Alister E. McGrath - Böcker

Offers a lively, concise, and easily accessible approach to the development of Christianity’s core themes over the centuries As Christianity enters into a new phase of expansion, the study of Christian theology continues to play a key role in modern intellectual culture, as well as to those wanting to understand the central issues and preoccupations of the Middle Ages, the European Reformation, or many other periods in human history. Since its initial publication more than 30 years ago, Christian Theology: An Introduction has established itself as one of the most respected and widely used theological textbooks. Now in its seventh edition, this classic textbook remains an unparalleled introduction to the primary concepts, themes, and developments of 2,000 years of Christian thought. Designed for students with no prior knowledge of the subject, Christian Theology provides an overview of historical theology, explains central aspects of philosophical theology, describes major debates over Christian theological method, and explores key doctrines of systematic theology. Theologically neutral chapters offer balanced coverage of Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and evangelical traditions, positions, perspectives, and insights. In this new edition, renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath is joined by educationalist Matthew J. Thomas to ensure that Christian Theology connects with a range of contemporary teaching contexts. Reviewed and improved content is supported by an entirely new series of fifteen lectures on Christian theology written and presented by Professor McGrath. Christian Theology: An Introduction, Seventh Edition, remains the ideal textbook for university courses in Christian theology, seminary courses across denominations, church discussion groups, adult Sunday schools, and those looking for a reliable guide to the study of Christian thought.

Reformation Thought Praise for previous editions:“Theologically informed, lucid, supremely accessible: no wonder McGrath’s introduction to the Reformation has staying power!”—Denis R. Janz, Loyola University“Vigorous, brisk, and highly stimulating. The reader will be thoroughly engaged from the outset, and considerably enlightened at the end.”—Dr. John Platt, Oxford University“[McGrath] is one of the best scholars and teachers of the Reformation... Teachers will rejoice in this wonderfully useful book.”—Teaching HistoryReformation Thought: An Introduction is a clear, engaging, and accessible introduction to the European Reformation of the sixteenth century. Written for readers with little to no knowledge of Christian theology or history, this indispensable guide surveys the ideas of the prominent thought leaders of the period, as well as its many movements, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism, and the Catholic and English Reformations. The text offers readers a framework to interpret the events of the Reformation in full view of the intellectual landscape and socio-political issues that fueled its development.Based on Alister McGrath’s acclaimed lecture course at Oxford University, the fully updated fifth edition incorporates the latest academic research in historical theology. Revised and expanded chapters describe the cultural backdrop of the Reformation, discuss the Reformation’s background in late Renaissance humanism and medieval scholasticism, and distill the findings of recent scholarship, including work on the history of the Christian doctrine of justification. A wealth of pedagogical features—including illustrations, updated bibliographies, a glossary, a chronology of political and historical ideas, and several appendices—supplement McGrath’s clear explanations.Written by a world-renowned theologian, Reformation Thought: An Introduction, Fifth Edition upholds its reputation as the ideal resource for university and seminary courses on Reformation thought and the widespread change it inspired in Christian belief and practice.

The leading introductory textbook on the study of religion and the natural sciences, including new coverage of the latest topics in the fieldScience and Religion provides students with a thorough introduction to the major themes and landmark debates in the interaction of science and religion. Incorporating history, philosophy, the natural sciences, and theology, this popular textbook examines how science and religion approach central questions and discusses the relationship between the two areas through the centuries. The authoritative and accessible chapters are designed for readers with minimal knowledge of science or theology. Written by one of the world’s leading authorities on the study of religion and science, this fully revised and updated third edition addresses contemporary topics and reflects the latest conceptual developments in the field. New and expanded chapters and case studies discuss Scientism, evolutionary theodicy, the Theory of Relativity, warranted belief in science and religion, the influence of science and religion on human values, and more. The most up-to-date introduction to this exciting and rapidly growing field, this textbook: Offers an engaging, thematically-based approach to the subjectProvides historical context for major events in science and religionExplores scientific and religious perspectives on Creation and the existence of GodDiscusses models, analogies, and issues at the intersection of science and religionOne of the most respected and widely adopted textbooks in the field, Science and Religion: A New Introduction, 3rd Edition is an ideal resource for college, seminary, and university students in courses in science and religion; church or community courses in the relation of science and faith; and general readers looking for an inclusive overview of the field.

