The Mystery of God: Theology for Knowing the Unknowable
Overview
How is it possible to do theology if the “theos” that we believe in is too great for human minds to take in? Christians have always known that God is a mystery and have developed strategies to aid believers in knowing him genuinely, but in a way that takes seriously the fact that he is beyond knowledge. Steven Boyer and Christopher Hall argue that the "mystery of God" has a rightful place in theological discourse and contend that considering divine incomprehensibility invites reverence and humility on the believer’s part. They investigate the biblical, historical, and practical foundations for understanding the mystery of God and examine its implications for a variety of theological issues and practices.
The Mystery of God will serve as a supplemental text in college and seminary theology courses. It will also appeal to pastors and church leaders seeking intellectual and practical guidance for knowing the unknowable God.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Looking for more on the mystery of providence? Check out Divine and Human Agency in Paul and His Cultural Environment.
Key Features
- Explores the intertwinement of providence and freewill
- Emphasizes the role of mystery in Christian knowledge
- Presents a Wesleyan perspective on providence
Contents
- The Sun
- The Meaning of Mystery
- The Necessity of Mystery
- The History of Mystery
- The Knowledge of Mystery
- The Landscape
- The Mystery of the Trinity
- The Mystery of the Incarnation
- Mystery and Salvation
- Mystery and the Life of Prayer
- Mystery and World Religions
Top Highlights
“theologian. A theologian, in the technical sense, is a person who has seen the very face of God” (Page xvi)
“When we speak of ‘mystery’ from now on, we are speaking of a revelational mystery that is dimensional in character—that is, of a mystery that is impenetrable even after it is revealed, not by virtue of its quantitative magnitude, nor by virtue of its existential uniqueness, but by virtue of an unimaginable depth or density that transcends our rational capacities and all of our other capacities as well. And to speak of the ‘mystery of God’ is to insist that, for finite creatures like ourselves, God the Creator, the living God of Christian faith, is just this kind of mystery.” (Page 13)
“it is not as though rationally cogent doctrine were one thing and the mystery of God were another” (Page 9)
“rose, but that is not at all the same as experiencing a rose, as actually smelling it” (Page 9)
“‘mystery’ denotes a marvelous plan or purpose that God has revealed for creation” (Page 5)
Praise for the Print Edition
Rightly understood, mystery is a powerful and liberating theological reality. Boyer and Hall skillfully explore the wonderful truth of mystery, employing such topics as the incarnation, salvation, and prayer as examples of how it works in the church’s confession and practice.
—Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies, Covenant College
This book is both an invitation to contemplation and an exercise in humility. Boyer and Hall bring together theology and spirituality in a way that will help both seasoned travelers and new pilgrims on the road of faith.
—Timothy George, founding dean, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
A fine Protestant theological treatment of mystery in theology is long overdue, and Boyer and Hall have provided it.
—Roger E. Olson, professor of theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
The Mystery of God is a refreshing challenge to evangelicals to reject rationalistic approaches to faith while at the same time learning humbly from the Great Tradition. Boyer and Hall mine riches from the fathers that will help their readers appreciate the beauty of the Triune God and the orthodox tradition in which he is found.
—Gerald R. McDermott, professor of theology, Roanoke College
- Title: The Mystery of God: Theology for Knowing the Unknowable
- Authors: Christopher A. Hall, Steven D. Boyer
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2012
- Logos Release Date: 2012
- Pages: 272
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- Subjects: Mystery; God (Christianity)
- ISBNs: 9781441226280, 9780801027734, 1441226281, 080102773X
- Resource ID: LLS:9781441240170
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T20:46:43Z
About the Authors
Steven D. Boyer is professor of theology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania.
Christopher A. Hall is distinguished professor of theology and director of academic spiritual formation at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He is an editor at large for Christianity Today, editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, and the author of The Trinity, Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, and Learning Theology with the Church Fathers.