This timely book, by one of the world’s leading theologians in this field, makes a positive theological contribution to present intellectual and practical discussions about families and children. Explores the intellectual and practical debates about the changing nature of family forms, roles and relationships, and how Christian faith and theology can contribute to the thriving of families and children. Considers the causes and consequences of changes to families over recent decades. Utilizes the theological resources that are best equipped to deal with these changes and to shape ethical teaching, ethical practice, moral judgements, and public policies. Develops family-friendly readings of scripture, tradition and doctrine, and moves forward theological treatment of marriage, gender and children.
We are pleased to annouce that God’s Companions by Samuel Wells has been shortlisted for the 2007 Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing. www.michaelramseyprize.org.uk Grounded in Samuel Wells’ experience of ordinary lives in poorer neighborhoods, this book presents a striking and imaginative approach to Christian ethics. It argues that Christian ethics is founded on God, on the practices of human community, and on worship, and that ethics is fundamentally a reflection of God's abundance. Wells synthesizes dogmatic, liturgical, ethical, scriptural, and pastoral approaches to theology in order to make a bold claim for the centrality of the local church in theological reflection. He considers the abundance of gifts God gives through the practices of the Church, particularly the Eucharist. His central thesis, which governs his argument throughout, is that God gives his people everything they need to worship him, be his friends, and eat with him. Wells engages with serious scholarly material, yet sets out the issues lucidly for a student audience.
A comprehensive introduction to the Pietist theologians of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Puritan England, Pietist Europe and Colonial America. Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Pietist theologians of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Demonstrates the influence that Pietism had on the religious, cultural and social life of the time. Explores the lasting effects Pietism has had on modern theology and modern culture. Presents both Protestant and Catholic theologians in Puritan England, Pietist Europe and Colonial America. Focuses on women as well as men. Features up-to-date research and commentary by an international group of leading scholars.
In this book Sarah Coakley confronts a central paradox of theological feminism – what she terms 'the paradox of power and vulnerability'. Confronts a central paradox of theological feminism – what Coakley terms 'paradox of power and vulnerability'. Explores this issue through the perspective of spiritual practice, philosophical enquiry and doctrinal analysis. Draws together an essential collection of Sarah Coakley's work in this field. Offers an original perspective into contemporary feminist theology.
This important work offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date account of the Orthodox Church available, providing a detailed account of its historical development, as well as exploring Orthodox theology and culture Written by one of the leading Orthodox historians and theologians in the English-speaking world Offers an in-depth engagement with the issues surrounding Orthodoxy's relationship to the modern world, including political, cultural and ethical debates Considers the belief tradition, spirituality, liturgical diversity, and Biblical heritage of the Eastern Churches; their endurance of oppressions and totalitarianisms; and their contemporary need to rediscover their voice and confidence in a new world-order Recipient of a CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title for 2009 award
What is the future for the Bible, one of the most important books in the world? In this manifesto, Roland Boer explores the idea that the Bible is an unruly and uncontrollable text that has been colonized by church, synagogue, and state. Powerfully argues that the Bible needs to be rescued from its abuse by the religious and political right Considers the history of revolutionary readings of the Bible, from Gerrard Winstanley to the present Urges a role for the Bible in a new «worldly left»: an alliance between the religious and secular left that can promote more progressive readings of the text Concludes by offering a «political myth» from the Bible that condemns oppression, imagines a better society and celebrates the biblical themes of opposition and chaos.
This ground-breaking book provides a new perspective on Christian practices of silence. An original, theologically informed work, written by a significant Quaker theologian Provides a new perspective on Christian practices of silence Considers the theological and ethical significance of these practices Relates silence, listening and communication to major contemporary issues Takes forward theological engagement with feminist thought Contributes to ongoing research into the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
The much-discussed notion of Postliberal theology developed from the writings of two theologians at Yale University, Hans Frei and George Lindbeck. An analysis and critique of the much-discussed idea of postliberal theology Provides an overview of postliberalism and the controversies which resulted Compares the writings of theologians Hans Frei and George Lindbeck, from which postliberal theology developed, and uncovers important differences in their thought Reconceptualizes these thinkers’ contributions to contemporary theological discussion Published in the prestigious Challenges in Contemporary Theology series.
This accessible and timely book uses a Christian perspective to explore ethical debates about nature. A detailed exploration of humanity’s treatment of the natural world from a Christian perspective. Covers a range of ethical debates, including current controversies about the environment, animal rights, biotechnology, consciousness, and cloning. Sets the immediate issues in the context of underlying theological and philosophical assumptions. Complex scientific issues are explained in clear student-friendly language. The author develops her own distinctive ethical approach centred on the practice of wisdom. Discusses key figures in the field, including Peter Singer, Aldo Leopold, Tom Regan, Andrew Linzey, James Lovelock, Anne Primavesi, Rosemary Radford Ruether, and Michael Northcott. The author has held academic posts in both theology and plant science.
Surveys twentieth century theologies of work, contrasting differing approaches to consider the “problem of labor” from a theological perspective. Aimed at theologians concerned with how Christianity might engage in social criticism, as well those who are interested in the connection between Marxist and Christian traditions Explores debates about labor under capitalism and considers the relationship between divine and human work Through a thorough reading of Weber’s Protestant Work Ethic, argues that the triumph of the «spirit of utility» is crucial to understanding modern notions of work Draws on the work of various twentieth century Catholic thinkers, including Josef Pieper, Jacques Maritain, Eric Gill, and David Jones Published in the new and prestigious Illuminations series.