This book develops the thesis that classical Christian theology seeks to help believers flourish by knowing and loving God. Ellen Charry argues this premise by example, offering a close reading of a number of classical texts, from the New Testament era to the Reformation, including works of Paul, Augustine, Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, Anselm, and Calvin. She points out the pastoral and moral aims that shape the teachings of these theologians on a wide range of topics, including the Trinity; human beings as created in the ...
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This book develops the thesis that classical Christian theology seeks to help believers flourish by knowing and loving God. Ellen Charry argues this premise by example, offering a close reading of a number of classical texts, from the New Testament era to the Reformation, including works of Paul, Augustine, Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, Anselm, and Calvin. She points out the pastoral and moral aims that shape the teachings of these theologians on a wide range of topics, including the Trinity; human beings as created in the image of God; the incorporation of Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ in baptism; the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ; and the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Charry explains that the very logic of their arguments is shaped by the author's concern for the goodness and happiness that should result from living into the doctrines. She further shows that although the spiritual and pastoral purposes of these writings are many and complex, they are invariably concerned to foster what modern people can, without difficulty, recognize as human dignity--what she calls "excellence"--in action, affection, and self-appraisal.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 280 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 280 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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New. A remarkable study that proceeds from the conviction that when theology is doing its job, it will of necessity be pastoral theology, forming and shaping the character of its readers and hearers. Interacting with literary critics such as Wayne Booth, Martha Nussbaum, and Richard Eldridge, and appreciative of the insights they have to offer concerning the character-shaping power of literature, Charry recognizes a crucial lack in their theories: God. This lack is shared, in Charry's view, even by most of modern (and postmodern) theology, with its nervous obsession with the foundations of knowledge in the face of Enlightenment critiques. In order to return to a situation where ''evangelism, catechesis, moral exhortation, dogmatic exegesis, pastoral care, and apologetics were all happening at the same time, '' before modern theology ''moved away from primary Christian beliefs and focused on theological method, '' Charry offers nine case-studies of theologians who unfolded their teaching in the classical mode--the wisdom of God being shared in order to transform human lives: Paul, the Sermon on the Mount, Athanasius, Basil the Great, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Julian of Norwich, and Calvin. Drawing and expanding upon the work of Rowan Greer (Broken Lights and Mended Lives), Charry has presented us with a theme and a nuanced analysis of orthodox theology that deserves to become a touchstone in any discussion of the method and purpose of Christian instruction, catechetical or otherwise.