Just published: Graham Adams, "Christ and the Other: In Dialogue with Hick and Newbigin" (Ashgate, October 2010):
www.ashgatepublishing.com/default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&title_id=9967&edition_id=12703
Publisher's description: "How should we relate to 'others' – those within a particular tradition, those of different traditions, and those who are oppressed? In the light of these anxieties, and building on the work of Andrew Shanks, this book offers a vision of Christ as 'the Shaken One', rooted in community with others. Shaped through dialogue with the theologies of John Hick and Lesslie Newbigin, Adams urges Christian communities to attend more deeply to the demands of ecumenical, dialogical and political theologies, to embody an ever greater 'solidarity of others' – a quality of community better demonstrating Christlike 'other-regard'."
Endorsement: "Adams reviews the Christological thinking of two well-known figureheads of the debate on theological pluralism (John Hick) and Christian exclusivism (Lesslie Newbigin) with empathy, but not without criticism. In their ambition to universalize their particular visions of Jesus/Christ, both show in fact some sectarian tendencies. Very different, however, from the partisanship that characterizes both camps of the discussion, Adams enters into a theological conversation with both of them – a conversation, interestingly, that Hick and Newbigin themselves, though being active at the same time and in the same city, never had. The outcome is a Christology which is serious about decolonizing universalist concepts such as 'truth' and 'humanity', having open membranes towards the otherness around it and, inevitably, is resistant to the temptation of closure. Like all good theology, Adams' theological proposal does not lead us to God but to ourselves and to those around us." (Werner Ustorf, University of Birmingham)
Graham Adams is a minister with Lees Street Congregational Church, Manchester, and Training Development and Advocacy Enabler with the Congregational Federation. He holds a PhD from the University of Leeds.
Showing posts with label Christian doctrine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian doctrine. Show all posts
31 December 2010
30 December 2010
Book: The Politics of Redemption: The Social Logic of Salvation
Just published: Adam Kotsko, "The Politics of Redemption: The Social Logic of Salvation" (Continuum, October 2010):
www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=157985
Publisher's description: "Recent decades have witnessed an explosion of new perspectives on 'atonement theory,' the traditional name for reflections on the meaning of Christ's work. These new theologies view Christ as a political figure and mobilize social theory to understand the contemporary context and Christ's meaning for that context. Politics of Redemption demonstrates that pre-modern theologians also understood Christ's role in a fundamentally social way. The argument proceeds by analysing the most important and original contributors to the tradition of atonement theory (Irenaeus, Gregory of Nyssa, Anselm, and Abelard). The investigation reveals that they all work within a shared social-relational logic based on the solidarity of all human beings and the irreducible relatedness of humanity and the rest of creation. Having brought this social-relational logic to the surface, the work concludes by sketching out a fresh atonement theory as a way of showing that our understanding of Christ's work and of its relevance for our life together is enriched by foregrounding the question of how creation, and particularly the human social sphere, is structured."
Endorsement: "An indispensable contribution to the thorny theory of atonement. Hip to the feminist critique, inflected by the postmodern return to political theology, and steeped in the depths and potentialities of the doctrinal tradition, Kotsko's relational ontology for the doctrine of redemption offers a lucid and erudite resource for a wide spectrum of Christian theology." (Catherine Keller, Drew University)
Adam Kotsko is Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Kalamazoo College.
www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=157985
Publisher's description: "Recent decades have witnessed an explosion of new perspectives on 'atonement theory,' the traditional name for reflections on the meaning of Christ's work. These new theologies view Christ as a political figure and mobilize social theory to understand the contemporary context and Christ's meaning for that context. Politics of Redemption demonstrates that pre-modern theologians also understood Christ's role in a fundamentally social way. The argument proceeds by analysing the most important and original contributors to the tradition of atonement theory (Irenaeus, Gregory of Nyssa, Anselm, and Abelard). The investigation reveals that they all work within a shared social-relational logic based on the solidarity of all human beings and the irreducible relatedness of humanity and the rest of creation. Having brought this social-relational logic to the surface, the work concludes by sketching out a fresh atonement theory as a way of showing that our understanding of Christ's work and of its relevance for our life together is enriched by foregrounding the question of how creation, and particularly the human social sphere, is structured."
Endorsement: "An indispensable contribution to the thorny theory of atonement. Hip to the feminist critique, inflected by the postmodern return to political theology, and steeped in the depths and potentialities of the doctrinal tradition, Kotsko's relational ontology for the doctrine of redemption offers a lucid and erudite resource for a wide spectrum of Christian theology." (Catherine Keller, Drew University)
Adam Kotsko is Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Kalamazoo College.
