Qur'an and is a welcome contribution to the dynamic field of Qur'anic studies. * Shahrul Hussain, Ibn Rushd Centre of Excellence for Islamic Research, UK, The Muslim World Book Review *Precise and illuminating. * Leila Karami, Studi e Materiali di Storia delle Religioni *Through analysis of female representations in the Qur'an, Ibrahim earns a place alongside noteworthy scholars such as Fazlur Rahman, Ingrid Mattson, Amina Wadud, and Barbara Stowasser.... Women and Gender in the Qur'an is a valuable resource for devotional and secular readers, those interested in women in scriptures, and scholars engaged in the study of the Qur'an more generally. * Studies in Religion *Ibrahim's meticulous excavation of female figures in the Qur'an has made us all richer. Decades from now, this book will inspire scholars, feminists, Muslims, and a combination of the three. I highly and enthusiastically recommend her book to academics, researchers, Muslims, and astute readers alike. * Aayah Musa, Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion *A refreshing contribution to the growing scholarship on women and gender in qur'anic studies. * Hadia Mubarak, Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion *Celene Ibrahim's work, which surveys, documents, and critically analyzes the narratives, expositional references, and conceptual formulations of women and gender in the Qur'an, is an important and critical contribution for scholars engaged in the work of constructive Muslim theology, ethics, and qur'anic interpretation. As a work of qur'anic studies, Ibrahim has produced an invaluable reference for exploring the Qur'an's engagement with women, gender, sexuality, and family.... Ibrahim has assembled in Women and Gender in the Qur'an a handbook that not only will serve as an essential starting point for future researchers but also is itself a signif-icant articulation of Muslima hermeneutics. * Martin Nguyen, Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion *Ibrahim's work demonstrates that gender is a valuable analytical category for qur'anic studies that can deepen our understanding of qur'anic meaning, language, and chronology. * Rahel Fischbach, Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion *Well written and thoughtfully structured, the book is a valuable scholarly contribution to contemporary Muslim theological writing. * Choice *Celene Ibrahim's Women and Gender in the Qur'an is a welcome and significant contribution to the growing scholarship on women and gender in Qur'anic studies. * Hadia Mubarak, Reading Religion *Is there sex in the Quranic paradise? And who are these grammatically feminine but possibly non-gendered beings who inhabit its otherworldly realms? Do Quranic representations of women's faith, wisdom, knowledge, differ from its representation of men's? These are just some of the questions which Ibrahim explores in this book, the first comprehensive survey in English of female figures in the Quran and an important contribution to scholarship. * Leila Ahmed, Victor S. Thomas Professor of Divinity, Harvard University *Ibrahim shines new light on gender in the Qur'an with a comprehensive analysis of its narratives about women. Drawing out unexpected resonances between stories, she highlights their underlying thematic coherence. Her focus on the ethical and didactic force of the stories will be compelling both for people of faith (Muslim and otherwise) and for scholars and students seeking a holistic gender-sensitive reading of the Qur'an. * Marion Katz, Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, New York University *Women and Gender in the Quran is a fine analysis of female agency, faith, wisdom, knowledge and proximity to God in Islam. Celene Ibrahim, a major voice in conversations about Islamic leadership in the United States, argues persuasively in this book that even if women are not explicitly named as prophets, they often function to confirm God's words and promises in the Quran. This book is a must- read for anybody interested in understanding female figures in the Quran. * Ousmane Kane, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Professor of Contemporary Islamic Religion and Society, Harvard University *Celene Ibrahim's textual analysis and re-reading of sex, gender, and the female figures in the Qur'an is a timely and important contribution, which does not shy away from addressing difficult issues. It is welcome as a work of academic scholarship in the field of Qur'anic studies as well as one of Muslima theology. * Karen Bauer, author of Gender Hierarchy in the Qur'an: Medieval Interpretations, Modern Responses *Celene Ibrahim's textual study Women and Gender in the Qur'an presents a multitude of new, insightful findings resulting from her shift in perspective and methodology within the research field. Her approach to the Qur'an involves a more open perspective on the issue of women and gender in the Qur'an...Specifically, Ibrahim examines the representation of female figures in narrative text structures, like those found in stories of the biblical prophets and those involving groups of women who are explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an, such as the women of the prophetic family (ahl al-bayt). * Nimet Åeker, Humboldt-Universität, Berliner Institut für Islamische Theologie,Berlin, Germany, Die Welt des Islams *Over a billion people claim Islam as their religious tradition, yet billions more know little or nothing about it, and even less about women in Islam. This scholarly yet accessible book provides a helpful overview of gender matters with abundant resources for future study. A serious volume for enrichment and collaboration across religious traditions. * Water Women Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Religion *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Notes on Transliteration, Translation, and Abbreviations Introduction 1. Female Sex and Sexuality 2. Procreation, Parenting, and Female Kin 3. Women Speakers and Interlocutors 4. Women Exemplars for an Emerging Polity Conclusion Appendices Notes Bibliography Indices

