Douglas Dales – författare

A major study of the development of early English Church from a theological perspective, shedding new light on the early Anglo-Saxon missionaries.In this book, Dales succeeds in shedding new light on the theological approach to the evangelism of The British Isles and the work of missionaries to and from the British Isles in the Western church throughout the period 400-800 AD. Although the historical value of the literary texts analysed is substantial, this study gives them an inherent theology pre-eminence. This reprint is thus an examination of particular people, and the beliefs they shared with those who remembered them, and who caused these texts to be written. Through these pages, we discover that the origin of hagiographical literature in this specific area comes from a remote and singular period when the memory of the Roman era and of the church fathers was ever present. It was because of the barbarous condition that the Church faced, that the stream that fought to keep Latin Christian culture alive to nurture monastic education, missionary activity and the ascetic cultivation of sanctity remained hidden.

An authoritative and ground-breaking biography of the 8th-century theologian and statesman Alcuin of York, revealing his importance for the period.Scholar, ecclesiastic, teacher and poet of the eighth century, Alcuin was a person of deep Christian faith, tenacious in his loyalty to orthodox Catholic theology. He had a seminal influence upon his own generation and those that came after him. Although he remained a Northumbrian Christian at heart, the part of his life about which most is known was spent on the Continent. He never lost contact with his homeland; but his most significant and lasting work was evidently accomplished in Europe and his influence on the early medieval Western Church was an abiding one. This book examines his life and career in England and on the continent; it also considers his legacy as a churchman and a leading political figure. This volume prefigures a forthcoming work on Alcuin's intellectual legacy, 'Alcuin : A Study of his Theology' (due for release, April 2013). This rich study is intended for the general reader as well as for those studying, teaching or researching this period of early medieval history and theology in schools and universities.

An insightful and rigorous study of the theology of Alcuin of York, showing his importance in the development of the early medieval Church.Scholar, ecclesiastic, teacher and poet of the eighth century, Alcuin can be seen as a true hidden saint of the Church, of the same stature and significance as his predecessor Bede. His love of God and his grasp of Christian theology were rendered original in their creative impact by his gifts as a teacher and poet. In his hands, the very traditional theology that he inherited, and to which he felt bound, took new wings. In that respect, he must rank as one of the most notable and influential of Anglo-Saxon Christians, uniting English and continental Christianity in a unique manner, which left a lasting legacy within the Catholic Church of Western Europe. This book is intended for the general reader as well as for those studying, teaching or researching this period of early medieval history and theology in schools and universities.

An introduction to the thought and writings of the Franciscan theologian St Bonaventure, through his insightful commentary on the Gospel of St Luke.Douglas Dales's Divine Remaking marks the 800th anniversary of the birth of St Bonaventure in 1217. Bonaventure distilled and transformed a rich inheritance of patristic and medieval exegesis of the Bible developed within the monastic tradition and in the university schools in Paris, Oxford and elsewhere. While teaching in Paris and then leading the Franciscans as their Minister General, Bonaventure wrote a substantial commentary on the Gospel of St Luke. This commentary is an eminent example of how his understanding of the Bible lay at the root of all that he taught and wrote. Bonaventure's writing style reflects the beauty and ornate detail of contemporaneous works of art, stained glass, carvings in cathedrals and illuminated manuscripts. His writings, like the art of his day, are superb expressions of Christian theology and vision. Bonaventure had a formidable memory, and his capacity to draw from across the whole Latin Bible is extraordinary, instructive and enriching. His well-ordered mind was balanced, however, by a finely tuned spiritual and pastoral intuition, which makes his approach to the Gospels applicable and relevant to the reader of today. Divine Remaking is a bridge into Bonaventure's thought; it allows his insight into St Luke's Gospel to be understood by anyone seeking the divine truth in today's world.

A comprehensive introduction to the theological thought of Saint Bonaventure, from its scriptural roots to its application to the spiritual life.Bonaventure was a great pastor and preacher, and also a very effective teacher. His writing shows clarity and conviction, and his authority arose from his profound grasp of Scripture and patristic monastic tradition. The force behind how he wrote sprang from his keen sense of the significance of Francis and Clare and all that flowed from them, not least into his own spiritual life and experience as a person of deep contemplative and mystical prayer.Way Back to God is a comprehensive conspectus and study of how Bonaventure taught Christian theology and applied it to spiritual life. It is intended to be a guide through most of his writings (though not as a substitute for reading them). It provides a bridge into his thought, and also a remarkable hand-book of Christian theology in its bearing upon spiritual life. Douglas Dales' new work enables Bonaventure's distinctive spiritual theology to be seen as a whole, as well as making his writings, in Latin or English, accessible and attractive.

