Graham Tomlin – författare

'Readable and expert - a brilliant guide to the life and thought of 17th century Europe's supreme polymath'Tom Holland'A richly detailed account of Pascal's life and times, which displays an energetic sympathy for Pascal's startling combination of intellectual precocity and humble faith.'Rory Stewart'A beautiful, accessible account of one of the era's most remarkable lives'Katherine RundellHe lived for just 39 years, yet Blaise Pascal was one of the most remarkable and creative figures of the seventeenth century.He is known for his famous (though often misunderstood) argument 'the Wager', but there's so much more to him than that. Pascal can lay claim to have built an early version of the modern computer, done ground-breaking work in mathematics and geometry, invented urban bus transport and virtually invented probability theory. He also produced one of the most haunting and effective works of Christian apologetics ever written. He is a major intellectual figure at the beginning of the modern age who blends together in his own person and thinking issues that are critical to our age. Blaise Pascal is therefore a crucial figure: not just in the history of European thought, but for how he can shed light on our many contemporary debates.From science to scepticism; mystical experience to distraction; religion to politics, self-love and death, Pascal's thinking was far-reaching. In this captivating biography, Graham Tomlin explores Pascal's short but extraordinary life, and the sweeping impact and relevance of his ideas to the modern world.

In The Widening Circle, Graham Tomlin explores an exhilarating new approach to priesthood.The author suggests that 'Priest' is much more than a term to describe certain Christian ministers - it is a vital category for understanding God's way of blessing his world.This world was made for joy: the joy of God and the joy of Creation. But to know that joy, the world needs the divine blessing that is focused in Jesus Christ, the only true High Priest. His priestly ministry consists of mediating between God and the world, perfecting that very creation, and then offering this perfected creation back to the God from whom it came. Yet this very ministry is enacted through others.As we explore how this priesthood of Christ has an impact on everyday life, we discover that the human race is chosen to play a priestly role between God and Creation. The Church is then called out to be a kingdom of priests, enabling humanity to fulfil its divine calling. And, finally, the minister himself or herself - experiencing as Christ did, both strands of priestly reality, the mundane and the heavenly, the routine and the remarkable, the normal and the numinous - is called to enable the rest of the Church to play its distinct part.In each case, the part is the means by which the whole becomes all that it is intended to be, in an ever widening circle of divine blessing, so that the world might know the joy for which it was created.

Sometimes Christians assume that people 'out there' are eager to listen to what the Church has to offer. But why should those we try to evangelize want to hear the gospel?Surely people will only be intrigued by Christian life and community when they see something provocative or attractive. Then they will want to know what's going on.The Provocative Church offers a liberating understanding of evangelism as a corporate activity, in which all the gifts needed to enact the life of the kingdom - to stir people into asking, 'What does this mean?' - are spread throughout the whole Church. It encourages the development of a theology of conversion that sees beyond 'becoming a Christian' to bring each individual life increasingly under the rule of God.

Building on the success of books offering key concepts in digestible form, Graham Tomlin writes for millennials and emerging adults who are seeking to make sense of life. Each of the ten chapters focuses on a common human experience - WONDER, LOVE, SUFFERING, SACRIFICE, SOUL, FREEDOM, TOGETHERNESS, CONNECTION, CHANGE, JOY - revealing how reflection on that experience points towards the God revealed in Christ. This is not a book of apologetics in the sense that it is arguing for the truth of Christianity; instead it shows how Christianity makes sense of our experience in a remarkably coherent way, opening up a much bigger and more exciting world than secular visions, or even other religious interpretations. It is written in a deliberately non-academic and popular style, though drawing on theological resources from the past.