02 September 2010
Book: Political Theology and Theology of the Cross (in German)
Just published in German: Christian Johannes Neddens, "Politische Theologie und Theologie des Kreuzes: Werner Elert und Hans Joachim Iwand" (Political Theology and Theology of the Cross: Werner Elert and Hans Joachim Iwand; Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, August 2010):
www.v-r.de/de/titel/1001004601/
From the publisher's description: "With Werner Elert and Hans Joachim Iwand two Lutheran theologians are looked at who substantially shaped the theological and political way of the Evangelical Church in Germany from the 30s through the 50s of the last century. Christian Neddens highlights the origins and the development of their theological positions. The focus of his study lies on the respective characteristic and momentous interrelation of the political theology or political ethics of a Christology of the cross that refers back to the theology of Martin Luther." (my translation)
Christian Neddens is a parish priest of the Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (SELK; Independent Evangelical-Lutheran Church; my translation) in Brunsbrock, Germany. This book is based on his 2008 doctoral dissertation in Systematic Theology at the University of Greifswald.
www.v-r.de/de/titel/1001004601/
From the publisher's description: "With Werner Elert and Hans Joachim Iwand two Lutheran theologians are looked at who substantially shaped the theological and political way of the Evangelical Church in Germany from the 30s through the 50s of the last century. Christian Neddens highlights the origins and the development of their theological positions. The focus of his study lies on the respective characteristic and momentous interrelation of the political theology or political ethics of a Christology of the cross that refers back to the theology of Martin Luther." (my translation)
Christian Neddens is a parish priest of the Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (SELK; Independent Evangelical-Lutheran Church; my translation) in Brunsbrock, Germany. This book is based on his 2008 doctoral dissertation in Systematic Theology at the University of Greifswald.
12 February 2010
Book: Rooted in Jesus Christ: Toward a Radical Ecclesiology
Daniel Izuzquiza, "Rooted in Jesus Christ: Toward a Radical Ecclesiology" (Eerdmans, March 2009):
www.eerdmans.com/shop/product.asp?p_key=9780802862792
Publisher's description: "Daniel Izuzquiza here proposes a vibrant interdisciplinary theology from the unique perspective of the 'least of these' – the poor – and extends an invitation to mystical, political, and ecclesial engagement. [...] Izuzquiza analyzes the language of theology, the role of social sciences, the transformation of culture, and the church's approach to politics. To that end he dialogues with some of the main theological proposals of the late twentieth century, from Latin American liberation theology to radical theology in the English-speaking world to European political theology. He also offers a more systematic development of radical ecclesiology, analyzing the sources of the proposal as alternative Christian practices. The result is a groundbreaking call to action and change for the entire church."
Daniel Izuzquiza is Director of Pueblos Unidos, a Jesuit social centre that works for the integration of migrants in Madrid, Spain. He is the author of numerous books and articles.
www.eerdmans.com/shop/product.asp?p_key=9780802862792
Publisher's description: "Daniel Izuzquiza here proposes a vibrant interdisciplinary theology from the unique perspective of the 'least of these' – the poor – and extends an invitation to mystical, political, and ecclesial engagement. [...] Izuzquiza analyzes the language of theology, the role of social sciences, the transformation of culture, and the church's approach to politics. To that end he dialogues with some of the main theological proposals of the late twentieth century, from Latin American liberation theology to radical theology in the English-speaking world to European political theology. He also offers a more systematic development of radical ecclesiology, analyzing the sources of the proposal as alternative Christian practices. The result is a groundbreaking call to action and change for the entire church."
Daniel Izuzquiza is Director of Pueblos Unidos, a Jesuit social centre that works for the integration of migrants in Madrid, Spain. He is the author of numerous books and articles.
31 January 2010
Book: Minjung and Process: Minjung Theology in a Dialogue with Process Thought
Minjung theology is Korean political/liberation theology. Books (in English) about it are rather rare. In 2009, Hiheon Kim's "Minjung and Process: Minjung Theology in a Dialogue with Process Thought" was published by Peter Lang:
www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?vID=11735
Publisher's description: "This book reconstructs the legacy of Korean minjung theology by reformulating its essential ideas in a dialogue with process thought. In a minimal sense, this study is a theological reinterpretation of the doctrine of the minjung messiah, an idea which historically suffered from a misunderstanding that minjung theology created a 'messianic confusion' while replacing christology and soteriology by a radical anthropology. This erroneous conception occurred when the idea was placed within the philosophically dualistic framework of traditional doctrines in which the work of minjung is totally separated from the work of Christ. In order to avoid such a dualistic understanding, the author critically adopts process panentheism and makes minjung ideas more communicable and more comprehensive in current theological, religious, and philosophical debates. Beyond defending the idea of the minjung messiah, he also argues for an inclusive minjung hermeneutics that promotes the fundamental insight of minjung theology, in philosophical clarity. Through minjung hermeneutics, minjung theology expands its practical concern and overcomes the theoretical nihilism in postmodern studies."
