Hallowed Be Thy Name: The Sanctification of All in the Soteriology of P. T. Forsyth(T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology)

This book fills a noticeable gap in Forsyth studies. It provides readers interested in the thought of Forsyth with a way of reading and critiquing his corpus, and that in a way that takes due account of, and elucidates, the theological, philosophical and historical locale of his thought. Goroncy explores whether the notion of ‘hallowing' provides a profitable lens through which to read and evaluate Forsyth's soteriology. He suggests that the hallowing of God's name is, for Forsyth, the way whereby God both justifies himself and claims creation for divine service. This book proposes that reading Forsyth's corpus as essentially an exposition of the first petition of the Lord's Prayer is an invitation to better comprehend not only his soteriology but also, by extension, his broader theological vision and interests.

Table of Contents:
Prolegomenon\ 1. Coming into Focus: Finding Lenses \ 2. The Moral is the Real: Location, Landscape, Appropriation \ 3. Thy Kingdom Come. Thy Will be Done, on Earth as it is in Heaven \ 4. Hallowed be Thy Name: Holiness' Self Recovery in the Human Conscience \ 5. Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory. Amen. \ By Way of Conclusion

About the Author :
Jason A. Goroncy, PhD (St Andrews) is Lecturer and Dean of Studies at the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership in Dunedin, NZ.

Review :
I found this study immense, and I have not done justice to the magnitude of it here. But it has, as the author suggests, whetted, or re-whetted, my appetite and has already sent me back to read Forsyth's books for myself again. And what could be better than that? This book fills a noticeable gap in Forsyth studies. In this fine book Jason Goroncy engages in a critical and appreciative assessment of the theological work of P.T. Forsyth by directing our attention to the ways in which Forsyth understands divine action in terms of the Lord's prayer's first petition. This focus serves well the task of exploring the richness of Forsyth’s work. Goroncy’s beautifully crafted prose and astute theological judgement combine in a compelling case that Forsyth deserves to be reckoned with still. P. T. Forsyth (1848-1921) has been described as a “Barthian before Barth” (not entirely accurate, but a great compliment to Barth). His works enjoyed a revival in the middle years of the twentieth century, and now we are in the midst of a second great awakening inspired by Trevor Hart and others in the mid-1990s. Since then articles and monographs have appeared, and among the best is this book by Dr. Goroncy. He has fastened upon the thus far insufficiently-studied theme of sanctification which pervades Forsyth’s works. His treatment is stimulating, his research is unusually thorough, his style is fluent. The result is an important book which should be read by ministers of religion and church members, as well as by professional toilers in the theological vineyard—especially, perhaps, by any who have somehow momentarily mislaid the gospel.