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Book SynopsisThe City of God, written in the aftermath of the Gothic sack of Rome in AD 410, is the most influential of Augustine's works, having played a decisive role in the formation of the Christian West. Gerard O'Daly's book is the most comprehensive modern guide to it in any language.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition An expert and well-judged study, and one long needed * Journal of Roman Studies *O'Daly's knowledge of Augustine bibliography is stunningly wide-ranging, always well-judged, and immensely helpful in guiding the reader to informed further research in any one of the multitude of themes and ideas which cluster together in the City of God. * Journal of Theological Studies *O'Daly intends to provide a detailed yet accessible reading of Augstine's vast and complex masterpiece, directed at a wide group of readers who are not necessarily specialists. By taking up this task O'Daly fills indeed a gap in scholarship that was long overdue, and he is a scholar most apt for this task. * Church History *Table of ContentsAbbreviated Titles: General Abbreviated Titles of Augustine's and Other Writings 1: Cities Real and Desired 2: The Making of the Book 3: The Apologetic Tradition 4: The Theme of the Two Cities 5: The Structure of the City of God, and a Summary of its Contents 6: `Where Were the Gods?': Books 1-5 7: Varro, Platonists, and Demons: Books 6-10 8: Creation, the Fall, and the Regime of the Passions: Books 11-14 9: The History of the Two Cities: Books 15-18 10: Final Destinations: Books 19-22 11: Influences and Sources 12: The Place of the City of God in Augustine's Writings Appendix A: The Title De Civitate Dei Appendix B: Manuscripts, Editions, and Reception Appendix C: 'Breviculus', 'Capitula', and 'Canon' Appendix D: The Chronology in City 18. 54 Bibliography Index of Selected Passages Cited General Index

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Book SynopsisAlister E. McGrath provides a fresh and engaging account of the origins, development, and abiding importance of Christian doctrine. The book explores why Christianity developed doctrines in the first place, and why doctrines continue to be vital to the present and future of Christian communities.Table of ContentsPreface 1: On the Origins of Christian Doctrine 2: Theorizing the Identity of Christ: On Early Christian Doctrinal Development 3: The Functions of Christian Doctrine 4: The Three Worlds of Christian Doctrine: Theoretical, Objective, and Subjective 5: Seeing the Face of God: On the Doctrine of the Incarnation 6: Doctrine: Ontological Disclosure and Coordinating Framework 7: The Doctrine of Salvation: Coherence, Comprehensiveness, and Theological Mapping Conclusion Bibliography

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Book SynopsisDeification in the Greek patristic tradition was the fulfilment of the destiny for which humanity was created - not merely salvation from sin but entry into the fullness of the divine life of the Trinity. This book, the first on the subject for over sixty years, traces the history of deification from its birth as a second-century metaphor with biblical roots to its maturity as a doctrine central to the spiritual life of the Byzantine Church. Drawing attention to the richness and diversity of the patristic approaches from Irenaeus to Maximus the Confessor, Norman Russell offers a full discussion of the background and context of the doctrine, at the same time highlighting its distinctively Christian character.Trade ReviewNorman Russell presents his subject with the assurance of a master... He displays not just understanding of the material, but also a clear awareness of the field of patristic studies... this is a masterpiece of what historical discussion of Christian doctrine should be: historically acute and theologically perceptive. * Andrew Louth, The Times Higher Education Supplement *The scope and precision of this book are beyond praise...the work is an admirable resource and could hardly be bettered. * Anthony Meredith, The Journal of Theological Studies *Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. Deification in the Graeco-Roman World ; 3. The Jewish Paradigm: From Ezekiel to the yored merkavah ; 4. The Earliest Christian Model: Participatory Union with Christ ; 5. The Alexandrian Tradition I: Christian Schools and Study-Circles ; 6. The Alexandrian Tradition II: The Imposition of Episcopal Control ; 7. The Cappadocian Approach: Divine Transcendence and the Ascent of the Soul ; 8. The Monastic Synthesis: The Achievement of Maximus the Confessor ; 9. Epilogue

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a full, contextual study of St Irenaeus of Lyons, the first great theologian of the Christian tradition. John Behr sets Irenaeus both within his own context of the second century, a fundamental period for the formation of Christian identity, elaborating the distinction between orthodoxy and heresy and expounding a comprehensive theological vision, and also within our own contemporary context, in which these issues are very much alive again. Against the commonly-held position that ''orthodoxy'' was established by excluding others, the ''heretics'', Behr argues that it was the self-chosen separation of the heretics that provided the occasion for those who remained together to clarify the lineaments of their faith in a church that was catholic by virtue of embracing different voices in a symphony of many voices and whose chief architect was Irenaeus, who, as befits his name, urged peace and toleration.The first chapter explores Irenaeus'' background in Asia Minor, as a disciple of Polycarp of Smyrna, his activity in Gaul, and his involvement with the Christian communities in Rome. The theological and institutional significance of his interventions is made clear by tracing the coalescence of the initially fractionated communities in Rome into a united body over the first two centuries.The second chapter provides a full examination of Irenaeus'' surviving writings, concentrating especially on the literary and rhetorical structure of his five books Against the Heresies, his ''refutation and overthrowal'' of his opponents in the first two books, and his establishing a framework for articulating orthodoxy.The final chapter explores the theological vision of Irenaeus itself, on its own terms rather than the categories of later dogmatic theology, grounded in an apostolic reading of Scripture and presenting a vibrant and vigorous account of the diachronic and synchronic economy or plan of God, seen through the work of Christ which reveals how the Hands of God have been at work from the beginning, fashioning the creature, made from mud and animated with a breath of life, into his own image and likeness, vivified by the Holy Spirit, to become a ''living human being, the glory of God''.Trade Review...In his usual lucid and succinct manner, B. organizes in a modest three chapters a volume that is profoundly researched and the product of mature thought about Irenaeus and his theological legacy. It thus admirably meets the series's goals to produce 'well-researched yet accessible books. * Theological Studies *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Irenaeus of Lyons: Ambassador for Peace, Reconciliation, and Toleration ; Vienne and Lyons ; The Christian Communities at Rome ; Irenaeus and Florinus, Eleutherus and Victor ; Polycarp and Irenaeus ; The Chronology of Irenaeus Life and Writings ; 2. Against the Heresies ; Structure ; Refutation and Overthrowal (haer. 1-2) ; 3. The Glory of God (haer.3-5) ; The Concise Word ; The Arc of the Economy ; The Work of God ; The Symphony of Salvation ; Living Human Beings, The Martyrs ; Conclusion ; Bibliography

