Challenges in Contemporary Theology

“Divine Illumination” offers an original interpretation of Augustine's theory of knowledge, tracing its development in the work of medieval thinkers such as Anselm, Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus. Although Scotus is often deemed responsible for finally pronouncing Augustine's longstanding illumination account untenable, Schumacher shows that he only rejected a version that was the byproduct of a shift in the understanding of illumination and knowledge more generally within the thirteenth-century Franciscan school of thought. To reckon with the challenges in contemporary thought on knowledge that were partly made possible by this shift, Schumacher recommends relearning a way of thinking about knowledge that was familiar to Augustine and those who worked in continuity with him. Her book thus anticipates a new approach to dealing with debates in contemporary epistemology, philosophy of religion, and theology, even while correcting some longstanding assumptions about Augustine and his most significant medieval readers.

Towards a Jewish-Christian-Muslim Theology delineates the ways that Christianity, Islam, and the Jewish tradition have moved towards each another over the centuries and points to new pathways for contemporary theological work. • Explores the development of the three Abrahamic traditions, brilliantly showing the way in which they have struggled with similar issues over the centuries • Shows how the approach of each tradition can be used comparatively by the other traditions to illuminate and develop their own thinking • Written by a renowned writer in philosophical theology, widely acclaimed for his comparative thinking on Jewish and Islamic theology • A very timely book which moves forward the discussion at a period of intense inter-religious dialogue.

IN ADAM'S FALL Few doctrines of Christian teaching are more controversial than original sin. For how is it possible to affirm the universality of sin without losing sight of the distinct ways in which individuals are both responsible for and suffer the consequences of sinful behavior? In considering the Christian doctrine of original sin, McFarland challenges many prevailing views about it. He shows us that traditional Christian convictions regarding humanity's congenital sinfulness neither undermine the moral accountability of sin's perpetrators nor dampen concern for its victims. Responding to both historic and contemporary criticism of the doctrine, In Adam's Fall reveals how the concept of original sin is not only theologically defensible, but stimulating and productive for a life of faith. Drawing on both the classical formulations of Augustine and the Christology of Maximus the Confessor, McFarland proposes a radical reconstruction of the doctrine of original sin—one that not only challenges contemporary Western visions of human autonomy but emphasizes the integrity of each individual called by God to a unique and irreplaceable destiny. Engagingly written and infused with scholarly sophistication, In Adam's Fall offers refreshingly original insights into the contemporary relevance of a doctrine of Christian teaching that has inspired fierce debate for over 1,500 years.

Leading theologian Graham Ward presents a stimulating series of reflections on Christ and contemporary culture. • Takes as its starting point Niebuhr's famous volume on 'Christ and Culture' published in the 1970s • Explores representations of Christ from sources as diverse as the New Testament and twentieth-century continental philosophy • Considers Christ and culture in the light of contemporary categories such as the body, gender, desire, politics and the sublime • Develops an original and imaginative Christology rooted in Scriptural exegesis and concerned with today's cultural issues • The author has been described as 'the most visionary theologian of his generation'.

In this insightful and look at the practical challenges and possibilities for Christian life in the global age, Schweiker investigates Christianity's current relevance and discusses how the life of faith can be oriented. • Explores the big religious themes of modern life, including religious identity in global times, the role of conscience, integrity, and versions of religious humanism. • Written by an author who is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading theologians • Draws on the work of some prominent contemporary philosophers and theologians to clarify the nature of faith • Unique in its appreciation of the ambiguity of religion—in its representations of the highest human achievements as well as the very worst of human actions—using a balanced and engaged approach to discusses contentious theological and intellectual issues.

This imaginative study rethinks the nature of theology and its role in universities. • The author sketches out a fascinating project using examples from US and UK institutions, whereby theology becomes a transformative force within universities. • Imagines what a Christian university, in which all disciplines have been theologized, would look like. • Feeds into discussions about the religious identity of denominationally-linked colleges and universities. • Forms part of a wider attempt to imagine a vital public role for theology that enables it to serve both the Church and the wider community.

The definitive compendium of Cavadini's essays on Augustine Visioning Augustine offers readers an expertly selected collection of essays exploring the text and history of the theology of Saint Augustine. Prominent scholar and essayist, John Cavadini, offers modern audiences an innovative framework for understanding Augustine, integrating articles and essays on significant texts, historical and contemporary perspectives and insights into Augustine's development as a theologian. Examining themes such as the transformation of the human will in De doctrina Christiana and Augustine's critique of philosophy in City of God, Cavadini provides clear and accessible smaller-size essays that serve as entry points for those interested in Augustinian scholarship. The author's meditations on Augustinian texts invite readers to re-evaluate their interpretations and learn about the subtle and sophisticated vocabulary of Augustine. An encounter with Augustine the Christian theologian, Cavadini contends, is not a narrowly focused parochial experience, but instead a challenge to enlarge our horizons. • Written by one of the most prominent Augustinian scholars and essayists in the field • Addresses ecumenical and cultural issues that weaken contemporary interest in Christian faith • Offers modern readers historical context on Augustinian theology • Provides a single-volume collection of Cavadini's essays on Augustine written over the course of more than two decades Accessible prose and intellectual sensitivity to modern theological problemsmake Visioning Augustine an indispensable volume for graduate students, scholars and professionals in all areas of Christian theology.

This new work clarifies Aquinas' concept of natural law through his biblical commentaries and explores its applications to U.S. constitutional law. • The first time the use of Aquinas on the U.S. Supreme Court has been explored in depth, and its applications tested through a rigorous reading of the biblical commentaries • Shows how key judgments in the Supreme Court have rested on medieval natural law, and applies critical gender theory to discuss problems with these applications • Offers new research data to give a different picture of Aquinas and natural law, and a fresh take on Aquinas' biblical commentaries • New research based on passages in the biblical commentaries never before available in English

In “Scriptural Interpretation”, Sarisky brilliantly draws together Patristic Theology and a theological interpretation of Scripture in the modern day, to examine Scripture's central place in the life of the Church and ordinary believers. • Examines the importance of scriptural interpretation in the life of Christians and of the church • Draws together two lively discussions: a study of the theology of the Cappadocian fathers, and a discussion of theological interpretation of Scripture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries • Covers an impressive historical range, from Basil of Caesarea right up to the work of the major contemporary thinkers, Stanley Hauerwas and Rowan Williams • Offers a sophisticated understanding of many Patristic thinkers—an area of huge current interest in the field—and challenges accepted readings of the theology of Basil of Caesarea

Recent decades have seen major shifts in our understanding of Christian identity. This timely book explores contemporary theological theory in asking what makes a Christian in the twenty-first century: what unites and sets Christians apart from other social or political groups, and how is this identity forged and then passed on to others? Volpe engages with these changing ideas through the work of Kathryn Tanner, Rowan Williams, and John Milbank, whose accounts of Christianity challenge older views. Drawing these theologians into conversation with Gregory of Nyssa, she clearly and persuasively discusses the importance of doctrine in identity formation, the unexplored ideas of the significance of sin on Christian identity and its effects, and the need for an inclusive account of Christian identity. As Christianity declines in parts of the Western world, and yet expands in others, the nature of Christian identity is more crucial and vexed than ever before. This important book makes a valuable contribution to these ongoing debates.