John Macquarrie – författare

'A helpful book, marked by wide reading and rich thought. I commend it not only for the lonely reader but for groups who would like to explore the calling and mission of the people of God' (Baptist Times).'This is a splendid book for anyone who wants to "break into" theology and is not quite sure how to go about it. One would hope it is also a spur to those who are tempted to give up the theological effort' (Church of Ireland Gazette).'A model of how really good and attractive theology can only come from scholars who know their faith and have given themselves over to the study of it with openness and devotion ... An excellent text for study groups which were really prepared to enter deeply into the much-needed reinterpretation and modernization of our traditional faith' (Heythrop Journal).'A fine example of a systematic theologian writing for a non-specialist readership' (Journal of Theological Studies).'A very sensible way of approaching those fundamental doctrines of the faith, concerning the nature of God, of the person of Christ, and of salvation, which when they confront us may nowadays seem, and not only to laymen, singularly formidable ... Such a book as this demands attentive reading. Nevertheless it is easily digestible and—in its lucidity and comprehensiveness—most rewarding' (Expository Times).

The classical defence of, and arguments for, belief in God have not proved completely satisfactory, particularly in the perspective of modern times, and in the Gifford Lectures for 1983-4, given at the University of St Andrews, Professor Macquarrie puts forward an alternative. He calls his approach 'dialectical theism': dialectical, to indicate that he seeks to avoid the onesidedness of classical theism, and theism (as opposed to pantheism or panentheism) to show that he is still concerned to arrive at a satisfying conception of God.After indicating some of the weaknesses of classical theism, and outlining other approaches which have been put forward, Dr Macquarrie discusses a long series of thinkers who, he argues, represent an alternative tradition: Plotinus, Dionysius the Areopagite, Johannes Scotus Eriugena, Nicholas of Cusa, Leibniz, Hegel, Whitehead and Heidegger. In the last section of his book, against this background he develops his dialectical concept of God, re-examines the proofs for the existence of God and shows how dialectical theism has a bearing on spirituality, ethics, theology and world religions.

...The new emphasis on situations and flexibility does not abolish rules or the task of moral theology, but it does call for a radical rethinking. It is a platitude to say that man is in the midst of rapid change, both in himself and in his world. The traditional moral theology was too strongly tied to the notion of a fixed, essential human nature, set in the midst of a static hierarchically ordered universe. Yet its basic method of approaching the problem of ethics was correct—not through some special Christian concept of love or whatever it might be, but through the study of man. A renewed moral theology would not abandon this well-tried path, which is moreover especially appropriate at a time when the Christian must co-ordinate his moral strivings with those of non-Christians. But everything that was hitherto static would beset in motion, so that the landscape would soon begin to look very different. The new ethic would begin at precisely the same place as did the first chapter in any traditional textbook of moral theology, that is to say, with the question about man and the goal of his existence. But we would have regard to man as he understands himself today, not as an entity with a fixed essence, but as a dynamic existent living in a changing world...

'This splendid book from an Anglican professor of divinity reveals the fruitful tension between "horizontal' outgoing Christianity and the perennial human need for a spirituality drawing on the rich resources of the Christian tradition, firmly based on the eucharist. It should help all of us to see and preserve the richness of our heritage ... Dr Macquarrie reassesses traditional Christian prayer and worship and takes as his thesis that a "fully human, fully personal being is one in whom the religious dimension has been developed" ' (Catholic Herald).'The basic theme throughout is the contention that Christian spirituality is composed of three elements - doctrine, worship and deed: theology, prayer and action; and that the lack of any or the over-emphasis of any at the expense of the rest, inevitably involves a distorted spirituality and in the end a false religion ... Very highly recommended' (Church Times).This second edition has been revised and updated where necessary, and three new chapters have been added, on 'Eucharistic Sacrifice', 'Confession and Absolution', and 'Rest and Restlessness in Christian Spirituality'.

This summer John Macquarrie retires from his professional chair at Oxford after a long and distinguished career. As well as writing many books which have become classics, and pushing the boundaries of theological exploration further, he has always been devotedly a churchman, and this new collection of papers deals with many topics of particular interest at present. Those essays dealing with theology include 'Pilgrimage in Theology', 'Why Theology?', 'Theology and Ideology' and 'Continuing Influences from the Last Century'. Those on the church survey the Anglican theological tradition, the theological implications of the Oxford Movement, pride in the church and ministry in the church, the last a topic which leads into the third group. Essays on ministry include 'Politics as Lay Ministry'.

This classic study of peace, first published in the 1970s, has lost none of its power over the years and is reissued for the first time as a paperback after being long unavailable. The author has written a new preface, reflecting on developments since the book was written.Beginning with a survey of the many areas in which human life is fractured - international relations, race relations, the relationship between human beings and nature, and the family - John Macquarrie shows that peace requires a two-fold knowledge, technical and eschatological, i.e. with a particular goal in mind.He goes on to relate the biblical idea of shalom to the problems of contemporary society, asking whether peace or conflict is the basic human state. This leads on into discussions of conflict and violence, and how they can be dealt with in our dangerous modern world.

