Paul Louis Metzger – författare

Explores ways in which Trinitarian theology interfaces with major themes of systematic theology. The driving force of Trinitarian Soundings in Systematic Theology is that all of theology is to be shaped in view of the doctrine of the Trinity. To borrow a statement from Robert Jenson, the Trinity "is not a separate puzzle to be solved but the framework within which all theology's puzzles are to be solved". This book explores ways in which Trinitarian theology interfaces with major themes of systematic theology. Given that there are few systematic theologies done 'trinitarianly', the collective project will serve as a road map that suggests a path to follow in the formulation of each particular doctrine. Trinitarian Soundings in Systematic Theology is unique as it presents the major themes of systematic theology from a Trinitarian perspective through the contributions of leading and emerging scholars in the field. The study promises to become an important work for those interested in theology, as its contributors include veteran theologians like Colin Gunton, Robert Jenson, James Houston, Georg Pfleiderer and Stanley Grenz.Additionally, this volume includes contributions from a few younger theologians who are employing this Trinitarian focus with renewed zeal. In all, this collection represents an exciting exploration in systematics, showing how profitable it is to approach all aspects of the faith from a self-consciously Trinitarian perspective.

Trinitarian Soundings in Systematic Theology is a multi-authored exploration of systematic theology from a Trinitarian perspective. Its aim is to show how the doctrine of the Trinity sheds light on other key doctrines-from prolegomena to eschatology and theological ethics. To borrow a phrase from Robert Jenson, the doctrine of the Trinity ''is not a separate puzzle to be solved but the framework within which all theology''s puzzles are to be solved''. Given the scarcity of systematic theologies done ''trinitarianly'', this collective project suggests a path to follow in the formulation of each particular doctrine represented in the volume. Trinitarian Soundings promises to become an important work given its unique presentation of major themes of systematic theology in their classical order, yet from a Trinitarian point of view. Its contributors include veteran theologians as well as younger scholars who are energetically employing this Trinitarian focus. The contributors represent various theological traditions and geographical locations, which surely bring richness to the theological inquiry. Dedicated to the memory of a pioneer in the resurgence of Trinitarian theology, the late Prof. Colin Gunton, this collection represents a distinctive treatment of systematics, intent on showing the vitality of approaching all aspects of the faith from a self-consciously Trinitarian perspective.

ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover AwardWe live in a culture of commodification. People are too often defined by what they do or own; they''re treated as means to an end or cogs in a machine. What goes missing is a deep sense of personhood—the belief that all humans are unique subjects with inherent worth and the right to self-determination in authentic communion with others.In a world dominated by things, Paul Louis Metzger argues, we must work hard to account for one another''s personhood. We need to cultivate relational structures that honor every human''s dignity in vital interpersonal community. The theological and philosophical framework known as personalism can help guide us toward such a culture. Drawing from a wide range of thought leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul II, Metzger presents a personalist moral vision founded on the Christian ideals of faith, hope, and love. He demonstrates how this moral compass can help us navigate a pluralistic world by applying it to a variety of pressing ethical issues, including abortion, genetic engineering, immigration, drone warfare, and more.More Than Things is perfect as a supplemental text for philosophy or ethics courses and for those who want to go deeper in the study of human dignity and worth. Ultimately human personhood begins with the personal, triune God, who invites us to live more fully as human beings. With this book, learn to refuse to reduce fellow humans—and yourself—to mere abstractions or objects, and follow the example of Jesus in honoring the value of every person and of creaturely life as a whole.

We live in a multifaith society: an ever-growing, diverse cultural climate, where no religion is viewed as having a monopoly on truth. It is important when that Christ-followers not only share the Word of God but also listen and learn how to interact meaningfully with those of diverse perspectives as we engage in life’s most important conversations.Connecting Christ encourages believers to be not only better communicators and witnesses but also listeners to people of other worldviews and traditions—skills that are crucial in defending against today’s negative connotations and ineffective approaches associated with Christian evangelism.With extensive commentary from leaders of various walks of faith and life — from Judaism to Islam and Buddhism to atheism —theologian and author Dr. Paul Louis Metzger offers a spiritual compass to help navigate the intimidating yet critical dialogue of conveying our faith in Christ. Filled with practical guidance and insight into controversial topics, such as hell, fascism, and homosexuality, Connecting Christ reveals that there is a way of evangelizing that is neither disengaging monologue nor silent, lifestyle ministry but is, instead, an approach for evangelism and dialogue to go hand-in-hand. We must remove ourselves as the stumbling block to salvation for others and embrace a way to proclaim the uncommon, compassionate God revealed in Jesus Christ—the Savior this world is dying to know.