Provides an accessible overview of the theory and practice of Christian apologetics, written by one of the leading experts in the fieldChristian Apologetics is a compact yet comprehensive introduction to the theological discipline devoted to the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian religion. Assuming no previous knowledge of Christian apologetics, this student-friendly textbook clearly explains the major theoretical and practical aspects of the tradition while exploring its core themes, historical development, and current debates.Using a non-denominational approach, world-renowned Christian scholar Alister E. McGrath engages the ideas of a wide range of representative apologists and explores the ways they have been applied throughout history, and can still be used today.Concise, easy-to-digest chapters gradually build students' knowledge and confidence, moving from basic definitions and concepts to more advanced theory and practical application. Throughout the text, the author engages a variety of cultural concerns about religious belief, illustrates the real-life connection of apologetic studies and ministries in the Church, and offers clear explanations and vigorous defenses of the faith that students can adopt in their own writing and speaking. Introduces the art and science of explaining and commending the Christian faithPresents approaches to apologetics that emphasize the positive appeal of Christianity to the imagination and emotionsCovers the major approaches to apologetics, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses their key representativesHelps readers in ministry and outreach defend Christianity against misunderstandings and misrepresentationsAddresses the real-world application of apologetics, including role models, good practice, and established wisdomFeatures case studies of Christian apologists such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Tim KellerIncludes study questions, activities, further reading lists, full references, and links to video and audio resources developed by the authorDesigned to meet the needs of teachers looking for a clear and reliable introduction to the field, Christian Apologetics: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries, as well as church courses and study groups across Christian denominations."McGrath judiciously mines the best apologetics from both the past and present while helpfully analyzing the task of apologetics and giving sage advice on how Christians may more effectively engage in the apologetic task. I heartily recommend this book."—Robert B. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, New Orleans Baptist Theology Seminary"Alister McGrath, one of Christianity’s leading scholars, has written an apologetics textbook in the legacy of C. S. Lewis, which integrates multiple disciplines and new developments. The result is a masterful introduction that is destined to serve the church for many years to come."—Joshua Chatraw, The Billy Graham Chair for Evangelism and Cultural Engagement, Beeson Divinity School"From the first time I heard Alister McGrath lecture as an undergraduate student I was gripped. His unique ability to grapple with the most challenging and complex issues and communicate with clarity and wisdom is unsurpassed in our day. In Christian Apologetics: An Introduction he provides a comprehensive picture of Apologetic approaches with his classic combination of winsomeness and brilliance. I believe it will prove to be another classic from McGrath."—Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, Honorary Lecturer, School of Divinity, University of Aberdeen"There has long been a desperate need for a thorough and wide-ranging introduction to Christian Apologetics, not least as this branch of Christian thought and theology has become increasingly active and important in recent years. Alister McGrath's Christian Apologetics: An Introduction fills this gap brilliantly. All in all, this is a much needed and incredibly important book, one that McGrath—given his wide experience of writing and teaching in apologetics—is almost uniquely qualified to write."—Dr. Andy Bannister, Adjunct Professor of Apologetics, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

Our understanding of human rationality has changed significantly since the beginning of the century, with growing emphasis being placed on multiple rationalities, each adapted to the specific tasks of communities of practice. We may think of the world as an ontological unity - but we use a plurality of methods to investigate and represent this world. This development has called into question both the appeal to a universal rationality, characteristic of the Enlightenment, and also the simple 'modern-postmodern' binary. The Territories of Human Reason is the first major study to explore the emergence of multiple situated rationalities. It focuses on the relation of the natural sciences and Christian theology, but its approach can easily be extended to other disciplines. It provides a robust intellectual framework for discussion of transdisciplinarity, which has become a major theme in many parts of the academic world. Alister E. McGrath offers a major reappraisal of what it means to be 'rational' which will have significant impact on older discussions of this theme. He sets out to explore the consequences of the seemingly inexorable move away from the notion of a single universal rationality towards a plurality of cultural and domain-specific methodologies and rationalities. What does this mean for the natural sciences? For the philosophy of science? For Christian theology? And for the interdisciplinary field of science and religion? How can a single individual hold together scientific and religious ideas, when these arise from quite different rational approaches? This ground-breaking volume sets out to engage these questions and will provoke intense discussion and debate.

