Blazing a pathway for recovering the unity of biblical studies and theological reflection, Kevin J. Vanhoozer addresses the challenges presented by the contemporary so-called postmodern situation, especially deconstructionism.

Christianity in the United States is in crisis. Liberalism is declining, evangelicalism is splintering, increasing numbers of Christians are slipping away from churches, and more and more young people are for various reasons finding Christianity as they conceive it (a metaphysical thought system, or society of science-deniers, or an ideology for oppressors) not just implausible but repellent. At the same time, Christians across denominational and ideological divides are rediscovering a moral core, especially in the Jesus of the Gospels, that reactivates and unites them, and this kind of faith appeals to many who consider themselves averse to all traditional organized religion. But any revitalized Christian faith is going to need to understand its rootedness in, and interpretation of, Christianity’s foundational texts and traditions. Noted theologian Douglas F. Ottati steps in to offer a theology for this new era. Combining deep learning in texts and traditions with astute awareness of contemporary questions and patterns of thought and life, he asks: what does it mean, in our time, to understand the God of the Bible as Creator and Redeemer? Distilling the content of Christian faith into seventy concise propositions, he explains each in lucid, cogent prose. A Theology for the Twenty-First Century will be an essential textbook for those training for ministry in our current climate, a wise guide for contemporary believers who wonder how best to understand and communicate their faith, and an inviting and intelligent resource for serious inquirers who wonder whether the way of Jesus might help them grasp the real world while remaining open to the transcendent.

Definitive collection of Leander Keck's Pauline scholarship.

A sequel to the popular Mujerista Theology that addresses themes relevant at the beginning of the 21st century.Mujerista theology begins with personal experience and moves toward a theology that advances the dignity and liberation of all Hispanic/Latino women. This collection of essays combining personal narratives and theological discourse brings together important insights into the concerns of Hispanic women, the ways in which they can help shape theology, and the roles they can take on in the church.Divided into two sections, Part 1, The Personal Is Political, presents three essays on the author?s religious-theological experiences, showing how they help form her theology. The eight essays in Part 2, In God?s Image--Latinas and Our Struggles, focus on theological understandings essential for justice.

A comprehensive survey of the doctrine and practice of baptism in the first five centuries of Christian history, arranged geographically within chronological periods.

Guarino argues in this book that the doctrinal form of the Christian faith, in its essential characteristics, calls for certain theoretical exigencies. This is to say that the proportion and beauty of the form is not served or illuminated by simply any presuppositions. Rather, a determinate understanding of first philosophy, of the nature of truth, of hermeneutical theory, of the predication of language and mutual correlation is required if Christian faith and doctrine are to maintain a recognizable and suitably mediative form. Failing to adduce specific principles will lead either to a simple assertion of Christian truth, in which case the form of Christianity becomes less intelligible and attractive-or one will substitute a radically changed form, which is itself inappropriate for displaying the fundamental revelatory narrative of faith. The house of Christian faith possesses a certain proportion of structure; the form will sag badly if one removes an undergirding item, or if one beam is replaced with another of variable shape or size. The form's beauty will either be obscured, no longer clearly visible, or the form will become something quite different, no longer architectonically related to what was originally the case. The intention of this book is to discuss those doctrinal characteristics considered fundamental to the Christian faith, as protective of its revelatory form and, concomitantly, to examine the theoretical principles required if such form is to remain both intelligible and beautiful.

Scholars from the United States, Latin America, and Oceania reflect in this volume on the importance of contextual theology for our twenty-first century. Contextual theology offers fresh voices from every culture, and not just from the West. It calls for new ways of doing theology that embrace cultural values, but at the same time challenges them to the core. And it opens up new and fresh topics out of which and about which people can theologize. If the church is to be faithful to its mission, it needs to provide a feast at which all can be nourished.

In this quick and vibrant little book, Kelly Kapic presents the nature, method and manners of theological study for newcomers to the field. He emphasizes that theology is more than a school of thought about God, but an endeavor that affects who we are. "Theology is about life," writes Kapic. "It is not a conversation our souls can afford to avoid."

The history of Christian theology can be a daunting, even forbidding field of study. This people-friendly volume, a full-scale reader in the history of Christian thought, offers a non-threatening, occasionally humorous yet quite thorough entry into Christianity's central texts from the Apostolic fathers to Sallic McFague and James Cone. It is also elso enlivened by dozens of cartoons by Rich Diesslin. Highly accessible introductions to twelve major historical periods precede brief introductions to and texts from over fifty key thinkers and conciliar statements. The texts highlight perennial themes and questions in the Christian tradition, especially the meaning and importance of Jesus, challenges to the institutional church, tensions of faith and reason, spirituality, and the quest for social justice. "A textual tour of the entire theological tradition that stops at all the must-see literary locales, as well as lesser known, but fascinating, destinations. The editor complements each text with an insightful introduction and probing study questions. This collection is an invaluable resource for any introductory course on the history of Christian thought and doctrine." John E. Thiel Professor of Religious Studies, Fairfield University "As a teacher of a reqired survey course---"The Christian Tradition'---I long have sought a primary-sources anthology of reasonable length (and cost) that provides excerpts from key figures and sets them in dialog with one another to model exactly the kind of cross-era conversation that must continue today. The revised edition of William Anderson's A Journey through Christian Theology looks to fit the bill nicely." George C. Heider Professor of Theology, Valparaiso University "Users of this anthology need not fear about losing their way on the `Journey': Anderson is a reliable guide, providing well-chosen texts, accurate introductions, penetrating study questions, and a helpful glossary."Denis R. Janz Provost Distinguished Professor of the History of Christianity, Loyolu University New Orleans