Alister McGrath – författare

Belief: surely it’s a relic from the past, a hangover from a superstitious age that is totally out of sync with today’s rational, science-led culture?'A timely, often bracing and always highly stimulating book.' Tom Holland, author of Dominion and co-host of The Rest is HistoryIn today’s science-driven, rational world, belief is dismissed as an artefact of a bygone era – something absurd at best, harmful at worst. The prevailing narratives paint belief as primitive, weird, even dangerous.But as life grows ever more confusing and our societies more atomised, contemplating something bigger than ourselves has never been more vital.Alister McGrath offers a fresh perspective on belief, presenting it not as a weakness of rational thought but as an essential tool for navigating uncertainty. Elegant and thought-provoking, Why We Believe reveals how belief provides meaning in the face of existential despair, how it fosters community and offers solace.As society moves beyond the dismissive rhetoric surrounding people of faith, here is a powerful manifesto for the re-enchantment of the Western mind.'Scholarly, compulsively readable and with gems of information on every page... a must read.' Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie, author of A Field Guide to the English Clergy

For hundreds of years Christendom has been blessed with Bible commentaries written by great men of God who were highly respected for their godly work and their insight into spiritual truth. The Crossway Classic Commentaries series, carefully adapted for maximum understanding and usefulness, presents the very best work on individual Bible books for today's believers.Ever since it was written, the apostle Paul's letter to the believers in Galatia has nurtured trust and assurance in Christ. Its grand themes of the superiority of Scripture over human reason, the sufficiency of Christ's atonement through his death, and the freedom of justification through faith alone continue to energize and enlighten Christians today.This classic commentary from the heart of a courageous teacher will encourage and equip all who desire to understand, live out, and communicate the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

"An original and important book. . . . [T]he most readable introduction to the history, theology and present-day practices of Protestantism." —Publishers WeeklyA New Interpretation of Protestantism and Its Impact on the WorldThe radical idea that individuals could interpret the Bible for themselves spawned a revolution that is still being played out on the world stage today. This innovation lies at the heart of Protestantism''s remarkable instability and adaptability. World-renowned scholar Alister McGrath sheds new light on the fascinating figures and movements that continue to inspire debate and division across the full spectrum of Protestant churches and communities worldwide.

World-renowned scientist Richard Dawkins writes in The God Delusion: 'If this book works as I intend, religious readers who open it will be atheists when they put it down'. The volume has received wide coverage, fuelled much passionate debate and caused not a little confusion. Alister McGrath is ideally placed to evaluate Dawkins' ideas. Once an atheist himself, he gained a doctorate in molecular biophysics before going on to become a leading Christian theologian. He wonders how two people, who have reflected at length on substantially the same world, could possibly have come to such different conclusions about God. McGrath subjects Dawkins' critique of faith to rigorous scrutiny. His exhilarating, meticulously argued response deals with questions such as:Is faith intellectual nonsense? Are science and religion locked in a battle to the death? Can the roots of Christianity be explained away scientifically? Is Christianity simply a force for evil? This book will be warmly received by those looking for a reliable assessment of The God Delusion and the many questions it raises - including, above all, the relevance of faith and the quest for meaning.

For thoughtful Christians and Agnostics alike.Are you looking to understand the role of Christianity in the making of the modern Western world?Will provide encouragement and stimulation to develop a 'discipleship of the mind'.In this inviting, accessible and exhilarating volume, Alister McGrath explores how the great tradition of Christian theological reflection can enrich our faith and deepen our engagement with the concerns and debates of the world around us. The first part of the book deals with the purpose, place and relevance of Christian theology. It provides a helpful introduction to: · the role of theology in transforming the way we see things; · how we might handle theological ambiguity; · the difference the Christian faith makes to our treatment of the natural world; · the link between theology and apologetics. The focus then switches to engaging with contemporary culture and concerns, including many issues raised by the new atheism. The second part of the work deals with the relation of the natural sciences and faith: here the core arguments of recent atheist writers are critically examined, including their demand for a ‘New Enlightenment’.In short, Mere Theology addresses matters of real importance for Christian life and thought. It will prove both encouraging and stimulating to all those concerned with developing a ‘discipleship of the mind’.

