Shaping a Theological Mind: Theological Context and Methodology

Rarely do theological thinkers have the opportunity to present their own self-understanding of both their context and their methodology and the inter-relation of the two. This book gives leading theological minds from North America, Great Britain and Europe an opportunity to explore the shaping of their theological minds in regard to context and methodology. Asking "why theology", each contributor explores his or her sense of call to the Christian faith, the purpose of their theological journey, and reflects on his or her context and theology. Cutting across denominational, gender, disciplinary, international and generational boundaries to explore shifts in theology and methodology, this book provides a diagnostic tool for examining where theology has come from and a compass to where theology is headed.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface, Darren C. Marks; Looking back, going forward, James H. Cone; Ecclesial contextual thinking, Edward Farley; Theology in communion, Colin E. Gunton; The need for a scientific theology, Alister E. McGrath; The irony of grace, Wayne A. Meeks; The last of the last: theology, authority and democracy, John Milbank; A lived theology, Jürgen Moltmann; A theological pilgrimage, Gerald O'Collins SJ; An intellectual autobiography, Rosemary Radford Ruether; How I changed my mind, Kathryn Tanner; A constructive contemporary theology, Keith Ward; Discovering dogmatics, John Webster; Method as creative fidelity: Habitus and the sensus communis, Darren C. Marks; Index.

About the Author :
Darren C. Marks is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religion at Huron University College, University of Western Ontario, Canada. Darren C. Marks, James H. Cone, Edward Farley, Colin E. Gunton, Alister E. McGrath, Wayne A. Meeks, John Milbank, Jurgen Moltmann, Gerald O'Collins, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Kathryn Tanner, Keith Ward, John Webster.

Review :
'Darren Marks (...) has brought together autobiographical pieces from an impressively wide and ecumenical range of theological celebrities... The book reminds us how even theologians who despise 'spirituality' are motivated by a quest for God. It also illustrates well the main lines of thinking and feeling among contemporary academic theologians, both in the content of the different pieces and also in their tone and style.' The Way 'This is an interesting book... It is good to learn a little more about theologians whose work has been important to us, and also to be stimulated by those whose theology is very different from ours but who can at the very least give us new questions even when they don't satisfy us with their answers.' Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology 'Darren C. Marks has assembled a superb collection of essays by mainly North American and English theologians allowing them to reflect on their own theological context and their methodologies... the essays beautifully combine autobiography with rich theological reflection that will aid any reader of that theologian's work... I suspect church groups, college students and theologians (both professional and otherwise) will find a great deal to stimulate and enjoy from these essays. The personal stories, vulnerability, irony and good humour of some of the theological giants of our time are heartening.' Theology '... there are moments of very rich nourishment.' The Crucible 'The reader is treated to some very interesting essays in Shaping a Theological Mind. As helpful as commentaries on various theologies and theologians may be, it is refreshing to hear theologians speak for themselves about their lives and theology... This is [...] a good collection. I would recommend it for the theological enthusiast or for the classroom, particularly one where questions of theological method and context are considered, and where there is serious concern for understanding the relationship between doctrine and life.' Faith & Mission '... an intriguing array of essays by twelve significant contemporary theologians...' Religious Studies Review