Description
Book SynopsisJanet Soskice is one of the leading religious philosophers in the English-speaking world. This much- anticipated book deepens her path-breaking work on metaphor and religious language by arguing that we need to reject the notion of 'classical attributes' and return to the venerable theological and philosophical tradition of naming God.
Trade Review'Skilfully and insightfully written, this book draws on the inheritance of the author's classic text Metaphor and Religious Language while developing that inheritance in a great many interesting and engaging new directions.' Oliver Davies, King's College London
'Naming God offers a powerful critical perspective on some of the most basic historical and theoretical assumptions in modern philosophy of religion and philosophical theology, with significant implications - both methodologically and historically - for the subject as a whole. Impressively wide-ranging, Janet Soskice's important new book makes weighty contributions to several fields. The argument is insightful and the style provocative without being polemical. The author offers mature reflection while bringing a lightness of touch to new perspectives on the reception of the tradition.' Carmody Grey, Durham University
'Janet Soskice brings together a professional philosopher's analytical skills with those of an intellectual historian: both strictly in the service of a core theological preoccupation with how, and on what conditions, a theologian may name God. This is an essential book - wonderfully rich and challenging - and the author herself is one of the major philosophical figures of our time.' Denys Turner, Yale University
'Splendid … Naming God brings together a professional philosopher's analytical skills with those of an intellectual historian and both strictly in the service of a core theological preoccupation with how, and on what conditions, a theologian may name God. It is a fine achievement.' Denys Turner, The Tablet
Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Naming God at Sinai. The gift of the name; 3. Philo on knowing and naming God; 4. Creation ex Nihilo as a revolution in Christian metaphysics… and in naming God; 5. Is 'God' the name of God?; 6. Gregory of Nyssa – naming and following God: from mystic vision to ethics; 7. Augustine, Moses and God as being itself; 8. Aquinas: philosophical theology as spiritual practice; 9. Conclusion: calling and being called.