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Book SynopsisJesus of Nazareth and the four New Testament gospels continue to fascinate people from many cultural and religious backgrounds. Who was Jesus? Are Christian claims about him supported by solid historical evidence? How reliable are the evangelists'' portraits of Jesus which were written some fifty years after his crucifixion? These questions can be explored only on the basis of a sound grasp of the intentions and methods of the four evangelists. Professor Stanton insists that the evangelists are concerned with both the story and the significance of Jesus of Nazareth. Part I of this book examines the distinctive emphases of all four evangelists and discusses the apocryphal gospels, with special reference to the Gospel of Thomas. Part II deals with the ways of assessing the evidence for Jesus and explores his teaching, intentions, and the reasons for his downfall.This book pays particular attention to appropriate methods for careful study of the gospels and the historical Jesus to provideTrade Review'Dr. Graham Stanton is a renowned exegete and expositor of the Gospels. His The Gospels and Jesus has been a standard teaching tool since it was first published in 1989. I am delighted to have received the updated, second edition. It is a rare achievement for any author to comprehend, digest, and present such a vast amount of scholarly research in a simple, clear, and readable format. From my own standpoint, I am especially happy to see how the recent debates about the historical Jesus are judiciously reflected in the expanded treatment of the subject in this second edition, which deserves as much dissemination and use as the first.' * John P. Meier, University of Notre Dame *Review from previous edition '...an excellent introduction to the present day study of the gospels. The style of the book is simple and attractive.' * Irish Biblical Studies *'The current updating of Graham Stanton's book will help it maintain its preeminent position as a valuable and authoritative introduction suitable for a wide readership.' * Keith Elliott, University of Leeds *'I continue to be impressed with how well the author has achieved the aim of covering so much material and so many issues within comparatively brief scope.' * US review of the proposed new edition *'Graham Stanton's book is well-known and highly regarded as an excellent introduction to the study of Jesus and the Gospels. The author is of course a well-known and established New Testament scholar, well-placed to introduce students to the discipline and subject matter. A lot has happened in the field of New Testament studies in the eleven years since the book was first published, and it would be of great benefiit for the book to be revised to take account of these developments.' * UK review of the proposed new edition *'an even better book than before, now presented in an enlarged and attractive format' * Morna D. Hooker,The Epwoth Review *'he has again produced a work that is remarkable for the clarity of its argument and the breadth of its scholarship' * J.E. Tollington, Journal of the STudy of the Old Testament *Table of ContentsPART I; 8. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT JESUS OF NAZARETH?

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Book SynopsisThis selection of writings from the most important moments in the history of Christianity has become established as a classic reference work. This new edition brings the anthology up-to-date with a new section looking at issues facing the twenty-first century churches.Trade ReviewSome documents have over generations been recognised as key to understanding Christian history; those will be found in this collection, as they have been since long ago Henry Bettenson first conceived of the project. Now they are helpfully enriched with sources which might have astonished Bettenson, but which testify to the extraordinary variety of the communities which call themselves Christian. * Diarmaid Macculloch *Great overview of both history of Christianity and contemporary issues. * Annika Hvithamar, University of Copenhagen *This is a new and improved version of a popular and accessible old classic ... which brings together some of the most significant documents and texts in church history. ... the updated Bettenson and Maunder remains a very useful repository of a broad range of standard texts from across the centuries. * Lee Gatiss, Churchman *Table of ContentsI: THE EARLY CHURCH (TO THE COUNCIL OF CHALCEDON, 451); II: FROM THE COUNCIL OF CHALCEDON TO THE PRESENT

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Book SynopsisWhere does our conscience come from? How reliable is it? In the West conscience has been relied upon for two thousand years as a judgement that distinguishes right from wrong. It has effortlessly moved through every period division and timeline between the ancient, medieval, and modern. The Romans identified it, the early Christians appropriated it, and Reformation Protestants and loyal Catholics relied upon its advice and admonition. Today it is embraced with equal conviction by non-religious and religious alike. Considering its deep historical roots and exploring what it has meant to successive generations, Paul Strohm highlights why this particularly European concept deserves its reputation as ''one of the prouder Western contributions to human rights and human dignity throughout the world.'' Using examples from popular culture including the Disney classic Pinocchio, as well as examples from contemporary politics, he explores the work of thinkers such as Nietzsche, Freud, and AquinaTable of Contents1. Encountering conscience ; 2. Christian conscience ; 3. The secularization of conscience ; 4. Three critics of conscience: Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Freud ; 5. Is conscience a civil right? ; 6. The prospects for conscience

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Book SynopsisThe life and works of Augustine of Hippo (354-430) have shaped the development of the Christian Church, sparking controversy and influencing the ideas of theologians through subsequent centuries. His words are still frequently quoted in devotions throughout the global Church today. His key themes retain a striking contemporary relevance - what is the place of the Church in the world? What is the relation between nature and grace?Augustine''s intellectual development is recounted with clarity and warmth in this newly rediscovered biography of Augustine, as interpreted by the acclaimed church historian, the late Professor Henry Chadwick. Augustine''s intellectual journey from schoolboy and student to Bishop and champion of Western Christendom in a period of intense political upheaval, is narrated in Chadwick''s characteristically rigorous yet sympathetic style.With a foreword by Peter Brown reflecting on Chadwick''s distinctive approach to Augustine.Trade Reviewa skilfully and colourfully woven narrative of Augustine's life and times. * Margaret Lane. The Journal of Theological Studies *This book is not just a delight, it's a treasure... a book you can't miss. * Ranald Macauley, Evangelicals Now *Table of ContentsForeword ; 1. A Personal Quest ; 2. Cassiciacum and death of Monnica at Ostia ; 3. Back to Thagaste ; 4. Discovering the Church ; 5. Bishop ; 6. North African Christianity ; 7. Christian Culture ; 8. Divided Christians ; 9. Discerning the Trinity ; 10. Two cities ; 11. Freedom and Grace ; Selected Reading