Churches vary a great deal - but can we see past all their differences to what underlies them?'Generous orthodoxy' is a phrase that describes a Christianity both broad and deep, rooted in the historic creeds and embracing different expressions of Christian faith. Exploring Generous Orthodoxy is a ground-breaking, creative and practical exploration of what that really means, and how expressing it might bring about a sense of unity in the church that is badly needed in our fractured and polarised world. Drawing together leading theologians from the UK and the USA - including David Ford, Katherine Sonderegger, Willie Jennings, Tom Greggs, JKA Smith and Jane Williams - this collection of reflections explores how generous orthodoxy can be expressed through everything from worship and preaching to biblical theology, the arts and more.Based around a series of lectures held at St Mellitus College, and sponsored by the McDonald Agape Foundation, Exploring Generous Orthodoxy is essential reading for anyone interested in how the Christian Church can bridge the gap between denominations to negotiate the challenges of our 21st century world in a united manner. It will leave you, not only with a deeper understanding of generous orthodoxy, but the practical confidence to celebrate and embrace the differences in Christian denominations so we can all live together more joyfully - through the transforming and renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

'A powerful defence of Christian orthodoxy, opening up its expansive, generous and life-giving vision.' ALISTER McGRATH'Learned and wise, this is a book that achieves what even many Christians may find a startling feat: a demonstration that orthodoxy is far more radical and interesting a concept than heresy.' TOM HOLLAND'Generous orthodoxy' is a liberating outlook that encourages the Church to embrace different traditions of belief, worship and prayer within a broad framework of Christian faith.But is it really possible to be both generous and orthodox?In Navigating a World of Grace, Graham Tomlin offers his own invigorating vision of a generous orthodoxy that is rooted in the creeds' description of a God who is, by nature, the essence of generous grace. Looking at the history of the church, he explores how orthodoxy can enrich and enhance our perception of the world. Rather than restricting us, it liberates us to be generous in our expressions of faith.This tantalizingly different theology, that brings together the best from every tradition, shows why orthodoxy is so important to the Christian faith - and how it can bring us together as a revitalized, unified and visionary Church.Accessible and insightful, Navigating a World of Grace acts as a companion volume to The Bond of Peace but can also be read by itself as an exploration and celebration how Christians of all denominations can show generosity and grace in embracing different traditions of worship while remaining united by a single orthodoxy of faith.Ideal reading for anyone wanting to understand the meaning of generous orthodoxy better or how we can engage with different parts of the church with grace, this is an encouraging and inspiring vision for the future of the church. Navigating a World of Grace challenges us to see that adopting an attitude of generosity towards other Christians and those outside the Christian faith is part of orthodoxy, and will result in a deeper, fuller experience of God than we can possibly imagine.

The referendum may have rent the country asunder like no other issue in recent memory, but there are significant resonances with events in the past. Almost 500 years ago, in a sixteenth-century version of Article 50, Britain made a break from Europe, declaring the King - rather than the Pope - Supreme Head of the English Church.The split did not end the story. In the turmoil that followed, 'fake news' spread, families were divided and blood was shed.However, an attempt was made to find a peaceable solution. In this brief but powerful book, Graham Tomlin draws on that history to remind us of the age-old political and spiritual task of harmonizing past and future, identity and openness, the local and the universal. The events of the last three years have shown how polarization can affect even those who are naturally generous and accommodating; the challenge of rising above division, of loving our neighbours - and even our enemies - has never been greater for us all.

Western cultures are experiencing a new wave of interest in faith. Many people, both young and old, are exploring Christianity for the first time with little or no preconception about traditional forms of religion. How should the church respond? What does witness look like in this cultural context?Come and See brings together essays by theologians, artists, ethicists and musicians, all working within and outside the church, exploring different facets of what it means to be a witness to Jesus Christ in today’s world. The conversation encompasses explorations in Old and New Testament theology, Christian doctrine, liturgical studies, arts and aesthetics, Continental philosophy and Christian ethics. The book challenges the Church to see Christian witness as a life’s vocation. Such a vocation demands a whole life, lived for our neighbours and ourselves. It is the challenge of the Woman at the well who invited people to ‘come and see’, and of John the Baptist who points the way to Christ. This witness does not merely communicate something, but communicates life. Contributors to this volume include Carmody Grey, Belle Tindall-Riley, Hannah Steele and Andrew Davison, with a foreword by NT Wright.

