Terrence W. Tilley Books

The book presents a thought-provoking argument that traditions are not merely discovered or created but are actively invented and reshaped through practice. Engaging with scholars like Yves Congar and George Lindbeck, Tilley emphasizes that vibrant traditions require continual reinvention by each generation. He explores the resistance to imposed traditions and applies his insights to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, ultimately proposing a constructivist approach to understanding truth, revelation, and authority within practical theology.

The book critiques the practice of theodicy, asserting that it not only distorts classic Christian texts but also overlooks genuine evils in the pursuit of justifying God. Tilley contends that this discourse silences the experiences of the suffering and oppressed, ultimately leading to a theological endorsement of significant social injustices. Through this analysis, the author highlights the dangers of failing to address real-world suffering within theological discussions.

This title provides an introduction to religion and theology. The book addresses the core questions about what faith is and what it means in the 21st century.