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Book SynopsisExamining Genesis in a philosophical light, this book presents it as the enduring story of humanity itself. It contains insights about human nature that "rival anything produced by the great philosophers." It explores the struggles in Genesis to launch a new way of life that addresses mankind's morally ambiguous nature by promoting righteousness.Trade Review"A learned and fluent, delightfully overstuffed stroll through the Gates of Eden.... Mix Harold Bloom with Stephen Jay Gould and you'll get something like Kass. A wonderfully intelligent reading of Genesis." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Throughout his book, Kass uses fruitful, fascinating techniques for getting at the heart of Genesis.... Innumerable times [he] makes a reader sit back and rethink what has previously been tediously familiar or baffling." - Washington Post "Extraordinary.... Its analyses and hypotheses will leave no reader's understanding of Genesis unchanged." - New York Times "It is important to state that this is a book not merely rich, but prodigiously rich with insight. Kass is a marvelous reader, sensitive and careful. His interpretations surprise again and again with their cogency and poignancy." - Jerusalem Post"

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Book SynopsisA magnificent history of doctrine.New York Review of BooksIn this volume Jaroslav Pelikan continues the splendid work he has done thus far in his projected five-volume history of the development of Christian doctrine, defined as 'what the Church believes, teaches, and confesses on the basis of the word of God.' The entire work will become an indispensable resource not only for the history of doctrine but also for its reformulation today. Copious documentation in the margins and careful indexing add to its immense usefulness.E. Glenn Hinson, Christian CenturyThis book is based on a most meticulous examination of medieval authorities and the growth of medieval theology is essentially told in their own words. What is more important, however, then the astounding number of primary sources the author has consulted or his sovereign familiarity with modern studies on his subject, is his ability to discern form and direction in the bewildering growth of medieval Christian doctrine, and, by thou

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Book SynopsisThis is the first part of Paul Tillich's three-volume Systematic Theology, one of the most profound statements of the Christian message ever composed and the summation and definitive presentation of the theology of the most influential and creative American theologian of the twentieth century.

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Book SynopsisA justification of Zizioulas' controversial ontology on epistemological, patristic and theological lines.Trade ReviewDr Chiapetti has produced a comprehensive, profound and fair discussion of Patristic theology, as presented in my work, particularly with regard to its ontological significance. A most successful attempt to bring to the surface the immense significance of Patristic theology for human existence. John D. Zizioulas, Metropolitan of Pergamon Despite being the most influential living Greek theologian, John Zizioulas' publications are largely occasional. Chiapetti knows the thickets of Zizioulas' ouvre like no one else. His defence of his theology - against all comers - tests its theological roots and explores its philosophical implications for notions of personhood and freedom. Impressive! Andrew Louth, Professor Emeritus of Patristic and Byzantine Studies, Durham University In addition to providing a lucid and insightful systematic presentation of Zizioulas' theological vision, Chiapetti breaks new ground by offering a constructive defense of 'the father's eternal freedom'. A must read for those interested in Zizioulas and in contemporary trinitarian theology. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Professor of Theology, Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture, and co-founding director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University Chiapetti studies here for the first time in depth Zizioulas' Trinitarian theology, the keystone of his synthesis. Led by a rigorous historical and theological method, this study sheds new light on Zizioulas' thought. Chiapetti's work is important for the ecumenical movement, but also for contemporary reflection on man and on the authentic basis of his freedom. Carmelo Giuseppe Conticello, Professor of Byzantine Theology at the Pontifical Oriental Institute and Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueTable of ContentsForeword Preface Note on Citations Abbreviations Introduction: General Aspects of the Figure and Thought of Zizioulas Part 1: Zizioulas' Reading of the Fathers: The Notion of Person and the Doctrine of the Monarchy of the Father 1. The Emergence of the Attribution of Primary Ontological Content to the Notion of Person in Trinitarian Reflection 2. The Father, the Ontological Principle of the Triune and One Being of God Part 2: Zizioulas' Theological Development: The Father, Free Cause of Being as Personhood-Freedom 3. The Father: 'The Ultimate Reality of God's Personal Existence' 4. The Freedom that 'Springs from the Very Way the Hypostases are Constituted': From the Freedom of the Father, the Freedom of God Concluding Remarks: Zizioulas' Bold Exercise in Theological Reflection Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFerdinand Christian Baur''s Die Christliche Gnosis, first published in 1835, is considered by many to be the most important book on Gnosticism published in the nineteenth century and is a pivotal work within Baur''s canon. Baur''s unique thesis of a link between ancient and modern religious philosophy, as well as his conception of Gnosticism - developed through dialogues with his predecessors and contemporaries - consolidate Christian Gnosis as an important contribution to Christian theology. In this seminal work, written over a hundred years before the manuscript discovery at Nag Hammadi, Baur classifies the gnostic systems in terms of how they conceive the relationship of Christianity to Judaism and paganism, describing them in detail. He then goes on to describe the criticism of and reaction to gnosis in church history, before contending with the modern religious philosophy of his time, discussing Boehme, Schelling, Schleiermacher and Hegel. Christian Gnosis is Baur''s first great rTrade ReviewThat Baur's speculative masterpiece, Die christliche Gnosis (1835), has not been translated into English before now has always struck me as a scandal. The translation by Brown of this difficult and sometimes meandering text is impeccable. But what is even more impressive is that in his translation we capture the excitement of Baur's critical retrieval of ancient forms of thought that has shaped a form of modern Protestantism that moves decisively beyond sola scriptura. Cyril O'Regan, Catherine F. Huisking Professor of Theology, Notre Dame University In Christian Gnosis, Baur set forth with vigor and surprising clarity what he referred to as the 'internal coherence' of the gnostic system, from antiquity to the thought of his older contemporaries. In this beautifully annotated translation, Peter Hodgson and Robert Brown make this important work accessible to the anglophone world at last, enabling a new generation of readers to wrestle with Baur's provocative synthesis of a perennial theme. David Lincicum, Rev. John A. O'Brien Associate Professor of Theology, Notre Dame UniversityTable of ContentsEditor's Foreword Baur's Preface Baur's Introduction: The Topic of This Investigation and How it Has Been Treated: Massuet, Mosheim, Neander Abbreviations Part One: The Concept and Origin of Gnosis, the Division of Gnosis as to Its Various Principal Forms, and Their General Determination 1. The Concept of Gnosis 2. The Origins of Gnosis 3. Classification of the Gnostic Systems Part Two: The Various Principal Forms of Gnosis 1. The Form of Gnosis Linking Christianity Closely to Judaism and Paganism 2. The Form of Gnosis Separating Christianity from Judaism and Paganism: The System of Marcion 3. The Form of Gnosis Identifying Christianity and Judaism, and Setting Forth Both of Them in Opposition to Paganism: The Pseudo-Clementine System Part Three: The Conflict of Gnosis with Neoplatonism and with the Teaching of the Church; the Further Development of Gnosis in Virtue of This Conflict Introduction: The Pagan and Christian Polemic against Gnosis 1. The Polemic of the Neoplatonists against the Gnostics 2. The Polemic against Gnosis by the Church Fathers: Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria Part Four: Ancient Gnosis and More Recent Religious Philosophy 1. The Transition from Ancient Gnosis to the More Recent Religious Philosophy 2. The More Recent Religious Philosophy Index of Persons Index of Subjects

