By the Renewing of Your Minds The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine

by Charry, Ellen T.

• ISBN13: 9780195134865
• ISBN10: 0195134869
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-09-16
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

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 ofPaul, 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 thebody 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 furthershows 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.

Table of Contents

Preface
Foreword	p. xiii
The Art of Christian Excellence	p. 2
New Testament Foundations	p. 32
Co-Optation into the Work of God	p. 34
Authoritative Teaching	p. 61
Defeating the Fear of Death	p. 86
Drinking in the Majesty and Grace of God	p. 101
Dwelling in the Dignity of God	p. 120
Medieval Piety	p. 152
Learning the Cross of Christ	p. 154
Learning Love and Justice	p. 176
Sixteenth-Century Reform	p. 196
""""By the Renewing of Your Minds""""	p. 198
Sapiential Theology	p. 224
Works Cited	p. 246
Index	p. 255
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