Recovering the forgotten discipline of Natural Philosophy for the modern worldThis book argues for the retrieval of 'natural philosophy', a concept that faded into comparative obscurity as individual scientific disciplines became established and institutionalized. Natural philosophy was understood in the early modern period as a way of exploring the human relationship with the natural world, encompassing what would now be seen as the distinct disciplines of the natural sciences, mathematics, music, philosophy, and theology. The first part of the work represents a critical conversation with the tradition, identifying the essential characteristics of natural philosophy, particularly its emphasis on both learning about and learning from nature. After noting the factors which led to the disintegration of natural philosophy during the nineteenth century, the second part of the work sets out the reasons why natural philosophy should be retrieved, and a creative and innovative proposal for how this might be done. This draws on Karl Popper's 'Three Worlds' and Mary Midgley's notion of using multiple maps in bringing together the many aspects of the human encounter with the natural world. Such a retrieved or 're-imagined' natural philosophy is able to encourage both human attentiveness and respectfulness towards Nature, while enfolding both the desire to understand the natural world, and the need to preserve the affective, imaginative, and aesthetic aspects of the human response to nature.

Our understanding of human rationality has changed significantly since the beginning of the century, with growing emphasis being placed on multiple rationalities, each adapted to the specific tasks of communities of practice. We may think of the world as an ontological unity-but we use a plurality of methods to investigate and represent this world. This development has called into question both the appeal to a universal rationality, characteristic of the Enlightenment, and also the simple 'modern-postmodern' binary. The Territories of Human Reason is the first major study to explore the emergence of multiple situated rationalities. It focuses on the relation of the natural sciences and Christian theology, but its approach can easily be extended to other disciplines. It provides a robust intellectual framework for discussion of transdisciplinarity, which has become a major theme in many parts of the academic world.Alister E. McGrath offers a major reappraisal of what it means to be 'rational' which will have significant impact on older discussions of this theme. He sets out to explore the consequences of the seemingly inexorable move away from the notion of a single universal rationality towards a plurality of cultural and domain-specific methodologies and rationalities. What does this mean for the natural sciences? For the philosophy of science? For Christian theology? And for the interdisciplinary field of science and religion? How can a single individual hold together scientific and religious ideas, when these arise from quite different rational approaches? This groundbreaking volume sets out to engage these questions and will provoke intense discussion and debate.

A groundbreaking account of the origins, development, and enduring significance of Christian doctrine, explaining why it remains essential to the life of Christian communities. Noting important parallels between the development of scientific theories and Christian doctrine, Alister E. McGrath examines the growing view of early Christianity as a 'theological laboratory'. We can think of doctrinal formulations as proposals submitted for testing across the Christian world, rather than as static accounts of orthodoxy. This approach fits the available evidence much better than theories of suppressed early orthodoxies and reinforces the importance of debate within the churches as a vital means of testing doctrinal formulations. McGrath offers a robust critique of George Lindbeck's still-influential Nature of Doctrine (1984), raising significant concerns about its reductionist approach. He instead provides a more reliable account of the myriad functions of doctrine, utilising Mary Midgley's concept of 'mapping' as a means of coordinating the multiple aspects of complex phenomena. McGrath's approach also employs Karl Popper's 'Three Worlds', allowing the theoretical, objective, and subjective aspects of doctrine to be seen as essential and interconnected. We see how Christian doctrine offers ontological disclosure about the nature of reality, while at the same time providing a coordinating framework which ensures that its various aspects are seen as parts of a greater whole. Doctrine provides a framework, or standpoint, that allows theological reality to be seen and experienced in a new manner; it safeguards and articulates the core vision of reality that is essential for the proper functioning and future flourishing of Christian communities.

Science and Religion in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis is the first comprehensive examination of C. S. Lewis's views on the relationship between science and religion, authored by an internationally acclaimed writer recognized as an authority on both Lewis and the field of science and religion. It focuses on the literary depictions of this relationship and its significance in cultural discussions regarding the boundaries of human knowledge, as well as Lewis's understanding of the roles of science and religion in humanity's pursuit of meaning and significance. This study provides a rigorous and historically informed analysis of Lewis's perspective on the interplay between science and religion, drawing both on his studies of medieval and Renaissance literature and his literary and philosophical explorations of naturalism and materialism. In particular, it highlights the importance of the constructive role of the imagination (and not merely the analytic role of reason) in constructing an authentic 'model of the universe'.This work breaks new ground by exploring Lewis's appeal to scientific criteria for evaluation in his apologetics. This can be seen as a significant anticipation of the method now referred to as 'inference to the best explanation', which was not formally articulated until after Lewis's death. While some continue to characterize Lewis as an anti-scientific Luddite entrenched in medieval fantasies, this analysis makes it clear that Lewis was well-acquainted with both the cultural perceptions of science and religion during the medieval and Renaissance eras, as well as the major philosophical and cultural debates concerning their relationship during the middle of the twentieth century. It will be an essential introduction to both this important and understudied aspect of Lewis's thought, and to its relevance for the growing field of academic studies in science and religion.