Never has there been such interest in heresy and the 'religious forbidden' But what is heresy? Why has it been sprinkled with stardust in recent years? How did it originally develop? Are heresies liberating ideas that were ruthlessly suppressed? Or are they flawed visions of Christianity, abandoned because of their inadequacies? In Heresy, worldrenowned historian and theologian Alister McGrath expertly reveals the surprising history of his subject, presenting a powerful, compassionate and deeply attractive orthodoxy that will equip the Church to meet the challenge from renewed forms of heresy today.‘An extremely important book.’Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven LifeAlister McGrath helps us understand what heresy is and why it exercises a powerful attraction upon the human mind. This book is full of illuminating historical discussions and insights.Dallas Willard, author of Knowing Christ TodayNot only a riveting story of ancient controversies, but also a much needed and timely correction to the commonly held notion that heretics were mostly freethinkers who challenged a narrow and closed orthodoxy.Justo L. Gonzalez, author of The Story of Christianity

The recent rise of the New Atheism has aroused great general interest, thrown up questions of fundamental importance, and started a fascinating conversation. Why God Won't Go Away invites us to join in. The volume opens with a survey of the main ideas of the New Atheism, as expressed in the works of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. We then examine the core views of the movement closely, making due reference to its 'virtual community' of websites and blogs. Subjects explored include: whether religion is delusional and evil, the belief that human beings are fundamentally good, whether we should have faith only in what can be proved through reason and science, the idea that the best hope for humanity is a 'New Enlightenment' The result is a lively and highly thought-provoking volume that poses a number of interesting questions. Why is religion experiencing a resurgence in the twenty-first century, when we are meant to have grown out of such a primitive fixation? Has the New Atheism's fascination with rationality led to a fatal underestimation of the longing of the human heart to adore? And if, as Christopher Hitchens writes in exasperation, religion is 'ineradicable', doesn't this tiresome fact suggest that dismissing belief in God as irrational and unscientific might just be a waste of time?

The Christian Belief for Everyone series comprises five guides to the basic ideas of the Christian faith. Full of stories and helpful illustrations, these guides have been written primarily for ordinary churchgoers, though they will no doubt also appeal to interested readers outside the church.The approach Alister McGrath adopts is non-denominational, very similar to the 'mere Christianity' advocated by C. S. Lewis. Indeed, the series may be seen as a guide to 'mere Christianity', focusing clearly as it does on the life of faith. We look at why Christians believe what they do; how we can best understand these ideas, and the difference they make to the way we think about ourselves and our world.The first volume, Faith and the Creeds, concentrates on the nature of faith and the history and relevance of the Creeds, in a thrilling reflection on what we really mean when we say 'I believe'. This is excellent preparation for exploring the leading themes of the Creeds in four subsequent volumes: The Living God, Lord and Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth, Spirit of the Living God and The Christian Life and Hope.

Continuing his series of guides to the basics of the faith, Alister McGrath's 'The Living God' adds depth to his Christian Belief for Everyone collection of 5 helpful and informative guides setting out the basic ideas of the Christian faith with insightful stories and enlightening illustrations.Compiled with the ordinary churchgoer in mind the guides will prove readable and engaging to interested readers outside the church who may have questions about the faith of Christians in relation to their own lives world issues and other faithsThe approach taken by accomplished author and communicator Alister McGrath is open to all denominations and a familiar parallel for readers of C S Lewis books such as Mere ChristianityThe series focuses on the life of faith as McGrath looks at why Christians believe what they do how these beliefs are best understood and how they impact on the way Christians think about themselves and their role in the worldThe first volume in the expanding series Faith and the Creeds concentrates on the nature of faith and the history and relevance of the creeds In a reflection on what Christians really mean when they say I believe This is excellent preparation for exploring the leading themes of the Creeds in four subsequent volumes The Living God Lord and Saviour Jesus of Nazareth Spirit of the Living God and The Christian Life and Hope.

Spirit of Grace by Lister McGrath is the fourth volume in this highly engaging series of study guides to the basics of Christian belief.Alister looks at the Holy Spirit, human nature, the doctrine of grace, and the place of the church in the Christian life. This easily readable and informative book is full of stories and helpful illustrations. His material has been tested out on congregations to ensure that it is enjoyable, useful, and easy to read and understand.Spirit of Grace follows on the author's well-received 'Faith and the Creeds' (February 2013), 'The Living God' (September 2013) and 'Lord and Saviour: Jesus of Nazareth' (April 2014). Next in the series, 'The Christian Life and Hope' is expected in April 2015.

The Christian Life and Hope by Alister McGrath explores the great theme of the Christian hope, and the way in which this transforms and sustains the Christian life.The fifth and final volume in this highly engaging series of study guides to the basics of Christian belief reflects on how the creeds give us a framework for Christian living, as much as for Christian believing.Full of stories and helpful illustrations, the material has been tested out on congregations to ensure that it is enjoyable, useful, and easy to read! The Christian Life and Hope follows the well-received Faith and the Creeds (February 2013), The Living God (September 2013), Lord and Saviour: Jesus of Nazareth (April 2014), and Spirit of Grace (November 2014).