The Church of England’s status as the only established church in the Anglican Communion often sparks heated debates, with critics calling it an outdated relic in need of reform. Yet, beneath the surface of public discourse lies a broader and more nuanced conversation – one that this book brings to light. A Voice in the Wilderness gathers an eclectic mix of voices – politicians, historians, journalists, theologians and experienced clergy – to explore the enduring value of the Church of England’s public role. Far from a one-sided defence of establishment, this collection captures the diverse reasons people from various walks of life cherish the Church’s unique place in society. Highlighting perspectives from unexpected quarters, the book challenges common assumptions and invites readers to reconsider what it means for a church to be ‘established’ in a modern, pluralistic society. Both a contribution to the ongoing debate and a reflection of the varied opinions surrounding the Church, A Voice in the Wilderness is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture and public life.

Martin Luther was one of the most influential figures of the last millennium, with around 900 million people worldwide belonging to Protestant churches that trace their origins back to the Reformation he started five hundred years ago. His thinking and his writing were always original, fresh, controversial and provocative. They evoked strong reactions then, and still do today.This book offers an accessible way into that thinking by looking at the way he approached a wide range of issues in his own time, and how some of that thinking might give us new ways to approach contemporary issues. Examining his approach to topics such as sex, freedom, prayer, evil, pilgrimage and Bible translation, it illustrates vividly the mind of this man who was very much of his time, yet whose ideas still speak creatively to the modern world. It combines scholarly insight into some of the key issues surrounding the study of Luther today, while being written in a style that makes it accessible to the non-specialist. The result is a book that serves as an ideal handbook for those wishing to get inside the mind of this most remarkable man.

Martin Luther was one of the most influential figures of the last millennium, with around 900 million people worldwide belonging to Protestant churches that can trace their origins back to the Reformation which he started five hundred years ago. His thinking and his writing were always original, fresh, controversial and provocative; evoking world-changing reactions in the sixteenth century that are still echoed today.This book offers an accessible path into Luther’s mode of thought, by paying close attention to the way he approached a wide range of issues in his own century, and how some of that thinking might give us new ways to approach contemporary issues. Analysing his approach to topics such as sex, freedom, prayer, evil, pilgrimage and Bible translation, Tomlin’s analysis vividly illustrates the mind of a man who was very much of his time, and yet whose ideas still speak creatively to the modern world and those who follow in his footsteps. Combining scholarly insight into some of the key issues surrounding the study of Luther today with a written style that renders it easily accessible to the academic and non-specialist alike, the result is an ideal guide for those wishing to get inside the mind of this most remarkable man.

500 years ago Luther set into motion a movement that would ultimately change the face of our world forever; the Reformation. In Luther and His World you will discover the man behind the movement who led the rebellion against the established church.The world of the early reformers is filled with danger, but also with purpose and passion. Martin Luther led battles, argued over doctrine and questioned how the church should go forward.In Luther and His World Graham Tomlin examines the build up towards the greatest rebellions in church history. How did it all unfold? Where did it begin? Why did it happen? After exploring all these questions, Graham offers his conclusions over how Luther's writings and teaching have revolutionized our world.Everyone interested in church history seeking a solid, accessible and engaging introduction to the Reformation and Martin Luther should read this book. It encapsulates the world in which the rebellion began and explains the outcomes of the revolutions with clarity and accuracy."An accessible account of Luther, his life, thoughts, writings and all that surrounded him. Tomlin's writing is readable and informative... For most people, this packed-full, not so little, littlebook will be just enough for them to feel that they now 'get' Martin Luther." - Church of England Newspaper

"It's naughty but nice." "I know I shouldn't really, but it will be fun and won't do any harm." The idea of 'sin' today evokes smirks rather than shudders. We find it hard to see why our ancestors got so agitated about it: haven't we got beyond such prudery?By examining each of The Seven Deadly Sins in turn, Graham Tomlin restores sin to its proper place as something to be deeply feared. He shows how contemporary culture reverses traditional wisdom and finds each sin seductive in different ways. Tomlin demonstrates that these practices are destructive habits that ruin lives, relationships and societies. Finally, he shows how the Christian faith offers resources to help defeat these habits and replace them with more constructive ones.Writing for all those interested in personal spirituality and philosophy, the author offers an accessible guide to wise living.