In recent years, Alister McGrath has gained prominence as one of evangelicalism's preeminent theologians. A brilliant scholar and communicator, he combines the clarity of thought of a scientist (he holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology) with the deep convictions of a committed Christian and theologian. Studies in Doctrine contains four of McGrath's more popular theological works: Understanding Doctrine explains what doctrine is, why it is important, and what its limitations are. Understanding the Trinity moves from a superb apologetic for God's existence, to developing a concept of God, to a probing and balanced examination of the Trinity proper. Understanding Jesus is a basic, eminently readable, and surprisingly personal introduction to the person and work of Christ. Justification by Faith demonstrates how the vitality and relevance of the doctrine of justification by faith can be recovered and presented to contemporary culture. This volume gives the student and non-specialist a clear, thoughtful, and highly readable introduction to the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.

ECPA Christian Book Award 2021 Finalist: Biography & MemoirExplore Apologetics through the Lives of History's Great ApologistsThe History of Apologetics follows the great apologists in the history of the church to understand how they approached the task of apologetics in their own cultural and theological context. Each chapter looks at the life of a well-known apologist from history, unpacks their methodology, and details how they approached the task of defending the faith.By better understanding how apologetics has been done, readers will be better able to grasp the contextualized nature of apologetics and apply those insights to today's context. The History of Apologetics covers forty-four apologists including:Part One: Patristic ApologistsJustin Martyr by Gerald BrayIrenaeus of Lyons by Stephen O. PresleyAthenagoras of Athens by W. Brian SheltonTertullian of Carthage by Bryan M. LitfinOrigen by A. Chadwick ThornhillAthanasius of Alexandria by Jonathan MorganAugustine of Hippo by Chad MeisterPart Two: Medieval ApologistsJohn of Damascus by Daniel J. JanosikTheodore Abu Qurrah by Byard BennettTimothy I of Baghdad by Edward L. Smither and Trevor CastorAnselm of Canterbury by Edward N. Martin and Steven B. CowanSaint Thomas Aquinas by Francis J. Beckwith and Shawn FloydRamon Lull by Greg PetersGregory Palamas by Byard BennettPart Three: Early Modern ApologistsHugo Grotius by Bryan BaiseBlaise Pascal by Tyler Dalton McNabb and Michael R. DeVitoJonathan Edwards by Michael McClymondWilliam Paley by Charles TaliaferroJoseph Butler by David McNaughtonPart Four: 19th C. ApologistsSimon Greenleaf by Craig A. PartonJohn Henry Newman by Corneliu C. SimutSøren Kierkegaard by Sean A. Turchin and Christian KetteringJames Orr by Ronnie CampbellB. B. Warfield by Kim RiddlebargerPart Five: 20th C. American ApologistsJ. Gresham Machen by D. G. HartCornelius Van Til by K. Scott OliphintGordon Haddon Clark by Robert A. WeathersFrancis A. Schaeffer by William EdgarEdward John Carnell by Steven A. HeinPart Six: 20th C. European ApologistsA. E. Taylor by Michael O. Obanla and David BaggettG. K. Chesterton by Ralph WoodDorothy Sayers by Amy Orr-EwingC. S. Lewis by Alister McGrathDietrich Bonhoeffer by Matthew D. KirkpatrickLesslie Newbigin by Krish KandiahPart Seven: Contemporary ApologistsJohn Warwick Montgomery by Craig A. PartonCharles Taylor by Bruce Riley Ashford and Matthew NgAlvin Plantinga by James BeilbyRichard Swinburne by Greg WeltyWilliam Lane Craig by R. Keith LoftinGary R. Habermas by W. David Beck and Benjamin C. F. ShawAlister E. McGrath by James K. Dew and Jordan SteffaniakTimothy Keller by Joshua D. Chatraw

“Engaging Fantasy”— Kirkus ReviewThe land of Aedyn is a paradise beyond all imagining. But when this paradise falls, strangers from another world must be called to fight for the truth.Peter and Julia never suspected that a trip to their grandparents’ home in Oxford would contain anything out of the ordinary ... That was before Julia stumbled upon a mysterious garden that shone on moonless nights. It was no accident that she fell into the pool, pulling her brother along with her, but now they’re lost in a strange new world and they don’t know whom they can trust. Should they believe the mysterious, hooded lords? The ancient monk who appears only when least expected? Or the silent slaves who have a dark secret of their own?In a world inhabited by strange beasts and peculiar whisperings, two children called from another world will have to discover who they truly are, fighting desperate battles within themselves before they can lead the great revolution.

