Oliver Crisp is a leading figure in analytic theology, dedicated to exploring theological concepts with precision and clarity. His work bridges traditional theological inquiries with modern philosophical methods, offering fresh perspectives on established doctrines. Crisp's style is marked by careful argumentation and a commitment to logical coherence, prompting readers to reflect deeply on the nature of faith. His contribution lies in enriching theological discourse through analytical methodology, making complex ideas accessible.
A highly respected theologian sets out a new, comprehensive account of the
nature of the atonement, exploring how this doctrine affects our participation
in the life of God and in the shared life of the Christian community.
Oliver D. Crisp studies the topics of human freedom, redemption and communion with one another and God, which are central themes in Christian theology.The chapters of this volume are arranged according to how they would appear in a traditional dealing with issues concerning human free will and sin, studies on the person of Christ in recent theology, and human redemption. The book ends with pieces examining two important issues in Christian practice, namely, the Eucharist and prayer.Deeply engaged with the Christian tradition, and exemplifying a generous orthodoxy, this work makes a constructive theological case for the vitality and importance of Reformed theology today.
This collection of studies in theology is written from the perspective of one from within the Christian faith, and seeking greater understanding of the doctrinal deposit of that faith. As a leading scholar in Christian and analytic theology, Oliver D. Crisp summarizes and analyses Christian doctrine, written in the form of traditional dogmatics.Beginning with issues concerning the task of theology, Crisp explores the challenges to systematic theology as a discipline, the uses of Scripture in theological discourse, and the reception of the theology of John Calvin. He then moves issues at the centre of serious theological debate in recent theology, the relationship between God and abstract objects in the thought of Jonathan Edwards, and theological anthropology. This volume culminates with studies that focus on central and defining issues in contemporary systematic and philosophical theology, taking forward a constructive theological program in dialogue with important figures in the Christian tradition, and engaged with some of the best contemporary theological scholarship.
Student-friendly intro to one of America's most fascinating theological minds Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) has long been recognized as one of the preeminent thinkers in the early Enlightenment and a major figure in the history of American Christianity. In this accessible one-volume text, leading Edwards experts Oliver Crisp and Kyle Strobel introduce readers to the fascinating and formidable mind of Jonathan Edwards as they survey key theological and philosophical themes in his thought, including his doctrine of the Trinity, his philosophical theology of God and creation, and his understanding of the atonement and salvation. More than two centuries after his death, theologians and historians alike are finding the larger-than-life Edwards more interesting than ever. Crisp and Strobel's concise yet comprehensive guide will help students of this influential eighteenth-century revivalist preacher to understand why.
For many, Calvinism evokes the idea of a harsh God who saves a select few and condemns others to eternal torment. Others find comfort in the Five Points of TULIP with its emphasis on the sovereignty of God's grace. Oliver Crisp thinks both sides have too small a picture of the Reformed tradition. There are ample resources for developing a more expansive Calvinism. Reformed Christians have inherited a vast mansion, but many of them only live in two rooms, reading John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards on repeat, while the rest of the house lies waiting for someone to discover its treasures. Saving Calvinism explores some of the thorniest problems in the Reformed tradition, including free will, the extent of the atonement, and the possibility of universal salvation. By engaging a host of Reformed thinkers and exploring often ignored ideas, Crisp shows that Calvinism is much more diverse and flexible than the stereotype suggests. - back of book
Though Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is widely regarded as America's most important theologian, very few people are actually familiar with his theology. In this book Oliver Crisp helpfully elucidates key themes in Edwards's thought. Treating Edwards as a constructive theologian with serious philosophical interests, Crisp explains Edwards's thinking on such matters as the Trinity, creation, original sin, free will, and preaching. Crisp underscores the innovative nature of Edwards's work by bringing his thought into dialogue with other major Christian theologians such as Anselm and Arminius. What emerges from Crisp's Jonathan Edwards among the Theologians is a complex, multifaceted picture of Edwards as a highly original, significant thinker who sometimes pressed at the very limits of orthodoxy and whose theological thought remains strikingly relevant today.
A Fresh Theological Account of the Person and Work of Christ The literature on Christology is large and ever-expanding. The same is true for work on the atonement, which has blossomed in the last decade. Few studies attempt to connect the dots between these two theological topics, however. In this volume, respected theologian Oliver Crisp offers a fresh analytic-theological account of the person and work of Christ, focusing on the theme of union with God Incarnate. Along the way, he engages a range of contemporary and historic Christian thinkers and tackles a number of key issues in contemporary discussions. Wide-ranging and carefully argued, this unified account of the person and work of Christ will be of interest to scholars and students of Christian theology.
Deviant Calvinism seeks to show that the Reformed tradition is much broader and more variegated than is often thought. Crisps work focuses on a cluster of theological issues concerning the scope of salvation and shows that there are important ways in which current theological discussion of these topics can be usefully resourced by attention to theologians of the past. This book contributes to theological retrieval within the Reformed theology, and establishes a wider path to thinking Calvinism differently.
Exploring the Christology within the Reformed tradition, this book features key theologians from five centuries, including John Calvin and Kathryn Tanner. It challenges conventional interpretations by presenting diverse perspectives that diverge from standard narratives. By engaging with the thoughts of these influential figures, the author enriches the understanding of Reformed theology and its evolution, highlighting the complexity and depth of its doctrinal developments.
The essays delve into the contributions of influential figures in the Reformed tradition, including John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and Karl Barth. Oliver Crisp examines how these theologians addressed significant theological challenges of their time and highlights the relevance of their insights for modern readers. Through this exploration, the book provides a thoughtful analysis of the enduring impact of Reformed thought on contemporary theological discussions.