Hiheon Kim received his PhD in 2007 from Claremont Graduate University (Philosophy of Religion and Theology programme). He served as a local pastor over ten years in Korea and the US and is now teaching at Hanshin University, Osan, Korea.
www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?vID=11735
Publisher's description: "This book reconstructs the legacy of Korean minjung theology by reformulating its essential ideas in a dialogue with process thought. In a minimal sense, this study is a theological reinterpretation of the doctrine of the minjung messiah, an idea which historically suffered from a misunderstanding that minjung theology created a 'messianic confusion' while replacing christology and soteriology by a radical anthropology. This erroneous conception occurred when the idea was placed within the philosophically dualistic framework of traditional doctrines in which the work of minjung is totally separated from the work of Christ. In order to avoid such a dualistic understanding, the author critically adopts process panentheism and makes minjung ideas more communicable and more comprehensive in current theological, religious, and philosophical debates. Beyond defending the idea of the minjung messiah, he also argues for an inclusive minjung hermeneutics that promotes the fundamental insight of minjung theology, in philosophical clarity. Through minjung hermeneutics, minjung theology expands its practical concern and overcomes the theoretical nihilism in postmodern studies."
Hiheon Kim received his PhD in 2007 from Claremont Graduate University (Philosophy of Religion and Theology programme). He served as a local pastor over ten years in Korea and the US and is now teaching at Hanshin University, Osan, Korea.
27 January 2010
Book: Bearing the Weight of Salvation: The Soteriology of Ignacio Ellacuría
Michael E. Lee, "Bearing the Weight of Salvation: The Soteriology of Ignacio Ellacuría" (Crossroad Publishing, April 2009), with a foreword by Gustavo Gutiérrez:
www.ipgbook.com/showbook.cfm?bookid=0824524217
Publisher's description: "Exploring the nature of Christian salvation, known as soteriology, and its relation to Christian action, this insightful account thoroughly discusses theologian and martyr Ignacio Ellacuría's perspectives on the character of Christian discipleship and controversies over liberation theology. Recognizing philosophical, Christological, and ecclesiological dimensions, the volume carefully analyzes the complexities of topics that include praxis as real discipleship, transforming realities and contesting orthodoxies, and the impact of Ellacuría's theological legacy."
Endorsements: "The outstanding work of Michael Lee goes to the source of Ellacuría's thought and, from there, tackles its different elements. He says with precision, 'This book takes [the] meeting of Ellacuría's martyrdom and apologetics as its starting point.' And so it is." (Gustavo Gutiérrez, University of Notre Dame)
"This book has numerous virtues, perhaps foremost among them that of making a difficult author, whose work has not been fully translated, accessible to an Anglophone readership. ... Will richly reward anyone interested in what the next generation of liberation theologians, in Latin and North America, will look like." (J. Matthew Ashley, University of Notre Dame)
Michael E. Lee is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Fordham University.
www.ipgbook.com/showbook.cfm?bookid=0824524217
Publisher's description: "Exploring the nature of Christian salvation, known as soteriology, and its relation to Christian action, this insightful account thoroughly discusses theologian and martyr Ignacio Ellacuría's perspectives on the character of Christian discipleship and controversies over liberation theology. Recognizing philosophical, Christological, and ecclesiological dimensions, the volume carefully analyzes the complexities of topics that include praxis as real discipleship, transforming realities and contesting orthodoxies, and the impact of Ellacuría's theological legacy."
Endorsements: "The outstanding work of Michael Lee goes to the source of Ellacuría's thought and, from there, tackles its different elements. He says with precision, 'This book takes [the] meeting of Ellacuría's martyrdom and apologetics as its starting point.' And so it is." (Gustavo Gutiérrez, University of Notre Dame)
"This book has numerous virtues, perhaps foremost among them that of making a difficult author, whose work has not been fully translated, accessible to an Anglophone readership. ... Will richly reward anyone interested in what the next generation of liberation theologians, in Latin and North America, will look like." (J. Matthew Ashley, University of Notre Dame)
Michael E. Lee is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Fordham University.
