Making Sense of Man and the World (2 vols.)

by Vern S. Poythress

Publisher:

P&R

, 2024

Overview

In searching for beauty’s source, we encounter ultimate reality. In this new contribution to worldview thinking, Poythress shows how all creation reflects the Trinitarian God—and where philosophers go wrong. Poythress uses multiple biblical perspectives to address the origin of humanity, the image of God, body and soul, the creational covenant, free agency, human sexuality, and other truths about humanity.

Key Features

• Uses multiple biblical perspectives to address the origin of humanity, the image of God
• Demonstrates how we can use various threefold perspectives as complementary ways of looking at creation
• Explores the idea of beauty to show how everything in the world reflects our Trinitarian God

Endorsements

I find this the most stimulating and incisive contribution that Poythress has made. Even where I might disagree with him, there is much that informs and challenges. Poythress’s expertise in science and mathematics, combined with his vast knowledge, theological acumen, and linguistic and exegetical skill, makes this a book that cannot be missed.

—Robert Letham, Senior Research Fellow, Union School of Theology; Associate Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Senior Fellow, Newton House, Oxford; Fellow in History and Theology, Greystone Theological Institute, Pittsburgh

The biblical and Christian theology of humanity has become a focal point of controversy in the academy and the public square in recent decades. Ques-tions of human identity, sexuality, and purpose are often disputed, but biblical understanding and wisdom regarding them are increasingly rare. Within this setting, Poythress’s latest book is a timely and welcome contribution. Poythress provides a comprehensive, provocative exposition of a rich diversity of biblical themes concerning the nature and destiny of humanity within the triune God’s purposes in creation and redemption. Throughout the book, Poythress exhibits a rare combination of careful exegesis, methodological transparency, philosophical acumen, and pastoral sensitivity. His treatment of two important topics, the image of God and human freedom, offer especially constructive contributions to long-standing debates.

—Cornelis P. Venema, President, Professor of Doctrinal Studies, Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Herman Bavinck considered that while the Trinity is unlike anything in the world, everything in the world is like the Trinity. Poythress’s intriguing account of Trinitarian reflections in the world is worth extensive consideration. He is careful to operate within the constraints of biblical revelation and the historical parameters of church teaching, pointing the way to a vivid realization that the glory of the triune God can be perceived all around us in the things that he has made.

—Robert Letham, Senior Research Fellow, Union School of Theology