We live in a multifaith society: an ever-growing, diverse cultural climate, where no religion is viewed as having a monopoly on truth. It is important when that Christ-followers not only share the Word of God but also listen and learn how to interact meaningfully with those of diverse perspectives as we engage in life’s most important conversations.Connecting Christ encourages believers to be not only better communicators and witnesses but also listeners to people of other worldviews and traditions—skills that are crucial in defending against today’s negative connotations and ineffective approaches associated with Christian evangelism.With extensive commentary from leaders of various walks of faith and life — from Judaism to Islam and Buddhism to atheism —theologian and author Dr. Paul Louis Metzger offers a spiritual compass to help navigate the intimidating yet critical dialogue of conveying our faith in Christ. Filled with practical guidance and insight into controversial topics, such as hell, fascism, and homosexuality, Connecting Christ reveals that there is a way of evangelizing that is neither disengaging monologue nor silent, lifestyle ministry but is, instead, an approach for evangelism and dialogue to go hand-in-hand. We must remove ourselves as the stumbling block to salvation for others and embrace a way to proclaim the uncommon, compassionate God revealed in Jesus Christ—the Savior this world is dying to know.

In this introduction to ecclesiology, respected scholars Brad Harper and Paul Louis Metzger offer a solidly evangelical yet ecumenical survey of the church in mission and doctrine. Combining biblical, historical, and cultural analysis, this comprehensive text explores the church as a Trinitarian, eschatological, worshiping, sacramental, serving, ordered, cultural, and missional community. It also offers practical application, addressing contemporary church life issues such as women in ministry, evangelism, social action, consumerism in church growth trends, ecumenism, and the church in postmodern culture. The book will appeal to all who are interested in church doctrine, particularly undergraduates and seminarians.

Beatitudes, Not Platitudes shows that the Beatitudes are not overused, well-worn answers to the question, "What would Jesus do?" Rather, they are undervalued and hardly touched claims that transform our destinies. More than spiritual nuggets for personal devotion, practical advice, or propositions to be believed, the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 envision and entail a reorientation of the good life in view of Jesus'' kingdom. Jesus'' teachings reveal to us that living our best purpose-driven life now involves dying to self and the world system, and dying for our enemies. Ideal for group study, this series of meditations on each of the Beatitudes, followed by cultural reflections and study questions, helps to bridge the gaps between personal devotion and societal revolution, the academic and the practical, the ancient and the contemporary. All of us want to be happy, to be well and blessed, and esteemed with honor. However, we look for happiness, wellness, blessing, and honor in different places and with mixed results. This book helps us reimagine the good life by taking a fresh look at the Beatitudes as citizens of Jesus'' ever-new kingdom order.

In this introduction to ecclesiology, respected scholars Brad Harper and Paul Louis Metzger offer a solidly evangelical yet ecumenical survey of the church in mission and doctrine. Combining biblical, historical, and cultural analysis, this comprehensive text explores the church as a Trinitarian, eschatological, worshiping, sacramental, serving, ordered, cultural, and missional community. It also offers practical application, addressing contemporary church life issues such as women in ministry, evangelism, social action, consumerism in church growth trends, ecumenism, and the church in postmodern culture. The book will appeal to all who are interested in church doctrine, particularly undergraduates and seminarians.

This collection of essays provides samplings of a theological engagement of culture that Paul Louis Metzger has been developing over the years in his work as founder and director of The Institute for the Theology of Culture: New Wine, New Wineskins at Multnomah Biblical Seminary of Multnomah University. Metzger espouses an incarnational over against a predominantly worldview-oriented or market-driven theological approach to engaging culture, and situates his work in Trinitarian communal and co-missional thought forms. This volume of biblically and theologically framed and compassion-driven essays addresses such themes as postmodernity, structural evil, cultural genocide, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, the prison system, the global slave trade, and the arts. It will be welcomed by those analyzing and developing theological-cultural paradigms and engaging key issues in the contemporary setting.