Discipleship and Imagination: Christian Tradition and Truth

How have the arrangement of biblical narratives over the centuries had an impact on the understanding and practice of discipleship?David Brown's Tradition and Imagination was described on its publication as 'an achievement unmatched by any British theologian for a long time' (Maurice Wiles). In this controversial sequel Professor Brown tackles questions about the presentation of biblical narratives over the centuries, and asks whether it has had an impact on our understanding of discipleship. He explores presentations of Job, the biblical Marys, heaven, and the saints to argue that the Church went beyond purely scriptural ideas to keep the life of Christ continually relevant to a changing society. This book includes new attitudes to suffering and sexual equality, and concludes with arguments for a new way of understanding Bible and Tradition. Professor Brown shows in his consistently open and sensitive way that not only does conflict exercise a creative role in the search for truth, but that the most important type of truth, far from being narrowly historical, is in fact imaginative.

Table of Contents:
One: Appropriating Christ for the Present 1: Valuing and Prostituting Women: Equality and Mary Magdalene 2: Pattern and Particular: Saint and Novel 3: Heaven and the Defeat of the Beast: Social Aspects of Discipleship Two: The Impact of Changing Experience 4: Job and Innocent Suffering 5: Mary and Virgin Promise Three: Truth and Authority 6: Apostolicity and Conflict: Peter and Paul 7: Posing Pilate's Question: Truth and Fiction

About the Author :
David Brown is Van Mildert Professor of Divinity in the University of Durham.

Review :
`Review from previous edition The detailed level of argumentation makes this a must-read for historians, theologians, and all those interested in the patterns of Christian discipleship.' Religious Studies Review `a profound study in what might be called the 'epistemology of faith'' Journal of Theological Studies `David Brown is especially helpful on issues relating to feminism and the discipleship of women, as he deftly avoids a host of common pitfalls' Theological Studies `Brown's scholarship is massive without ever becoming tedious, and the range of subjects covered - art, philosophy, literature, and the history and writings of three major world religions - is awesome.' Anthony Freeman, THES `No one could read these two books [Tradition and Imagination and Discipleship and Imagination] without being grateful to Brown for his many rich insights and the challenge laid down by his refusal to embrace exclusively any one approach.' Anthony Freeman, THES `a most impressive study' The Expository Times `Brown ... is not only a noted theologian, he is also skilled in philosophy and able to use his appreciation of art and knowledge of art history to cast light on his theme. His discussion of the criteria for recognising Christian truth and legitimate developments in tradition is outstanding.' Church of England Newspaper `quite magnificent.' James Barr, previously Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford and Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University `This is a book which challenges both easy liberalism and easy conservatism. By drawing on so wide and so rich a range of Christian history and tradition, Brown reminds us that apparent cul-de-sacs and neglected avenues can prove to be surprising challenges to contemporary discipleship.' Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell, Church Times `Brown has undertaken a Herculean task in both Tradition and Imagination and Discipleship and Imagination and rendered wonderful results. His encouragement of the Church to engage fully in ever-developing imaginative traditions is a worthy call and one to be applauded. These volumes are highly recommended' Literature & Theology