In the second book, which draws on the biblical story of the Babylonian exile, Alexander hears his name being called once more and he returns to Eden, which is now derelict, deserted, and spoiled. The Lion King tells Alexander how Eden was invaded and its inhabitants deported to a distant city. Alexander is asked to rescue the Lion King’s people from exile. Again, Alexander passes himself off as the ambassador of a great nation, and by a series of shrewd strategies, he persuades the great king of another empire to invade the captors and set the cats free. In triumph, Alexander leads the cats back to Eden, where they rebuild the great castle and walls, culminating in the Lion King returning to Eden.

As the volcano’s dark and deadly cloud draws closer, Peter, Julia, and Louisa fight to protect the people of Aedyn, attempting to shelter themselves from the strengthening dark forces. As their enemy closes in, a stranger arrives, claiming to come from the Lord of Hosts to help in their escape to Aedyn and safety. But Louisa doesn’t trust this stranger, and her mistrust leads to further conflict. Can Peter, Julia, and Louisa overcome their disagreements in time to lead the people in the fight for freedom and truth, even when all seems lost?

In Emil Brunner: A Reappraisal, renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath presents a comprehensive intellectual history of Emil Brunner, the highly influential Swiss theologian who was instrumental in shaping modern Protestant theology.  Explores Brunner’s theological development and offers a critical engagement of his theologyExamines the role that Brunner played in shaping the characteristics of dialectical theologyReveals the complex and shifting personal and professional relationship between Brunner and BarthDelves into the reasons for Brunner’s contemporary neglect in theological scholarshipRepresents the only book-length study of Brunner’s works and significance in the English language

Marking the 50th anniversary of Lewis’ death, The Intellectual World of C. S. Lewis sees leading Christian thinker Alister McGrath offering a fresh approach to understanding the key themes at the centre of Lewis’ theological work and intellectual development. Brings together a collection of original essays exploring important themes within Lewis’ work, offering new connections and insights into his theologyThrows new light on subjects including Lewis’ intellectual development, the uses of images in literature and theology, the place of myth in modern thought, the role of the imagination in making sense of the world, the celebrated 'argument from desire', and Lewis’ place as an Anglican thinker and a Christian theologianWritten by Alister McGrath, one of the world’s leading Christian thinkers and authors; this exceptional pairing of McGrath and Lewis brings together the work of two outstanding theologians in one volume

Marking the 50th anniversary of Lewis’ death, The Intellectual World of C. S. Lewis sees leading Christian thinker Alister McGrath offering a fresh approach to understanding the key themes at the centre of Lewis’ theological work and intellectual development. Brings together a collection of original essays exploring important themes within Lewis’ work, offering new connections and insights into his theologyThrows new light on subjects including Lewis’ intellectual development, the uses of images in literature and theology, the place of myth in modern thought, the role of the imagination in making sense of the world, the celebrated 'argument from desire', and Lewis’ place as an Anglican thinker and a Christian theologianWritten by Alister McGrath, one of the world’s leading Christian thinkers and authors; this exceptional pairing of McGrath and Lewis brings together the work of two outstanding theologians in one volume

Reformation Thought, 4th edition offers an ideal introduction to the central ideas of the European reformations for students of theology and history. Written by the bestselling author and renowned theologian, Alister McGrath, this engaging guide is accessible to students with no prior knowledge of Christian theology. This new edition of a classic text has been updated throughout with the very latest scholarshipIncludes greater coverage of the Catholic reformation, the counter-reformation, and the impact of women on the reformationExplores the core ideas and issues of the reformation in terms that can be easily understood by those new to the fieldStudent-friendly features include images, updated bibliographies, a glossary, and a chronology of political and historical ideasThis latest edition retains all the features which made the previous editions so popular with readers, while McGrath's revisions have ensured it remains the essential student guide to the subject.