07 January 2010
Book: Disciplining the Divine: Toward an (Im)political Theology
"Disciplining the Divine: Toward an (Im)political Theology" is the first and last book by the Lancaster University theologian Paul Fletcher who passed away suddenly in July 2008. The book was published posthumously by Ashgate in August 2009:
www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calctitle=1&pageSubject=3058&title_id=9873&edition_id=11856
Publisher's description: "Disciplining the Divine offers the first comprehensive treatment of the Social Model of the Trinity, exploring its central place within much theological discourse of the past half century, including its relation to wider cultural and political concerns. The book highlights the manner in which theologians have attempted to make the doctrine of God relevant to modern issues and outlooks and it charts the conditions that have necessitated such a reconfiguration of theological analysis. While interrogatory in tone and intent, Disciplining the Divine nevertheless provides a critical reconstruction of a Christian theology and practice which might be undertaken within the political and cultural contexts of the new millennium."
Review: "In this insightful book, Paul Fletcher provides a critical overview of the status of political theology today, as well as a thorough refutation of the social model of the Trinity. Written with the clarity that derives from long experience of teaching on this subject, Fletcher provides a most engaging suggestion for the future of political theology." (Philip Goodchild, University of Nottingham)
www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calctitle=1&pageSubject=3058&title_id=9873&edition_id=11856
Publisher's description: "Disciplining the Divine offers the first comprehensive treatment of the Social Model of the Trinity, exploring its central place within much theological discourse of the past half century, including its relation to wider cultural and political concerns. The book highlights the manner in which theologians have attempted to make the doctrine of God relevant to modern issues and outlooks and it charts the conditions that have necessitated such a reconfiguration of theological analysis. While interrogatory in tone and intent, Disciplining the Divine nevertheless provides a critical reconstruction of a Christian theology and practice which might be undertaken within the political and cultural contexts of the new millennium."
Review: "In this insightful book, Paul Fletcher provides a critical overview of the status of political theology today, as well as a thorough refutation of the social model of the Trinity. Written with the clarity that derives from long experience of teaching on this subject, Fletcher provides a most engaging suggestion for the future of political theology." (Philip Goodchild, University of Nottingham)
07 November 2009
Book: "Transforming Atonement: A Political Theology of the Cross"
In April 2009, Fortress Press published "Transforming Atonement: A Political Theology of the Cross" by Theodore W. Jennings, Jr. (Professor of Biblical and Constructive Theology, Chicago Theological Seminary):
www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?clsid=196416&productgroupid=0&isbn=0800663500
Publisher's description: "Many books on the Christian doctrine of atonement have been published in recent years. Some point out the difficulties of traditional atonement theories; others attempt a revision of one of the classical three types; others attempt to combine aspects of these types.
"Jennings attempts something new: by approaching the question of the meaning of the cross through close attention to the biblical passages that serve as the basis of any reflection on the cross of Jesus and an engagement with patristic as well as contemporary discussion. The result is an alternative theology of the cross that grounds the message concerning the cross in the socio-political reality in which it was historically located and points to the way in which this message bears upon contemporary social and ecclesial reality.
"Jennings's truly fresh understanding for Christians of the meaning of Jesus' death specifically grounds the cross in the concrete political confrontation within which it occurred, relates the message about the cross to the practice of Jesus (thus keeping in relationship the gospels and the theology of Paul), and shows how the cross bears on overcoming of human division and sin, reconciliation to God, and new forms of social reality in the community of the crucified."
www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?clsid=196416&productgroupid=0&isbn=0800663500
Publisher's description: "Many books on the Christian doctrine of atonement have been published in recent years. Some point out the difficulties of traditional atonement theories; others attempt a revision of one of the classical three types; others attempt to combine aspects of these types.
"Jennings attempts something new: by approaching the question of the meaning of the cross through close attention to the biblical passages that serve as the basis of any reflection on the cross of Jesus and an engagement with patristic as well as contemporary discussion. The result is an alternative theology of the cross that grounds the message concerning the cross in the socio-political reality in which it was historically located and points to the way in which this message bears upon contemporary social and ecclesial reality.
"Jennings's truly fresh understanding for Christians of the meaning of Jesus' death specifically grounds the cross in the concrete political confrontation within which it occurred, relates the message about the cross to the practice of Jesus (thus keeping in relationship the gospels and the theology of Paul), and shows how the cross bears on overcoming of human division and sin, reconciliation to God, and new forms of social reality in the community of the crucified."
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