Faithful to Save: Pannenberg on God's Reconciling Action(T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology)

Faithful to Save is an exposition and analysis of Pannenberg's doctrine of reconciliation as it appears in his three-volume Systematic Theology. It suggests that this doctrine is best approached by bearing in mind its three most salient characteristics, all of which are inter-dependent, and when kept in view make the essential tenets of Pannenberg's account transparent: God acts freely and immediately in and for creation; history is a function of the faithfulness of God to his creation; reconciliation is an expression of this faithfulness towards sinful creation - God's 'holding fast' to creation despite its self-destructive self-assertion. On the basis of a detailed examination of the central texts, it argues that Pannenberg's doctrine of reconciliation at once marks out God's action in the world as the true Infinite and issues an invitation to consider how such a God extends himself in reconciling love to his creatures so that their finite creatureliness is at every turn affirmed and found to be in the end 'good'.

Table of Contents:
Introduction\Chapter 1: The Anticipation of Reconciliation\Chapter 2: The Actualization of Reconciliation\Chapter 3: The Proclamation of the Reconciled Community\Chapter 4: The Completion of Reconciliation\Conclusion\Bibliography

About the Author :
Rev. Dr. Kent Eilers earned his PhD from King's College, Aberdeen and is Assistant Professor of Theology at Huntington University, USA.

Review :
‘This study of the work of one of the foremost theologians of the 20th century breaks new ground. Unlike many other studies of Pannenberg's theology, which focus on philosophical, hermeneutical, methodological or inter-disciplinary themes, this book puts under the microscope his theology of reconciliation. There are surprises here: the emphasis on Pannenberg as a biblical thinker, the importance of the cross in his theology, above all the cantus firmus of the faithful¬ness of God. The role of the church in reconciliation, through prayer and proclamation, also receives welcome accentuation. The author offers us a subtle and perceptive reading of Pannenberg, which further consolidates his reputation as a theologian of the first rank and, in the process, clears up not a few misunderstandings. This book has provided me, a long-time reader of Pannenberg, with scores of new insights.' - Christiaan Mostert, United Faculty of Theology, Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia. ‘In this careful exploration of the central place and comprehensive character of the doctrine of reconciliation in Pannenberg's mature theology, Eilers displays the complexity, subtlety and integrity of the work of one of Europe's most significant living theologians. Students of contemporary Christian doctrine will learn much from Eilers' generous study which insightfully places Pannenberg's achievement into dialogue with current and pressing debates concerning soteriology, the doctrine of God and the relation between them.' - Philip G. Ziegler, University of Aberdeen, UK ‘Dr Eilers has written a thorough and interesting account of Pannenberg's doctrine of reconciliation, wrestling helpfully with some of the key issues of theological discussion. In particular his interpretation of Pannenberg's trinitarianism is very valuable, as is the treatment of the place of the church in God's work of loving reconciliation. A reliable and probing study, emphasizing divine love as the core of Pannenberg's vision of reality.' - Timothy Bradshaw, Regent's Park College, Oxford, UK.