Alister McGrath shows how science can take us only so far in answering the big questions about our origins, and how Christianity can take us further. A book for all who want to explore the reasons why the universe exists, and why we are in it.

Any Christian who wants a fresh and flexible approach on apologetics. This book is ideal for those spiritually seeking or spiritually skeptical.Are you looking for a different approach to apologetics that resonates with the 21st Century?Helps readers work out their own way to effectively communicate and defend the gospel...A great read for both beginning and experienced apologists.The faith has been defended by great and articulate voices down the centuries. But the challenges of scientific atheism mean we now need a fresh and flexible approach.Alister McGrath is ideally placed to offer robust and intriguing insights into the biblical basis for apologetics and its historical uses. He explores different pointers to faith, such as our innate sense of longing for justice, our appreciation for beauty, and the order we see in the physical world. Various approaches to sharing our faith with others are outlined and McGrath shows how explanations, arguments, stories, and images are all right and useful ways to communicate what we believe. Armed with the tools we need to engage others on this subject, we are guided on choosing the best approach for our particular personality and how we can adapt our approach to suit our audience. Practical, insightful and warmly affirming, this book will have you longing for a chance to put these techniques into practice.

In this exceptional volume, Alister McGrath writes for scientists with an interest in theology, and Christians and theologians who are aware of the importance of the natural sciences. A scene-setting chapter explores the importance of the human quest for intelligibility. The focus then moves to three leading figures who have stimulated discussion about the relationship between science and theology[LC1] in recent years: Charles Coulson, an Oxford professor of theoretical chemistry who was also a prominent Methodist lay preacher; Thomas F. Torrance, perhaps the finest British theologian of the twentieth century; and John Polkinghorne, a theoretical physicist, theologian and Anglican priest. The latter part of the book features six parallel ‘conversations’ between science and theology, which lay the groundwork for the kind of enriched vision of reality the author hopes to encourage. Here, we are inspired to enjoy individual aspects of nature while seeking to interpret them in the light of deeper revelations about our gloriously strange universe.‘Enriching our Vision of Reality is elegant, erudite, and animated by a constant enthusiasm for its subject. There is everything here – science, theology, philosophy, biography, even some poetry – all enlisted to help us to see the world as it is, both more clearly and with greater delight.’The Revd Dr Andrew Davison, Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, and Fellow in Theology at Corpus Christi College

At Oxford University in the 1970s, Alister McGrath faced a crisis when he realized that his scientific atheism made less sense of reality than the 'big picture' offered by Christianity. A reluctant convert, he was astonished by the delight he found in exploring a previously unknown world of ideas. Crucial to his understanding have been the Christian Creeds, which he regards as maps to the landscape of faith. His hope in this volume is that we too may grasp comprehensively the treasure to which they point: the living God, who is the ground of our existence; Jesus Christ who journeys with us; the Holy Spirit who offers us reassurance and affirmation on the way.Drawing on the theology of popular writers like C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton and Dorothy L. Sayers, and full of stories and illustrations, this vivid portrayal of the imaginative power and vision of Christianity will prove invaluable to clergy, church leaders, theological students - and all who long to expand their understanding and love of God.

In exploring Christian discipleship, Alister McGrath encourages us to move beyond a superficial grasp of our faith to discover its depth and riches. He sees discipleship as a process of growth in wisdom, through which we absorb a Christian vision of reality, and allow it to percolate our minds and inform the way in which we think, imagine and act. Helpfully drawing on the insights of Dorothy L Sayers, C S Lewis, John Stott and J I Packer, whom he finds both astute and illuminating, the author offers counsel on holding on to hope while journeying through darkness, and how to live meaningfully in a world in which things don't always seem to make sense.

In this pithy, entertaining guide to what really matters, Alister McGrath brings together Richard Dawkins and C.S. Lewis, two intriguing and well-known writers, in 'conversation'.The two men could hardly have more different perspectives; these arguments provide an excellent means of sharpening our own thinking on the meaning of life.

