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An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology, By Thomas H. McCall

An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology

by Thomas H. McCall

An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology
Paperback
$27.99
  • Length: 192 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: December 09, 2015
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9780830840953
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In recent decades a new movement has arisen, bringing the conceptual tools of analytic philosophy to bear on theological reflection. Called analytic theology, it seeks to bring a clarity of thought and a disciplined use of logic to the work of constructive Christian theology. In this introduction to analytic theology for specialists and nonspecialists alike, Thomas McCall lays out what it is and what it isn't.

The goal of this growing and energetic field is not the removal of all mystery in theology. At the same time, it insists that mystery must not be confused with logical incoherence.McCall explains the connections of analytic theology to Scripture, Christian tradition and culture, using case studies to illuminate his discussion. Beyond mere description, McCall calls the discipline to a deeper engagement with the traditional resources of the theological task.

REVIEWS

"This timely and engaging book, written by one of today's leading practitioners of analytic theology, is a must-read for anyone interested in a careful, clear and accessible introduction to that burgeoning field."Michael Rea, professor of philosophy, University of Notre Dame
"Much contemporary theology has turned to cultural studies as the partner of choice in its search for apt resources, drifting away from its unavoidable relationship with philosophy. In these circumstances it is a great pleasure to welcome a volumethat charts a whole new phase in the mining of philosophy for the articulation and enrichment of robust forms of Christian theology. McCall has exactly the right kind of skills to execute this assignment: sure-footed theological grounding in the Christian tradition, well-honed appropriation of the philosophical sources, wonderful economy and clarity in exposition and a discriminating voice of his own. This is a splendid introduction to an exciting new phase of Christian theology."William J. Abraham, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
"At the outset of this extraordinary and much-needed book, Tom McCall promises to introduce nonspecialists to analytic theology. He superbly accomplishes this task, but so much more. No mere introduction, this book engages constructively with a wide variety of theologians and philosophers on central theological topics. McCall's balance and lucidity make this a breakthrough book, not only for the project of analytic theology, but also for the full arrival of McCall's charitable and wise theological voice."Matthew Levering, Perry Family Foundation Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
"Analytic theology has quickly established itself as an important, dynamic research program in contemporary theology. But until now it has had no introductory text. Not only has Thomas McCall provided a stellar volume for just this purpose, he also makes a contribution to the theological literature by showing that analytic theology is not merely philosophical theology masquerading as systematic theology—it is a truly theological theology. This is a clear, well-written and compellingwork that is sure to be of great interest to a wide readership."Oliver Crisp, professor of systematic theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
"With a lively combination of theoretical and constructive work, Tom McCall not only introduces but contributes to the budding discipline of analytic theology. Deftly moving between clarifications and programmatic statements on the one hand and case studies on the other, McCall has written a book that will interest student and scholar alike."Kevin Hector, assistant professor of theology and the philosophy of religions, The University of Chicago Divinity School
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CONTENTS

Introduction
1. What Is Analytic Theology?
A Brief History of Analytic Theology
What Analytic Theology Is (or Should Be)
What Analytic Theology Isn?t: Misunderstandings and Objections
2. Analytic Theology and Christian Scripture
Analytic Theology and the Response to Revelation
Biblically "Authorized" Analytic Theology?
"You Intended It For Evil": Biblical Theology and the Case for Compatibilism as a Case Study
3. Analytic Theology and the History of Doctrine
Historical Theology and Analytic Theology
Objections, Ontology and Orthodoxy: Christology as a Case Study
"I Am My Body, Broken for You"? Physicalist Christology as Case Study
4. Analytic Theology for the Church and the World
Analytic Theology and the Broader Aspirations of Christian Theology
The Historical Adam and the Crisis of Faith: A Recent Conversation on Creation, Evolution and Christian Doctrine as a Case Study
Unfinished Business: Toward Broader Horizons in Analytic Theology
Unstarted Business: Toward a Global Analytic Theology
5. Analytic Theology to the Glory of God
The Approach of the Theologian
The Telos of Theology
An Invitation to Analytic Theology, and Some Modest Suggestions
Author Index
Subject Index

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ABOUT Thomas H. McCall

Thomas H. McCall (PhD, Calvin Seminary) is professor of biblical and systematic theology and director of the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author of Which Trinity? Whose Monotheism? and Forsaken: The Trinity and the Cross, and Why It Matters.

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