Reformed Humanism: Essays on Christian Doctrine, Philosophy, and Church

by David Fergusson

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2024

The volume comprises a collection of essays ordered in three parts, each of which describes broadly the sub-fields of theology to which these belong. The essays tackle core themes in Christian doctrine, the longstanding relationship of theology to philosophy, and a series of challenges facing churches today. While the volume represents a Reformed theological approach often with a historical focus, it self-consciously reflects an ecumenical and critical perspective. The term 'humanism' reflects an openness to insight, understanding and correction from different fields of knowledge, while its 'Reformed' designation positions the work within a recognized theological tradition though seeking to avoid imprisonment by it.

A further feature of the collection is its attempt to overcome the curricular divisions between systematic theology, Christian ethics, and practical theology. The third section in particular deal with issues in social ethics, theological aesthetics, the place of the church in a secular culture, and the role of theology in the university.

Features

The essays cover a range of important topics in contemporary theology
Considers the notion of a theological humanism, as well as it examines theological interactions with Humean scepticism
Deals with issues in contemporary church life including Reformed social thought, the place of the Bible in the church, Reformed aesthetics, theology and psychotherapy

Contents

Introduction: Reformed Humanism

Part One: Christian Doctrine

1. The Divine Attributes: Some Methodological Considerations

2. The Power of God: Its Use and Abuse as a Theological Concept

3. Maker of Heaven and Earth: Theology for Creationtide

4. Christological Maximalism Assessed

5. Providence

6. The Imago Dei

7. The Last Judgement

Part Two: Philosophy

8. Hume as Religious Sceptic

9. Adam Smith on Ethics and Religion

10. Natural Theology After Darwin

Part Three: Church

11. Theology of Worship: A Reformed Perspective

12. Reformed Theology and Visual Culture

13. Mapping the Church: Current Challenges of History and Mission

14. The Bible in Modernity

15. Reformed Social Theology: Contexts and Constants

16. Theology and Therapy

17. The Place of Christian Theology in the University

Epilogue

18. Theology and Laughter

Bibliography
Index

Praise for Reformed Humanism

In these essays David Fergusson's distinctive range of intellectual and theological virtues are amply on display: breadth of scholarship combined with finely tuned judgement; crisp and unpretentious writing, clarity of analysis and generosity of spirit. It is a magisterial and understated volume, strongly recommended.

Wise, well-read, honest, alert to paradox, intent on preserving the connections between church and academy-this is Reformed theology to treasure!

With systematic clarity and historical depth, in critical alertness to philosophical insight and commitment to devotion and service, Fergusson's essays on doctrine, philosophy, and the church embody an ethos that is as Reformed as it is humanist. Lucid in exposition, thoughtful in deliberation, serious yet circumspect in appraisal, these studies are as instructive as they are approachable. They will inform and delight novices and experts alike.

This volume brings together a range of characteristically informed and insightful essays by David Fergusson. Drawing on years of experience and reflection, the contributions offer judicious soundings across the terrain of theology and philosophy, drawing together not only the spheres of faith and reason, but also of church and world. There are few theologians possessing such erudition and wisdom, and this collection will both merit and repay careful study.

Product Details

• Title: Reformed Humanism: Essays on Christian Doctrine, Philosophy, and Church
• Author: David Fergusson
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2024
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780567712776, 9780567712745, 0567712745, 056771277X
• Resource ID: LLS:9780567712776
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-05T19:17:48Z

About David Fergusson

David A. S. Fergusson FRSE (born 1956) is a Scottish theologian. He is Professor of Divinity at New College in the University of Edinburgh. He is a minister of the Church of Scotland. He was born in Glasgow. Fergusson was Assistant Minister at St Nicholas Parish Church, Lanark, 1983-1984 and Associate Minister at St Mungo’s Parish Church, Cumbernauld, 1984-1986. In 1986, he was appointed a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.