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Book SynopsisVon Harnack's landmark 'farewell gift' to students of 1 Clement.Trade ReviewMany of Harnack's analyses and insights into 1 Clement retain their value in today's marketplace of historical inquiry. Cerone's adept translation has done a great service to Anglophone scholarship, by converting this wealth into usable currency. Critical readers will discover a worthy return on investment. Paul Hartog, Professor of Theology, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary Jacob Cerone's edition of Adolf von Harnack's seminal study of 1 Clement is an outstanding premiere to what promises to be an impressive series, Classic Studies on the Apostolic Fathers. From the characteristically erudite introduction to Harnack's essay by Prof. Larry Welborn, to the smooth translation of Harnack's influential 'farewell gift' to his church history students, to the four still-valuable articles on 1 Clement by Harnack appended to the essay, this volume shines with insight. For anyone interested in 1 Clement - which should be any student of early Christianity - this is a must-have volume. David J. Downs, author of Alms: Charity, Reward, and Atonement in Early Christianity This fine little volume provides a clear and lucid rendering of a classic German study not widely known and only rarely used by English readers of 1 Clement. The vibrant contemporary style and careful sensitivity to von Harnack's original emphasis is admirable. Cerone's careful work is much appreciated, and serious students of the Apostolic Fathers do well to have this publication available for their own research. Clayton N. Jefford, Professor of Scripture, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of TheologyTable of ContentsSeries Foreword: Classic Studies on the Apostolic Fathers Preface: Adolf von Harnack and 1 Clement, by Jacob N. Cerone Acknowledgments, by Jacob N. Cerone Foreword: Harnack's Testament, by Larry Welborn Preface Introduction 1. The Transmission of the Letter The Letter 2. The Author 3. Characteristics of the Letter and Its Religious Content 4. The Sources of Clementine-Roman Christianity 1. The Old Testament 2. Christ and the Christian 3. The Rational-Moralistic Idealism of the Age and Its Literary and Aesthetic Forms Excursus: The Political Stance 5. The Struggle in Corinth over the Ecclesiastical Officials and the Order of the Office Section I Section II Section III Excursus: Is the Attitude of the Letter Specifically Roman? 6. Problems That Have not yet Been Conclusively Investigated Posed by 1 Clement, Which Can Also Be Addressed in Seminars 7. A Look at the Development of Church History, Which the Letter Grants and That Should Be Studied 8. Concluding Word Notes Appendix I: The Recently Discovered Latin Translation of 1 Clement Appendix II: New Studies on the Recently Discovered Latin Translation of 1 Clement Appendix III: The First Letter of Clement: A Study to Determine the Character of the Oldest Form of Gentile Christianity Appendix IV: The Epithet "Servant of God" Used of Jesus and Its History in the Ancient Church Bibliography Index to 1 Clement by Harnack Index of Authors Index of Subjects Index of Ancient Sources

