Christian Faith

by Hodgson, Peter C.

• ISBN13: 9780664224172
• ISBN10: 0664224172
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-08-01
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

In this unique introduction, Peter Hodgson rethinks central Christian themes in relation to three sets of issues that confront humankind with increasing urgency: the struggle for justice; cultural and religious pluralism; and ecological and cosmological awareness. Hodgson assumes both the possibility and necessity of revisioning Christian faith under ever-changing circumstances, and notes that such reconstruction has occurred since the beginning of the Christian faith. He invites readers to actually participate in this theological revisioning, and he encourages the process by including practical exercises--critical thinking problems, collaborative projects, and interactions with contemporary challenges--in every chapter.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
A New Millennium: Whence Courage, Whither Faith?	1	(18)
Challenges of a New Millennium	1	(9)
Whence Courage?	10	(2)
Whither Faith?	12	(1)
Themes and Questions: A Revisionary Approach	13	(6)
Thinking Theologically: What Calls It Forth?	19	(28)
Faith, Revelation, and Theology	19	(5)
Ways of Thinking Theologically	24	(4)
The Resources and Dimensions of Theology	28	(9)
The Nature of Theological Construction	37	(10)
God and the World: How Do They Interact?	47	(30)
A Relational-Organic-Ecological View of the World	48	(6)
A Creative-Trinitarian View of God	54	(8)
Figures of the Trinity: The Interaction of God and the World	62	(15)
Human Nature and Evil: A Tragic Condition?	77	(26)
The Place of Humanity in Nature	77	(6)
Imago Dei: Human Being as Embodied Freedom	83	(5)
Tragedy: From Fragility to Sin	88	(7)
Injustice: From Sin to Evil	95	(8)
Jesus and Redemption: Who and Where Is Christ for Us Today?	103	(32)
The Problem of Interpreting Jesus	103	(3)
Jesus as the Incarnation of God's Wisdom	106	(13)
The Risen Christ and the Work of Redemption	119	(7)
Christology and Religious Pluralism	126	(9)
The Age of the Spirit: An Impossible Dream?	135	(24)
The Age of the Spirit	135	(1)
The Coming of the Spirit	136	(10)
A Spirituality for Today: Ecology, Justice, and Pluralism	146	(4)
Beyond Accusation and Consolation: A Possible Dream	150	(9)
Glossary	159	(12)
Bibliography	171	(10)
Index	181