A study of Collations on the Hexaëmeron, the last work of Saint Bonaventure, and one of the most important texts of medieval theology.This is a thorough study and exposition of the last work for which St Bonaventure was responsible before his death in 1274. The Collations on the Hexaëmeron, also called The Illuminations of the Church comprises lectures that he gave in Paris in 1273 to Franciscan and other students and masters in the university there. They were recorded by two independent witnesses and one version, the definitive one, was prepared for publication and approved by Bonaventure.This is one of the most interesting, original and important texts of medieval theology and it has been well translated and edited in a new edition. The purpose of this study is to examine the precise context for the approach that Bonaventure took, to place this work as the culmination of his spiritual theology, and to provide the reader with a lucid epitome of the contents of the text, drawing out their significance for theology and prayer in the life of the Church today.

The first major biography of the 10th century churchman who was Archbishop of Canterbury for twenty-eight years and one of the architects of the English coronation service.St Dunstan of Canterbury (909-88) was the central figure in the development of English church and society after the death of King Alfred. The author traces Dunstan’s life beginning with his education at the great monastery of Glastonbury, of which he became abbot. He was a central figure at the court of the kings of Wessex but was banished, partly because of his hostility to King Edwy’s mistresses, and went into exile in Flanders. On the succession of Edgar to the throne, Dunstan was called back to England and appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. During the twenty eight years of his primacy he carried out one of the major developments of the century, the reformation of the monasteries. The author examines him not merely as a prelate and royal advisor, but considers other aspects of his life: his skill as a craftsman, which caused him to be adopted as the patron saint of goldsmiths; his works as calligrapher and artist, some of which survive to this day; the coronation service which he drew up which still lies at the heart of this service for English monarchs; his celebrated musical skills; and above all, the sanctity of his name and the fame of his miracles, which have kept Dunstan’s memory alive.This study of the life and legacy of Dunstan sheds light on the background and significance of the English Coronation Service. Its fundamental shape and theology was established during the tenth century and used to potent effect by Dunstan and those associated with him in the government of Church and society. This special edition marks the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

The first major biography of the 10th century churchman who was Archbishop of Canterbury for twenty-eight years and one of the architects of the English coronation service.St Dunstan of Canterbury (909-88) was the central figure in the development of English church and society after the death of King Alfred. The author traces Dunstan’s life beginning with his education at the great monastery of Glastonbury, of which he became abbot. He was a central figure at the court of the kings of Wessex but was banished, partly because of his hostility to King Edwy’s mistresses, and went into exile in Flanders. On the succession of Edgar to the throne, Dunstan was called back to England and appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. During the twenty eight years of his primacy he carried out one of the major developments of the century, the reformation of the monasteries. The author examines him not merely as a prelate and royal advisor, but considers other aspects of his life: his skill as a craftsman, which caused him to be adopted as the patron saint of goldsmiths; his works as calligrapher and artist, some of which survive to this day; the coronation service which he drew up which still lies at the heart of this service for English monarchs; his celebrated musical skills; and above all, the sanctity of his name and the fame of his miracles, which have kept Dunstan’s memory alive.This study of the life and legacy of Dunstan sheds light on the background and significance of the English Coronation Service. Its fundamental shape and theology was established during the tenth century and used to potent effect by Dunstan and those associated with him in the government of Church and society. This special edition marks the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

The fourth of Douglas Dales' comprehensive studies of the theology of St. Bonaventure.Written to commemorate the 750th anniversary of St. Bonaventure's death in 1274. Deification, the belief that God can be directly known through Jesus Christ by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, is becoming increasingly important in current theological thought, and unites Eastern and Western Christianity. This book explores deification in Bonaventure's distinctive teaching, and through close study of his various writings, reveals that deification is an important and uniting theme within his thought.As with the preceding books, Divine Indwelling acts as a bridge into the thought of Bonaventure, whilst addressing the spiritual needs of the modern Church. Beginning with the New Testament texts that support belief in the divine promise of deification, Douglas Dales reveals Bonaventure's deep belief that deification is an immediate spiritual reality and the vocation for any Christian.

This is a study of how Christian Trinitarian understanding of monotheism has been expressed in Christian prayer and worship. It studies the emergence and development of a distinctive language of prayer within the New Testament and among some early Church Fathers, which laid the basis for later belief in and worship of the Trinity. This contemplative belief is studied in the light of Eastern and Western understandings of the Trinity, by examining certain key figures Christian history. It concludes with a discussion of the continuing mystical and contemplative traditions within Eastern and Western Christianity. This Element does not consider the development of Christian liturgy, however, which has already been considered in an earlier Element in this series. Nor does it address the varied impact of the Reformation upon the Western churches, which will be addressed by further Elements to be published in this series.