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Book SynopsisThe Holy Spirit has become an object of greater attention in Trinitarian theology, and indeed in the broader life of the Church, since the rise of Pentecostalism at the beginning of the twentieth century. Different understandings of the Holy Spirit have had different impacts on worship; here, Elizabeth Welch examines four surprising overlaps in the thought of two radically different traditions of the church about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and worship. These traditions are represented by John Owen, from seventeenth-century England, and John Zizioulas, from contemporary Greece. Welch explores in turn the common themes of the personal and relational nature of the triune God, the immediacy of the encounter with God through the Holy Spirit in worship, the role of the Holy Spirit in leading people into truth, and the transformative nature of worship that draws people into sharing God''s purpose for the world. In each, the insights of Owen and Zizioulas shed new light on the onTrade ReviewThis timely and scholarly book deepens ecumenical thinking about the connection between the Holy Spirit and the church's worship. Elizabeth Welch reveals unexpected convergences between John Owen (Reformed) and John Zizioulas (Orthodox), widely separated in time and in ecclesial tradition, in her dynamic, relational, and transformative theology of the Holy Spirit in worship. Both liturgy and theology will be enriched by the study of this book. Paul Avis, Durham University and University of Exeter Throughout this book, Elizabeth Welch makes fresh and stimulating connections. She writes persuasively about the meeting of Christian West and Christian East in the rich theology of the Holy Spirit and of worship developed by the seventeenth-century Puritan John Owen and the contemporary Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas. Through this sharply focused study, she illuminates central ecclesiological themes common to East and West. This is an original, thought-provoking, and profoundly irenic book. Nicholas Sagovsky, King's College London What connects a seventeenth-century English Puritan with a twenty-first-century Greek Orthodox theologian? The Holy Spirit! Elizabeth Welch's analysis of pneumatology in John Owen and John Zizioulas reveals unexpected convergence between the two thinkers. Insightful and stimulating, there is much here which promotes the quest to renew Christian worship and reinvigorate ecumenical dialogue. Robert Pope, Westminster College, Cambridge, United Kingdom In a post-denominational era, where the momentum of the church seems to have shifted to the 'new' and 'pentecostal' churches, Dr. Welch's book is an important contribution to the contemporary ecumenical discussion about the place and work of the Holy Spirit in the worship of the church and a reminder of the significance of the historic discussions to that debate." John Burgess, retired minister and training officer of the United Reformed Church In my opinion it is still the case that the latter has far too little emphasis, especially in Protestant services. I am therefore happy with this pneumatological attention to the liturgy and find it very commendable that the author also empahasises this in one (special) reformed 'father'. At the same time I think that the pneumatological reflection in this book are undeveloped. Owen and Zizioulas and their diverse contexts and positions demand so much from the author, that a pneumatological approach to worship in the primer remains. It would be great if Welch came soon time takes us into the next layers of paint. Klaas Bom In KERK EN THEOLOGIE 74.3 (2023), pp317-318.Table of ContentsForeword by Ben Quash Preface Acknowledgments 1. The Holy Spirit and Worship: Setting the Scene 2. Owen's and Zizioulas's Trinitarian Foundations 3. The "Dynamic Recovery" of the Holy Spirit in Owen and Zizioulas 4. The Significance of Worship for Owen and Zizioulas 5. The Quadrilateral, Part One: The Holy Spirit and the Trinity - Personal and Relational Understanding 6. The Quadrilateral, Part Two: The Holy Spirit Encountered in Worship - Immediacy, Mediation, and Otherness 7. The Quadrilateral, Part Three: "The Spirit Will Guide You into All the Truth" 8. The Quadrilateral, Part Four: Worship in the Power of the Holy Spirit - The Nature of Transformation 9. The Holy Spirit and Worship: Ecumenical Implications Appendix: Contents of Goold's edition of John Owen's Works Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisChristological terminology in its Biblical and Early Church contextsTable of ContentsAbbreviations Introduction Chapter 1. The Son of Man 1. Philological Problems and Problems connected with the History of Religion 2. The Son of Man Concept and the Preaching of Jesus 3. Words concerning the futre Action of the Son of Man 4. Words concerning the earthly Deeds of the Son of Man 5. Words concerning the Passion and Resurrection of the Son of Man Excursus I: The Idea of the Vicariously Suffering Servant of God in the Earliest Christianity Chapter 2. Kyrios 1. The Hellenistic and Old Testament Use of the Title of Lord 2. The Description of Jesus as Lord in the Palestinian Tradition 3. The 'Lord' who is to come again 4. The Exalted One as 'Kyrios' Excursus II: Psalm 110:1 and the Idea of the Exaltation of Jesus Chapter 3. Christos 1. The Background in teh Old Testament and Late Judaism 2. The Significance of the Messianic Concept in the Life of Jesus 3. The Messianism of Jesus in the Oldest Tradition 4. Jesus as Messiah in the Context of the Concept of Exaltaion 5. The Connection of the Passion-Tradition with the Christos Title 6. The Generalisation of the Christos Title and its Use as a Proper Name Excursus III: Analysis of Mark 8:27-33 Excursus IV: The Conception of the High Priestly Messiah and the Primitive Christian Tradition Chapter 4. Son of David 1. Jesus as Son of David in the Oldest Tradition 2. Jesus as Son of David in Hellenistic Jewish Christianity 3. JThe Davidic Sonsihip of Jesus in the Nativity Narratives of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke Chapter 5. Son of God 1. The Presumptions of the early Christian Title Son of God 2. Son of God as Designation of the Jesus who is to come again and of the Exalted One 3. The Son of God Conception in Hellensitic Jewish Christianity 4. Jesus as Son of God in Hellenistic Gentile Christianity 5. Jesus as 'the Son' Excursus V: Analysis of the Transfiguration and Baptism Narratives Retrospect Appendix: The Eschatological Prophet Index of Subjects Index of Biblical Passages

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Book SynopsisA systematic treatment of eschatology from one of the great reformed theologians of the twentieth century.Table of Contents1. The Significance of Hope in Human Life 2. Belief in the Progress of Humanity 3. The Ground of the Christian Hope 4. Faith and History 5. The Christian Understanding of Time and Eternity (Appendix: The Biblical Conception of Time and the Kantian Antinomies of Time) 6. The Ecclesia as the Present Reality of the Future and the Transformation of the Idea of Revolution 7. The Christian Hope of Progress and the Utopian Millennium 8. The Negative Promise: Antichrist 9. The Future Advent of Jesus Christ as the Meaning of History 10. The Significance of the Christian Hope of Eternity for Life in the Present 11. The Mystery of Death 12. Death as the Transition to Eternal Life 13. The Problem Set by the Biblical Representation of the End of History (i) Mythological Elements in the New Testament Message (ii) The Changed Picture of the World and its Implications for the Christian Hope (iii) The Significance of the Expectation of the Parousia in the Near Future (iv) The Paradox of the End of History 14. The Parousia, the Coming of the Son of God in Glory 15. The Resurrection 16. The Completion of Humanity in the Kingdom of God 17. The Last Judgement and the Problem of Universal Redemption 18. The End of All Things: The Consummation 19. Postscript Instead of Foreword: The Present Theological Situation Notes

