Justification: A Guide for the Perplexed: (Guides for the Perplexed)

This title provides an upper-level introduction to the doctrine of justification which triggered the Reformation and is still high up on the agenda in Ecumenical dialogue. The core of the book is an historical survey of the doctrine of justification as it has developed within the Western church - a somewhat simplified version of McGrath's Justitia Dei, but with a more outspoken assessment of the various moves that are taken at various stages in the discussion. Attention will is paid to the context or prevailing world view in which such a doctrine is deemed significant. Although the focus is on a number of principal theologians there are some reference to their peers or followers. Only at the end the Pauline texts are examined. The conclusion considers what part a doctrine of justification can have within a modern worldview in which the concept of divine judgement has generally been marginalised. Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Table of Contents:
1.      Justification as the doctrine of salvation of the Western Church.2.      The widespread belief in divine judgement as the context in which such a doctrine flourished historically.3.      The expectancy of final judgement in the New Testament community.4.      The doctrine of justification in Augustine and the Medieval Church5.      The doctrine of justification in Luther and the Lutherans.6.      The doctrine of justification in Calvin and the Reformed Church.7.      The doctrine of justification in the Council of Trent and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.8.      The doctrine of justification in Barth9.      The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification10.  Tom Wright and the New Perspective.11.   Re-reading the Pauline texts. Conclusion.  A doctrine of justification today

About the Author :
Dr Alan J. Spence has been a teacher in Harare, an evangelist in the South African townships, a human rights advocate in Zimbabwe and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. He is now a minister in the United Reformed Church in Nottingham, UK.

Review :
‘Alan Spence has written a characteristically clear, carefully plotted, and even-handed overview of some of the major developments and debates on the doctrine of Justification. This is no mean achievement, given the importance and complexity of that debate, and the passions it has excited. The result is a volume that will commend itself to a wide range of readers.' - Oliver Crisp, Fuller Seminary, USA ‘In this thoughtful and useful book, Alan Spence sets forth a classical Reformed understanding of the doctrine of justification that is suited for readers today. He seeks to retrieve the central message of the Reformation for a new generation and in the face of recent theological developments that seem to be moving in another direction. Even readers who may disagree with him here and there will be grateful for this highly stimulating and accessible introductory work.' - George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA This work is accessible and readable as Spence writes for those who are ‘perplexed’ by the plethora of opinions on justification. His clear historical overview eases the reader into the long-standing debates over justification without inundating the reader with theological jargon.