This short book arose out of four talks given by John Macquarrie to the congregation of his parish church in Oxford in Lent 1994. They were asking questions which concern many people today - questions about science and religion, omnipotence and infinity, the God of the Old Testament, the continuity of fathe and how far one faith can be universal, Christ's humanity and the purpose of the creeds. Professor Macquarrie responded by discussing four major issues: 'Why Believe?', 'Believing in God', 'What about Jesus Christ?', 'Do We Need the Church?'

For those who are interested in theology and religious studies, there is no more interesting current topic than that of the relationship between the great religions of the world. Moreover, social changes have brought adherents of the different religious groups into close proximity with one another, and if destructive tribalism and fundamentalisms are to be avoided, there is an urgent need for mutual understanding. Although this book is written from a Christian point of view, it has not only the intention of being open to other religions but also the hope and expectation of learning from them.

A highly-acclaimed account of the sacramental principle and the seven sacraments of the church.

A picture of what it is like to live and work as a theologian. Incorporates Macquarrie's own reminiscences, some unpublished lectures and correspondence from distinguished theologians. Also includes a survey of his major works and a full bibliography.

Beginning from the philosophical and theological legacies of the 19th century, this book traces the renewal first of Protestant then of Catholic theology during the 20th century. It ends with a discussion of recent movements such as liberation theology.

This text addresses three main questions: how we should think and speak about God in a changing and largely secularized world; the nature of the person and incarnation of Jesus Christ - is he fully man and fully God?; and how does a theologian know about God and the destiny of man? It addresses issues such as: the suffering of God; the Cosmic Christ; the pre-existence of Jesus Christ; and the development of the Christian doctrine, as well as presenting the history of those groups and individuals who advanced the discussion of such questions.

Here, following the example of Rahner and Pannenberg, John Macquarrie examines Jesus Christ's humanity to his origin as God. Part one considers the New Testament sources, including the "classical theology" period. Part two examines the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment critique of classical christology (i.e. studying Jesus Christ as him from above, as opposed to his humanity), while in part three, Macquarrie makes his own christological statement on who Jesus Christ really is for us today.

This text poses the question "what is theology?" and goes on to discuss issues of methodology, the relation of theology to other disciplines and different theological perspectives. It also investigates topics in the fields of philosophical theology (human existence; revelation; the language of theology; and Christianity and other religions), symbolic theology (triune God; doctrines of creation; the problem of evil and suffering; the person of Jesus Christ; and eschatology) and applied theology (the Church; ministry and mission; word and the sacraments; worship and prayer; and ethics).

John Macquarrie "revisits" and expands his understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. He explores the issues of interpretation surrounding how we can "know" a person who lived 2000 years ago. He critiques certain controversial theologies which overemphasize either Jesus' divinity or humanity.

John Macquarrie's classic study of existentialism and the work of two of its most important representatives: Martin Heidegger and Rudolf Bultmann.

A highly-acclaimed account of the sacramental principle and the seven sacraments of the church.

A key reference work for a all who are studying Christian ethics.

One of Britain's most distinguished theologians explains the basic beliefs held about Mary in the Christian church.Written with an ecumenical purpose, Professor Macquarrie shows that in Mary, Christians may find resources for unity and reconciliation, rather than conflict. Each chapter explores a different event associated with Mary, from her Immaculate Conception to her Assumption and also her relation to contemporary culture.A new edition of a key text for the ecumenical movement, this book includes a new introduction and takes account of the current Roman Catholic debates on the subject of 'Mary Corredemptrix'.

One of Britain''s most distinguished theologians explains the basic beliefs held about Mary in the Christian church.Written with an ecumenical purpose, Professor Macquarrie shows that in Mary, Christians may find resources for unity and reconciliation, rather than conflict. Each chapter explores a different event associated with Mary, from her Immaculate Conception to her Assumption and also her relation to contemporary culture.A new edition of a key text for the ecumenical movement, this book includes a new introduction and takes account of the current Roman Catholic debates on the subject of ''Mary Corredemptrix''.

The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Ethics is an invaluable reference work. Included are articles on basic ethical concepts; biblical and theological ethics; philosophical traditions; major non-Christian religious traditions; psychological, sociological, political, and other concepts important to Christian ethics; and, finally, substantial problems, such as war, usually including both information and options. With 620 entries cover a spectrum of topics that concern thinking people everywhere, providing clear, concise and accurate information about ethical concerns.

A profile of nine religious geniuses--Zoroaster, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Confucius, Socrates, Krishna, Jesus, and Muhammad--whose visions of God have been and continue to be a crucial factor in human history.