This series delves into contemporary, dynamic, and often unexpected directions in theological thought. It explores the global nature of faith, encouraging the crossing of traditional academic boundaries and challenging established interpretations. The volumes cover systematic, historical, philosophical, biblical, and practical theology, offering fresh and creative perspectives for the future of Christian theology. It provides a vital platform for cutting-edge research, fostering dialogue and innovation.
The Bible is meant to be read in the church, by the church, as the church. Following the example of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Derek Taylor argues that we should regard the reading of Scripture as an inherently communal exercise of discipleship. In conversation with other theologians, Taylor shares how this approach to Scripture can engender a faithful hermeneutical community.
Combining systematic and pastoral theology, Jon Coutts explores what it means to forgive and reconcile in the context of the Christ-confessing community. Both a constructive practical theology and a critical commentary on Barth's theology in Church Dogmatics, this work explains the place and meaning of interpersonal forgiveness in Christ's ongoing ministry of reconciliation.
For many Christians today, the notion that demons should play a role in our faith--or that they even exist--may seem dubious. But that was certainly not the case for John Chrysostom, the "golden-tongued" early church preacher and theologian who became the bishop of Constantinople near the end of the fourth century. Indeed, references to demons and the devil permeate his rhetoric. But to what end? In this volume in IVP Academic's New Explorations in Theology series, Samantha Miller examines Chrysostom's theology and world, both of which were imbued with discussions about demons. For Chrysostom, she contends, such references were employed in order to encourage Christians to be virtuous, to prepare them for the struggle of the Christian life, and ultimately to enable them to exercise their will as they worked out their salvation. Understanding the role of demons in Chrysostom's soteriology gives us insight into what it means to be human and what it means to follow Christ in a world fraught with temptation and danger. In that regard, Chrysostom's golden words continue to demonstrate relevance to Christians in today's world.
Shao Kai Tseng presents a compelling argument that Karl Barth, often classified as a supralapsarian, should be understood as an infralapsarian. This groundbreaking work engages with recent studies in Puritan theology, challenging prevailing interpretations of Barth's views on predestination and divine sovereignty. Through thorough research, Tseng reexamines Barth's theological positions, inviting a reevaluation of his contributions and their implications within the broader context of Reformed thought.
Stanley Hauerwas is often associated with the postliberal theological movement, yet he also claims to stand within Karl Barth's theological tradition. Which is true? Theologian David Hunsicker offers a reevaluation of Hauerwas's theology, arguing that he is both a postliberal and a Barthian theologian, helping us understand both the formation and the ongoing significance of one of America's great theologians.