This is a study of how Christian Trinitarian understanding of monotheism has been expressed in Christian prayer and worship. It studies the emergence and development of a distinctive language of prayer within the New Testament and among some early Church Fathers, which laid the basis for later belief in and worship of the Trinity. This contemplative belief is studied in the light of Eastern and Western understandings of the Trinity, by examining certain key figures Christian history. It concludes with a discussion of the continuing mystical and contemplative traditions within Eastern and Western Christianity. This Element does not consider the development of Christian liturgy, however, which has already been considered in an earlier Element in this series. Nor does it address the varied impact of the Reformation upon the Western churches, which will be addressed by further Elements to be published in this series.

According to St Basil, the monk’s whole life should be a season of prayer, both public prayer and private prayer. That is what the monks of Mount Athos are there to do. That is the basis of their entire way of life. Athos is sometimes called ‘the mountain of silence’, but as one living Athonite has written, ‘here you can hear the hum of unceasing prayer.’ The book explores all dimensions of this mystery, beginning with the deceptively simple question ‘what is prayer?’ Subsequent papers consider various aspects of prayer as practised on Athos both in public and in private: the prayer of the church and the prayer of the cell, prayer when working, prayer when painting icons, the musical tradition of prayer and the poetic tradition, culminating in the Jesus Prayer or prayer of the heart which is the foundation of the current renewal of monasticism on Athos. Most of the papers in this book were delivered at a conference held by the Friends of Mount Athos in Cambridge in March 2019.

For five centuries, Christianity in Britain was shaped by a distinctive and attractive blendof Celtic and Roman spirituality. Learned, cultured and gentle in its exercise of authoroty, this was a golden age which climaxed in the extraordinary flowering of religious devotion and creativity in the tenth century. The legacy of Anglo-Saxon spirituality is visible in many areas of our religious and political life today as its values permeated every area of life. Called to be Angels introduces us to the key figures of our Christian past: Pope Gregory, whose special love for the English people laid the foundation for the Church in England, Bede, Boniface, Cuthbert, Caedmon, Alcuin, Dunstn, Aelfric and others. This warm and inviting book opens the way for a spiritual home-coming and many will recognize in its pages that the Christian qualities they cherish belong to a splendid and ancient native tradition.

This prayer collection provides a rich selection of devotional material that will deepen understanding of the central truths of our faith and nurture spiritual growth. Chosen for their timelessness and beauty, these are prayers that can be memorized and used over and over again. Many of them have inspired and sustained Christian worship for centuries. Compiled as a gift companion to "This is My Faith", though a volume that can also stand alone, "Prayers of Our Faith" will make an ideal confirmation gift for candidates of all ages.

Archbishop Michael Ramsey was arguably Anglicanism's saint of the 20th-century. Clever, humble, shy, full of sympathy and with a great wit, his outstanding gift was that he made God real for people. It is said that when he read a Bible lesson, it was as if every word was on fire, and his robust saintliness was tangible, even in telephone conversations. This study explores what made him such a remarkable figure. Drawing on his published and unpublished writings and on the many personal recollections of him, "Glory" (a favourite expression of his) explores his theological understanding, his vision of the Church, or worship and the Christian life. A complementary volume to Owen Chadwick's biography, it is arranged around themes that were central to him: the meaning of the cross, the Church's life, the primacy of worship and the Church's unity. A record of a Christian leader for all students of church life.

This guide to the Christian faith is ideal for those preparing for confirmation. Arranged in three parts: "Becoming a Christian", "Belonging to God" and "Belonging to the Church", it is appropriate for personal reading and as a basis for a confirmation course. In uncomplicated language it takes the reader from the first step of making a choice for God and lays a solid foundation of teaching that will hold good for the whole of life.

Alcuin of York was one of the most significant figures of the Anglo-Saxon Church alongside Bede and Cuthbert. This introductory selection from his extensive writings includes Alcuin's prayers, poetry and prose.

Rowan Williams freely admits to the profound influence of Michael Ramsey, one of the greatest Archbishops of the 20th century and a man of great spiritual depth who inspired a generation of Anglicans. Apart from one or two exceptions, his books are out of print, and many will welcome this new selection of his writings. Arranged around the church's year, it explores all the great themes of the Christian faith and is ideal for devotional reading, for study and for sermon preparation.