Reformation Thought, 4th edition offers an ideal introduction to the central ideas of the European reformations for students of theology and history. Written by the bestselling author and renowned theologian, Alister McGrath, this engaging guide is accessible to students with no prior knowledge of Christian theology. This new edition of a classic text has been updated throughout with the very latest scholarshipIncludes greater coverage of the Catholic reformation, the counter-reformation, and the impact of women on the reformationExplores the core ideas and issues of the reformation in terms that can be easily understood by those new to the fieldStudent-friendly features include images, updated bibliographies, a glossary, and a chronology of political and historical ideasThis latest edition retains all the features which made the previous editions so popular with readers, while McGrath's revisions have ensured it remains the essential student guide to the subject.

The sixteenth-century Reformation remains a fascinating and exciting area of study. The revised edition of this distinguished volume explores the intellectual origins of the Reformation and examines the importance of ideas in the shaping of history. * Provides an updated and expanded version of the original, highly-acclaimed edition. * Explores the complex intellectual roots of the Reformation, offering a sustained engagement with the ideas of humanism and scholasticism. * Demonstrates how the intellectual origins of the Reformation were heterogeneous, and examines the implications of this for our understanding of the Reformation as a whole. * Offers a defence of the entire enterprise of intellectual history, and a reaffirmation of the importance of ideas to the development of history. * Written by Alister E. McGrath, one of today's best-known Christian writers.

T. F. Torrance is widely regarded as the most significant British academic theologian of the twentieth century. He is especially noted for his ground-breaking contribution to the study of the relationship of Christian theology and the natural sciences. He is unquestionably one of the most prolific of theological writers and is the most senior member of the nearest thing to a 'theological dynasty' that Great Britain has ever produced. Here, Alister McGrath, himself one of this country's leading theologians, traces the development of Torrance's theological thought and provides a comprehensive account of his life and career. Particular attention is paid to the important role played by Torrance in the English-language reception of the theology of Karl Barth, and to his pioneering engagement with the relation between theology and science. While making extensive reference to Torrance's published works, McGrath also draws on important unpublished writings and private papers. The book contains many unpublished photograhs, together with a complete bibliography of Torrance's works.

New in paperback of the first volume of McGraths groundbreaking three volume work of Systematic Theology, A Scientific Theology. Written by one of worlds best-known theologians, these volumes together represent the most extended and systematic exploration of the relation beween Christian theology and the natural sciences yet produced. Thoroughly ecumenical, this will be a significant work for Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and evangelical readers. The work is marked throughout by a sustained and critical engagment with the history and philosophy of the natural sciences, and a passionate commitment to the legitimacy of theology as an academic discipline. Nature sets out a vision for a scientific theology, in which the working assumptions of the natural sciences are critically appropriated as a theological resource. It then moves on to deal at considerable length with the crucially important question of the status of nature, which ahs rearely been given the serious considertion that it deserves.Responding sympathetically to the growing consensus that nature is a socially mediated concept, McGrath sets out an approach to nature that establishes it as a theologically legitamate notion, and explores its positive and constructive role within a scientific theology.

This second volume in the series provides a detailed and thorough examination and defense of theological realism. Engaging critically with writers such as George Lindbeck and John Millbank, McGrath offers a sparkling and sophisticated affirmation of theological realism against its modern and postmodern critics. His refutation of the claim that the rise of philosophical nonfoundationalism entails the abandoning of any form of realism is of particular importance, as is his application of the highly influential form of 'critical realism' developed by Roy Bhaskar. Scientific Theology is a groundbreaking work of systematic theology in three volumes: Nature, Reality and Theory. Now available as a three volume set.

Noting the important parallels between scientific theory and Christian doctrine, McGrath offers a sustained defence of the necessity of doctrine within Christian theology against those who argue for a "non-dogmatic" Christianity. The approach developed within this volume builds on the work of writers such as Heidegger and Habermas, and argues that theory is to be conceived in terms of the communal beholding of reality. The many theoretical issues to be addressed in this volume include the manner in which closure is secured in theological theorizing, the implications of the stratification of reality for its representation, the place of metaphysics in Christian theology, and the nature of revelation itself. Viewed as a whole, "Theory" represents a fresh evaluation of the origins and place of theory in Christian theology, which is certain to provoke discussion and debate. This third volume completes the "A Scientific Theology" series. "A Scientific Theology" is a groundbreaking work of systematic theology in three volumes: "Nature", "Reality" and "Theory". Now available as a three volume set.