We may be aware that theology is the study of the nature of God and of religious belief. But why should that matter to us? What’s the point of theology?In this wonderfully accessible book, renowned Christian theologian Alister McGrath explores just why theology is so important and what it can bring to our lives.Drawing on insights from his own experience of coming to Christianity from atheism, this exhilarating and enlightening volume reveals how theology offers a gateway to discovery: it helps us grow in wisdom; it contributes to our wellbeing; it sparks our innate sense of wonder. Above all, theology help us to grow in faith and love as we draw ever closer to the divine.What’s the Point of Theology? is ideal for new and seasoned Christians who want to engage more deeply with their faith but are unsure if theology can help them. It also has much to offer those who are interested in spiritual matters and curious to find out more. Stimulating and encouraging, What’s the Point of Theology? will open your eyes to all that theology can teach us and has to offer – a wiser understanding of what really matters, a richer vision of the good life, a deeper appreciation of the beauty of nature – as well strengthening your faith and relationship with God.

This fascinating history of a literary and religious masterpiece explores the forces that obstructed and ultimately led to the decision to create an authorized translation, the method of translation and printing, and the central role the King James version of the Bible played in the development of modern English. In the sixteenth century, to attempt to translate the Bible into a common tongue wasn''t just difficult, it was dangerous. A Bible in English threatened the power of the monarch and the Church. Early translators like Tyndale, whose work greatly influenced the King James, were hunted down and executed, but the demand for English Bibles continued to grow. Indeed it was the popularity of the Geneva Bible, with its anti-royalist content, that eventually forced James I to sanction his own, pro-monarchy, translation. Errors in early editions--one declared that "thou shalt commit adultery"--and Puritan preferences for the Geneva Bible initially hampered acceptance of the King James, but it went on to become the definitive English-language Bible. McGrath''s history of the King James Bible’s creation and influence is a worthy tribute to a great work and a joy to read.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Imaginative Apologetics draws on much that is most vibrant in contemporary theology to develop Christian apologetics for the present day. The contributors are leaders in their fields. They represent a confident approach to theology, grounded in a deep respect for the theological tradition of the Church. They display a perceptive interest in philosophy, and unlike many works of apologetics their interest is in the philosophy of the present day, not only that of previous centuries. Drawing on the theology of the imagination they show the centrality of the imagination to apologetics; from the significant of virtue in Christian ethics they show that Christian ethics is part of the Good News; from developments in the theology of knowledge they show that apologetics must be communal and must learn to tell stories. Dealing with history, the arts and the nature of atheism, with the natural sciences and social theory, Imaginative Apologetics presents a theological account of apologetics for the twenty-first century.

The Complete Topical Guide to the Bible provides Scripture references, definitions, and cross-references for the study of the Bible by topic. The topical approach differs significantly from the lexical approach of a concordance, and a topical guide is an essential supplement to a concordance. While a concordance is limited to the connection of biblical passages in which the same word appears, the topical approach identifies and connects all of the underlying concepts related to a topic. A concordance would not yield John 3:16 for a study of grace because the word grace does not appear in the verse, but The Complete Topical Guide to the Bible includes John 3:16 for grace because it's an essential verse on the topic. The topics in this resource include biblical, doctrinal, and historical subjects, and they are organized into nine major categories: God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, creation, humanity, sin and salvation, God's people, the life of the believer, and the last things. In addition to the great themes of the biblical message, practical issues of Christian living are also included.

Richard Dawkins = Christian evangelist?Editors Denis Alexander and Alister McGrath gather other intelligent minds from around the world to share their startling commonality: Richard Dawkins and his fellow New Atheists were instrumental in their conversions to Christianity.Despite a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, all are united in the fact that they were first enthusiasts for the claims and writings of the New Atheists. But each became disillusioned by the arguments and conclusions of Dawkins, causing them to look deeper and with more objectivity at religious faith. The fallacies of Christianity Dawkins warns of simply don''t exist.Spending time in this fascinating and powerful book is like being invited to the most interesting dinner party you''ve ever attended. Listen as twelve men and women from five different countries across a variety of professions--philosophers, artists, historians, engineers, scientists, and more--explain their journeys from atheism to faith. In the end, you may come away having reached the same conclusion: authentic Christian faith is in fact more intellectually convincing and rational than New Atheism."Lucid as well as exhilarating and wide-ranging."--Rupert Shortt, Von Hügel Institute, University of Cambridge, and author of God Is No Thing"Many people, including nonbelievers like me, have found Dawkins''s strident atheism upsetting to the point of offensive. I would never have thought that--as Coming to Faith Through Dawkins shows in wonderful detail--for some, Dawkins''s rantings were the spur to Christian faith."--Michael Ruse, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, University of Guelph, Ontario"This is a novel book: real-life stories of people who have actually come to faith, not in spite of but through Richard Dawkins. It must be his own worst nightmare!"--William Lane Craig, Houston Christian University