Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Oxford University Press, USA (2000), Paperback, 192 pages
Description
This Very Short Introduction provides both believers and non-believers with a balanced survey of the central questions of contemporary theology. David Ford's interrogative approach draws the reader into considering the principles underlying religious belief, including the centrality ofsalvation to most major religions, the concept of God in ancient, modern, and postmodern contexts, the challenge posed to theology by prayer and worship, and the issue of sin and evil. He also proves the nature of experience, knowledge, and wisdom in theology, and discusses what is involved ininterpreting theological texts today.
User reviews
LibraryThing member eromsted
I primarily judge the books in the Very Short Introduction series by two criteria. First, how well does the author cover the topic. Second, does the author write with a distinct point of view. The second being more important than the first as only a clear perspective can keep such a short overview
In part II of this work, David Ford does an excellent job based on these criteria. First, he limits himself to Christianity, as a broader scope would completely dilute the discussion. Then he delves into the ways Christian theology deals with God, morality and ethics, evil, Christ, and salvation. His style is to frame the questions and describe the types of answers that are possible. His view are present but he gives credence to a range of approaches. The writing is clear and concise.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book was aimed very narrowly at beginning students in seminary or university theology programs. The book opens with a discussion of the appropriate relationship between those institutions. Part III is a freshman overview of hermeneutics and epistemology, and the book closes with a dean's oration on the value of theology in the modern world.
Although I don't doubt that the VSI series is used in introductory college classes, it also has a wider readership and a greater respect for that audience could have broadened the range of theological issues addressed.
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from being completely dry.In part II of this work, David Ford does an excellent job based on these criteria. First, he limits himself to Christianity, as a broader scope would completely dilute the discussion. Then he delves into the ways Christian theology deals with God, morality and ethics, evil, Christ, and salvation. His style is to frame the questions and describe the types of answers that are possible. His view are present but he gives credence to a range of approaches. The writing is clear and concise.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book was aimed very narrowly at beginning students in seminary or university theology programs. The book opens with a discussion of the appropriate relationship between those institutions. Part III is a freshman overview of hermeneutics and epistemology, and the book closes with a dean's oration on the value of theology in the modern world.
Although I don't doubt that the VSI series is used in introductory college classes, it also has a wider readership and a greater respect for that audience could have broadened the range of theological issues addressed.
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LibraryThing member KWharton
It may be a very short introduction, but the writing style is very dense. I don't like the style, as I find it obscures the author's ideas, which are often very interesting.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1999
Physical description
192 p.; 6.6 inches
ISBN
0192853848 / 9780192853844