Theology and the Enlightenment: A Critical Enquiry into Enlightenment Theology and Its Reception

by Paul Avis

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2022

Challenging the common assumption that the Enlightenment of the late seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries was an essentially secular, irreligious and atheistic movement, this book critiques this standard interpretation as based on a narrow view of Enlightenment sources.

Building on the work of revisionist historians, this volume takes the argument squarely into the theological domain, whether Anglican, Dissenting, Lutheran or deistic, whilst also noting that the Enlightenment deeply affected Roman Catholic and Jewish theologies. It challenges the stereotype of 'Enlightenment rationalism', and the penultimate chapter brings out the biblical and ecclesial roots of the image of enlightenment and reclaims it for Christian faith.

Features

Challenges the prevailing theological interpretation of the Enlightenment as rationalistic and hostile to Christianity and proposes an alternative paradigm
Re-assesses the Anglican Enlightenment in England and the deistic Enlightenment in France, showing that Enlightenment themes were embedded in theology and lay at the heart of the established churches
Places the imperative of Enlightenment back at the heart of Christian theology and faith

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1:
Engaging the Enlightenment

Chapter 2:
Scapegoating the Enlightenment

Chapter 3:
A Virtuous Enlightenment

Chapter 4:
The Enlightenment and Religion

Chapter 5:
The Anglican Enlightenment

Chapter 6:
Enlightenment History and the Bible

Chapter 7:
The Enlightenment in the Frame of Christian Theology

Bibliography
Index

Praise for Theology and the Enlightenment

In this momentous work, the author gives a comprehensive and fresh examination of the Enlightenment's philosophies, religious thought and theology. This book is an invaluable guide for navigating the critical debates on the Enlightenment. Anyone interested in understanding the theological dimension of the Enlightenment will definitely welcome this magnificent book.

This book makes a very significant contribution to recent re-working of the Enlightenment. Avis, with his customary detailed scholarship and careful articulation, has drawn out the issues and presents a provocative and detailed account of theology and the End the Enlightenment. An excellent piece of accessible scholarly writing.

Product Details

• Title: Theology and the Enlightenment: A Critical Enquiry into Enlightenment Theology and Its Reception
• Author: Paul Avis
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780567705662, 9780567705648, 0567705641, 0567705668
• Resource ID: LLS:9780567705662
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-12T04:26:55Z

About Paul Avis

Paul Avis is an Anglican priest, theologian and ecumenist. He is General Secretary of the Church of England’s Council for Christian Unity. At the University of Exeter he is honorary Professor of Theology and Director of the Centre for the Study of the Christian Church. Paul Avis is also a Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen, Canon Theologian of Exeter Cathedral and Convening Editor of the journal Ecclesiology.