Description
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 perm
Trade 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