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Book SynopsisT.F. Torrance''s Conflict and Agreement in the Church gathers together his most influential essays and articles on topics relating to ecumenism. Himself involved heavily in the ecumenical movement, he wrote that ''ours must be the task of learning together again how to confess, like the early Church, faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and God in all its breadth and length and height and depth, and therefore in the overflowing love of God.'' Out of this conviction grew a comprehensive doctrine of the Church ''in which our differences are lost sight of because they are destroyed from behind by a masterful faith in the Saviour of men.''In this first volume, Torrance presents a set of essays engaging theologically with different denominations, along with responses to particular problems facing the ecumenical project. In particular, writing after the third world conference on faith and order, he addresses the hopes and barriers it raised to closer ecumenical relations. Throughout, Torrance''sTrade Review'The book is one that demands the closest attention from any theologian who interests himself in the field of Faith and Order, and since this field now coincides with the major doctrines of the faith, it is not too much to say that no one who is interested in the proper formulation of these doctrines in our time can afford to neglect it. For the non-specialist. . . the theology becomes lucid if one is prepared to give oneself to it with the attention and concentration it demands and deserves, and then it becomes plain that something of the highest importance is being said.' - William Nicholls, in TheologyTable of ContentsPreface 7 Introduction 11 Part 1 Discussions with Churches 1 With Anglicans (a) The Apostles And The Ministry of The Church 23 (b) The Apostolic Ministry 34 (c) Catholicity 48 (d) The Fulness of Christ 57 (e) Prob­lems of Reunion 69 2 With Presbyterians (a) What is The Reformed Church? 76 (b) Our Witness Through Doctrine 89 3 Presbyterian -­ Anglican Relations (a) What is The Church? 104 (b) Intercommunion and the ­Union of the Church 122 (c) A New Approach 134 4 With Romans (a) The Prob­lem of Discussion With Rome 146 (b) The New Mariological Dogma 156 (c) Romans and Reform 163 Part 2 Prob­lems of Faith and Order 1 Amsterdam -­ The Nature and Mission of the Church 195 2. Lund 226 Where do we go from Lund? 3 The Atonement and the Oneness of the Church 238 4 ­Towards Evanston 263 Our Oneness in Christ and our Disunity as Churches 5 The Hope of Israel 284 Israel and the Incarnation 6 Christ the Hope of the World 304 Christ the First and the Last Index of Biblical References 317 Names Subjects

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Book SynopsisT.F. Torrance''s Conflict and Agreement in the Church gathers together his most influential essays and articles on topics relating to ecumenism. Himself involved heavily in the ecumenical movement, he wrote that ''ours must be the task of learning together again how to confess, like the early Church, faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and God in all its breadth and length and height and depth, and therefore in the overflowing love of God.'' Out of this conviction grew a comprehensive doctrine of the Church ''in which our differences are lost sight of because they are destroyed from behind by a masterful faith in the Saviour of men.''In this second volume, Torrance''s thought on inter-denominational cooperation in light of the Church''s mission is presented. He begins by suggesting that ''the lines of conflict and agreement in the Church coincide less and less with the frontiers of the historic communions''. This opens the door for greater union between those communion, but also exposes s

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Book SynopsisTheologygrams is a brilliant introduction to theology presented in the form of easy-to-understand diagrams. Rich Wyld's runs the popular Theologygrams blog, and here presents 100 original diagrams in full colour for the non-specialist reader.Some diagrams come with a small piece of descriptive text to help explain the theological concept. Clever, cheeky and genuinely instructive, Theologygrams will be loved by non-academics, plus students and tutors in-the-know!Trade Review'They say God often speaks in pictures. Here are some funny ones you won't have seen before.' Milton Jones

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Book SynopsisTo learn to read a text for the portals of silence that are implicit in it is to gain a powerful tool for supporting and expanding one's silence, and to open the reader to the insight that ensues. The sort of reading proposed in this volume is both costly and rewarding. These pages invite readers once again to look at their own minds, to reflect on what is happening there, and to understand the essential role of silence for being human, and for living our own truth with one another.This second volume of Maggie Ross's Silence: A User's Guide offers application to support the process set out in volume one.Trade Review‘This is a book written out of wisdom, love, and experience. It is to be read slowly, deeply, and contemplatively. While highly informed, the scholarship folds into and out of an embodied, mindful practice. Reading demands that same practice. Only Maggie Ross could have written it as a genuine theological gift to us all.’ -- Graham Ward‘Maggie Ross brings an extraordinary combination of practicality, scholarship, and prayerful reflection to this remarkable book. Readers cannot fail to profit from its many explorations, which lead to a passionate, iconoclastic, and cheering affirmation of the centrality of silence in our meetings with God.’ -- Diarmaid MacCulloch * Professor of the History of the Church, University of Oxford *‘Maggie Ross is a seer, listener, and hearer of the first magnitude! Now she does it with that most ordinary and universal of spiritual disciplines—silence itself. Come see, listen, and hear with her, and watch her words silence you.’ -- Richard Rohr * Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico *

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1986, this book - now reissued with a substantial new postscript - focuses on those of Wittgenstein's writings (primarily in the "Philosophical Investigations") that relate to theological issues, such as the inner life and the immortality of the soul.

