Langdon Gilkey Books

The book addresses the pressing challenges of pluralism in Western society, including ecological issues, global inequalities, and social injustices. It explores how Christianity can navigate its diminished cultural dominance while proposing a relevant theology for the twenty-first century. Gilkey presents constructive insights aimed at confronting these multifaceted challenges, advocating for a theology that engages directly with contemporary issues rather than avoiding them.

This vivid diary of life in a Japanese internment camp during World War II examines the moral challenges encountered in conditions of confinement and deprivation.

I was enormously relieved by how much I liked this book. I've been aware of Langdon Gilkey since I was a teenager; my pastor from those years was a big fan. But when I finally got around to reading Gilkey for myself, some months ago (Reaping the Whirlwind), I was left cold. It made me sad to think I wouldn't enjoy his work in common with my late friend.But I found this slim intro to Christian Theology to be clear and engaging. Gilkey's approach of "starting where the reader is" and relating the classic questions and answers of Christian theology to the experience of modern (late 1970s) Americans works very well. I found the final section of the book, on the Holy Spirit, to be a little less engaging than the rest of the book but that may have simply been my own situation at the time of reading.Contrary to another review offered on this site, I do not find this book to be at all inaccessible to those not already trained in theology. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any of my congregants over the age of 18.

The narrative provides a detailed account of the author's experiences as a witness for the ACLU during the landmark 1981 creationist trial in Little Rock, Arkansas. It explores the legal and ideological battles surrounding the teaching of creationism in schools, highlighting the tension between science and religious beliefs. Through personal anecdotes and observations, the book delves into the courtroom dynamics and the implications of the trial for education and public policy.

Exploring the intersection of theology and politics, this work delves into Reinhold Niebuhr's influential writings during the tumultuous 1930s and 1940s. Langdon Gilkey highlights how Niebuhr's understanding of human nature, grounded in a divine context, offers a hopeful perspective amidst widespread despair and moral ambiguity. The book systematically examines Niebuhr's evolution from early political thoughts to a mature theological framework, while also reflecting on Gilkey's personal experiences shaped by Niebuhr's ideas, making it essential for students of both thinkers.