A focus on physical fitness is part of modern culture, at least for some, with the number of gyms and memberships at an all-time high. Not so when it comes to spiritual fitness. Graham Tomlin argues that much of the modern church is spiritually flabby, its members lacking distinctiveness as Christians and its impact on modern culture correspondingly limited. What can be done? Physical health and fitness require discipline, self-denial and cost; so, too, with spiritual fitness. This is a very practical book giving churches and their members tools with which to start to reverse the trend of spiritual blandness, and to feel more confident as Christians in the modern world. Not only will this benefit those concerned but there will be a new impact on society as the church becomes more appealing, relevant and significant. This book is for all who feel dissatisfied with their Christian faith, who are concerned about the future of the church, or who want to see the church being much more relevant to modern culture.

Explores the origin and contours of the theology of the cross in three of its major practitioners, St. Paul, Martin Luther and Blaise Pascal.

'Readable and expert - a brilliant guide to the life and thought of 17th century Europe's supreme polymath'Tom Holland'A richly detailed account of Pascal's life and times, which displays an energetic sympathy for Pascal's startling combination of intellectual precocity and humble faith.'Rory Stewart'A beautiful, accessible account of one of the era's most remarkable lives'Katherine Rundell He lived for just 39 years, yet Blaise Pascal was one of the most remarkable and creative figures of the seventeenth century.He is known for his famous (though often misunderstood) argument 'the Wager', but there's so much more to him than that. Pascal can lay claim to have built an early version of the modern computer, done ground-breaking work in mathematics and geometry, invented urban bus transport and virtually invented probability theory. He also produced one of the most haunting and effective works of Christian apologetics ever written. He is a major intellectual figure at the beginning of the modern age who blends together in his own person and thinking issues that are critical to our age. Blaise Pascal is therefore a crucial figure: not just in the history of European thought, but for how he can shed light on our many contemporary debates.From science to scepticism; mystical experience to distraction; religion to politics, self-love and death, Pascal's thinking was far-reaching. In this captivating biography, Graham Tomlin explores Pascal's short but extraordinary life, and the sweeping impact and relevance of his ideas to the modern world.

Everyone has an interest in housing, because we all live in some kind of home. While there has been plenty of theological reflection on the natural environment, there has been little on the built environment or on a theology of housing. Addressing the urgent problems of housing inequality and affordability, Coming Home proposes a practical and biblical theology of housing provision as an essential part of community building. It explores the purpose of home and housing today, housing and human flourishing, shared living and neighbourliness. It asks how and why the church should contribute to local and national housing policy – and thus to building community life – and offers case studies in community action. Contributors include Samuel Wells, Timothy Gorringe, Niamh Colbrook, Selina Stone, Angus Ritchie and Shermana Fletcher of the Centre for Theology and Community. Collectively, they bring theology and practice together.

Alister McGrath has had a tremendous impact on the renaissance of evangelical theology over the last twenty years. Regarded as one of the most widely read living theologians his theological work and writings has made an immense contribution to the vitality and dynamics of evangelical theology. This book invites evangelical theologians from various backgrounds to engage with his work and to chart a positive way forward for evangelical theology. Part One follows the theology of McGrath on justification, redemption, theology and science and post-liberal theology, whilst Part Two examines the essence, character, identity, methodology and future of evangelical theology. Contributions include Graham Tomlin, Gerald Bray, Clark Pinnock, Gabriel Fackre, William Abraham, and a response given by McGrath himself. 'This is a very significant volume, with contributions from numerous scholars who have been influenced by Dr McGrath or are his colleagues. They come from both sides of the Atlantic, and embrace many aspects of Alister's encyclopaedic knowledge and phenomenal literary output... And unlike most Festschriften this one has a fascinating characteristic; a final chapter in which Professor McGrath responds with grace and shrewdness to the points raised by the contributors. This is an important book to buy.'Canon Dr Michael Green, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. 'It is a privilege and a pleasure to commend this set of weighty and wise essays that is being published to mark Professor Alister McGrath's fiftieth birthday... God be with you, Alister, as on you go. In a somewhat different sense from that of the old-time gladiators, I and many more of my generation say: nos morituri te salutamus. May your range and your acumen not diminish, your clarity not be clouded, and your vision of evangelicalism as the true wisdom, the true catholicity, and indeed the true Christianity never blur. Hold high the torch that has been passed to you and keep the books coming. We need them.'From the foreword by J.I Packer