The Reality of God and Historical Method: Apocalyptic Theology in Conversation with N. T. Wright (New Explorations in Theology | NET)

by Samuel V. Adams

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2015

Overview

After a flurry of heated debates in the mid-twentieth century over the relationship between faith and history, the dust seems to have settled. The parties have long since dispersed into their separate camps. The positions are entrenched and loyalties are staked out.

This New Explorations in Theology volume is a deliberate attempt to kick up the dust again, but this time as a constructive development of what is now being called “apocalyptic theology.” Samuel Adams argues that any historiography interested in contributing to theological knowledge must take into consideration, at a methodological level, the reality of God that has invaded history in Jesus Christ. He explores this idea in critical dialogue with the writings of New Testament historian and theologian N. T. Wright, whose work has significantly shaped the current conversation on this problem.

The Reality of God and Historical Method is a fresh, bold, and interdisciplinary exploration of the question: How is it possible to say that a particular historical person is the reconciliation of the world?

Featuring new monographs with cutting-edge research, New Explorations in Theology provides a platform for constructive, creative work in the areas of systematic, historical, philosophical, biblical, and practical theology.

Key Features

• Explores this idea in critical dialogue with the writings of New Testament.
• Reminds that the gospel is not a method, but the power of God.
• Provides a level of critical engagement with Wright’s approach.

Contents

• Chapter 1. History and Theology According to the Historian: N. T. Wright?s Historical and Theological Method
• Chapter 2. Theology According to the Theologians: Critical Realism and the Object of Knowledge in Theology
• Chapter 3. Apocalyptic, Continuity and Discontinuity: Soteriological Implications for a Theology of History
• Chapter 4. Christology and Creation: Furthering the Apocalyptic Logic
• Chapter 5. History According to the Theologians: From a Theology of History to a Theology of Historiography
• Chapter 6. An Apocalyptic Reappraisal of Apocalyptic
• Chapter 7. Conclusion

Praise for the Print Edition

At the heart of N. T. Wright’s massive and influential output there is a set of fundamental and contestable methodological claims about ‘worldview,’ critical realism and the relationship between theology and history. To date these claims have not been subjected to a thoroughgoing analysis and critique. Samuel Adams takes up that daunting and crucial task with great intelligence, maturity and grace in this timely, groundbreaking work on Wright’s theological method. The result, however, goes beyond the engagement with Wright. In the end Adams makes his own constructive contribution to theology today by proposing an ‘apocalyptic’ understanding of the reality of God in history. Followers of Wright will be challenged by this book. Theologians will be reminded that the gospel is not a method, but the power of God in the word of the cross.

--Douglas Harink, The King’s University, Edmonton, Canada

What does it mean for theologians and biblical scholars to take seriously the singular apocalypse of Jesus Christ? This question lies at the heart of Samuel Adams’s important volume. His wise, generous and learned response moves apocalyptic theology forward in unsettling and significant ways.

--Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Baylor University

Adams is meticulous in his attention to detail and every point he attempts to makes is very closely argued. He leans upon the prominent theologians of the past, not blindly, but drinks discerningly from the fountains already in place. He turns to Thomas F. Torrance for some of the critical issues—a good choice in this reviewer’s opinion—but not exclusively, as testified by the 678 footnotes that support his work. As expected, the bibliography is extensive, with most of the major theologians of the last ninety years included. An Author and Subject Index, and a Scripture Index complete an excellent tool for the serious reader.

--Raymond J. Laird, Evangelical Review of Theology, 2016, 40:3

Product Details

• Title: The Reality of God and Historical Method: Apocalyptic Theology in Conversation with N. T. Wright
• Author: Samuel V. Adams
• Series: New Explorations in Theology
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2018
• Pages: 297
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: End of the world; History › Religious aspects--Christianity; Theology › Methodology; Wright, N. T. (Nicholas Thomas)
• Resource ID: LLS:9780830899500
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T20:55:22Z

About Samuel V. Adams

Samuel V. Adams (PhD, University of St Andrews) is director of graduate studies and assistant professor of theology and social justice at Kilns College in Bend, Oregon. He previously lectured at the University of St Andrews and was the founding pastor of Bend Mennonite Church. His research currently focuses on understanding theologies of history and their relationship to theories of social action.