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Book SynopsisRichard Dawkins' "God Delusion" is the bestselling book. This suggests that its arguments are influencing popular culture, and are thus likely to be widely encountered by church leaders and members. This work condenses Dawkins' often rambling arguments into succinct form, and provides responses from a Christian perspective.Trade Review"The Dawkins Delusion? Sets out to rebut Dawkin's central claims, particularly the one suggesting that knowledge of science should lead inevitably to atheism. It is a brief and concise book, dispelling with clarity and efficiency much of what McGrath calls the 'half-baked nonsense' in The God Delusion." -- Philip Wainwright, Salvationist"For those irritated by Dawkins and his attitudes to faith, this book represents the response of intelligent Christians everywhere." -- Matthew Cowie, Life and Work"At only 60 pages, McGrath's work is concise, coherent and, most of all, devestating. By the end of it, Dawkins' work is left looking like the hatchet job it is, the whole thing ripped to pieces by someone with far greater knowledge of the subject." -- James Kelly, Catholic Times"McGrath's book is a fine, dense, yet very clear account, from his particular Christian perspective, of the full case against Dawkins." -- Bryan Appleyard, New Scientist"...The Dawkins Delusion deserves to sell many more copies than The God Delusion. I am sad that Dawkins, once my hero, has descended to unscientific nonesense. McGrath makes more sense." -- Revd Jeremy Craddock, Church Times"The Dawkins Delusion, for example, is excellent at challenging Dawkin's absurd demonisation of Christian history and the concomitant white-washing of secularist history as though atheists have never killed or persecuted religious believers explicitly in the name of anti-religion." -- David Quinn, Catholic Herald

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Book SynopsisLife is at once wonderful and appalling, beautiful and horrific. How can we live with this contradiction? And how can we believe in a just and loving God in the face of all the evils of the world in which we have evolved?Trade ReviewFor anyone who is fascinated by the phenomenon of religion, this is a deeply interesting book. * Mary Warnock DBE, FBA, FMedSci *In a world so obviously imperfect and bearing no obvious hallmarks of purpose, the challenges facing Christianity are severe. Richard Harries is one of those who realise that and takes the challenges seriously. Those of us who are not in the end persuaded by his Christian defence can nonetheless appreciate the sensitivity and intelligence with which it is mounted. It is the best case that could be made. * Andrew Copson, Director of the British Humanist Society *Mingling intellectual rigour with spiritual wisdom, Harries helps his readers to grasp the relevance of the insights at the core of the Christian faith. * Alister E. McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford *With all his characteristic clarity of thought, Richard Harries probes how we can find God in suffering and horror as well as beauty. . . The result is a profound statement of what it means to have faith in the living tradition of Christianity, guided by hope and love.’ * Jane Shaw, Dean for Religious Life and Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford University *The Beauty and the Horror is the most compelling exploration of suffering in the world that I have ever read. . . Written with grace and clarity, this is a book of rare power – such that, once you have finished it, you know you have been changed. * Ian S. Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary *A heartening book, confronting the hardest questions with wide knowledge and deep wisdom. * John Carey, Emeritus Merton Professor of English Literature, University of Oxford, and Chief Literary Reviewer for the Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisBuilding on his critically acclaimed Gifford Lectures, N. T. Wright presents a richly nuanced case for a theology that is based on a renewed understanding of historical knowledge, and in particular of the historical Jesus.Trade Review'In this extraordinary reappraisal of the traditions of natural theology, N. T. Wright deploys his intellectual energy with surprising punch to address. . . the fundamental problems posed for theology by modernity. Critics may be provoked, but fans will be delighted.’ -- Frances Young, OBE, FBA, Emeritus Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham‘A creative and arresting contribution to natural theology, this book argues for the plausibility of the Christian vision of the relation between God and the world by taking seriously the history of Jesus Christ.’ -- Miroslav Volf, Professor of Theology, Yale University‘A tour de force, placing history – and Jesus himself! – back at the heart of natural theology. -- John Behr, Regius Professor of Humanity, University of Aberdeen‘An impressive and timely publication. . . Bold, lively, and accessible, it will generate widespread discussion.’ -- David Fergusson, OBE, FBA, FRSE, Professor of Divinity, University of Edinburgh‘This powerfully argued book deserves to rank as Tom Wright’s crowning achievement.’ -- John Cottingham, Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Roehampton University

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Book SynopsisThis work explores the evolution of religious dualism, the doctrine that man and cosmos are constant battegrounds between forces of good and evil. Integrating political, cultural and religious history, Yuri Stoyanov illuminates the dualist religious systems.

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Book SynopsisFocusing on Christianity’s core practices, a leading theologian imagines Christianity as a way of life oriented toward wisdomTrade Review“With an uncommonly soft touch, Kevin Hector guides readers along a journey that is at once surprising and familiar. Brimming with wit and intelligence, with the confidence and conviction of one still learning all he has to teach, Professor Hector presents Christianity as a way of life in which falling in love with God’s good news, which demands and promises nothing less than the self’s transformation, comes off as the most natural thing in the world.”—Jonathan Tran, author of Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism“Unpacking practices as varied and unexpected as corporate singing and laughter, Hector’s marvelous new book displays the fundamentally practical character of Christianity as a matter of being formed to perceive, respond, and act in harmony with what is ultimately true and good.”—Jennifer Herdt, Yale University“A sophisticated and compelling account of Christianity as a salutary way of life rather than a mere system of coherent beliefs. Reading it carefully will be time very well spent.”—Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School

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Book SynopsisIntellectual support for defending your faith.Knowledge of God in the World and the Word is a clear and succinct introduction to classical Christian apologetics that also addresses the most common objections to natural theology.Amid the crisis of authority in our modern and postmodern era, Christians need to be able to point to God''s revelation in the natural world in addition to defending God''s unique revelation in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ.Classical apologetics takes a two-step approach to commending the Christian picture of reality—first establishing arguments for the existence of God and then defending key items of Christian revelation, including: The reliability of the Bible. The identity of the historical Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. With this book, you will discover an easy point of entry into understanding why Christian beliefs about Jesus

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