Stephen Bevans – författare

The Scottish theologian John Oman (1860-1939) conceived of God in terms of a personal reality who calls forth - rather than inhibits - freedom, creativity, and responsibility. Although he never wrote a book on God as such, all Oman's thought is based on this conception of God's radically personal nature and gracious - though often challenging - dealing with humanity. This book systematizes the thoughts on God which are scattered throughout Oman's writings, and places Oman in his historical and cultural context of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In the picture which emerges, evil and suffering are the result of cosmic independence and human freedom; God's power is revealed not in his ability to override human freedom, but in the patience to deal with its consequences, which include the emergence of moral and physical evil. For Oman, God's face has been revealed most clearly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, whose gracious dealing with men and women shows God to be both eternal Father and abiding Spirit.

The Scottish theologian John Oman (1860-1939) conceived of God in terms of a personal reality who calls forth - rather than inhibits - freedom, creativity, and responsibility. Although he never wrote a book on God as such, all Oman's thought is based on this conception of God's radically personal nature and gracious - though often challenging - dealing with humanity. This book systematizes the thoughts on God which are scattered throughout Oman's writings, and places Oman in his historical and cultural context of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In the picture which emerges, evil and suffering are the result of cosmic independence and human freedom; God's power is revealed not in his ability to override human freedom, but in the patience to deal with its consequences, which include the emergence of moral and physical evil. For Oman, God's face has been revealed most clearly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, whose gracious dealing with men and women shows God to be both eternal Father and abiding Spirit.

Leading Voices from across Christian Traditions Discuss the Mission of the ChurchWhat is the mission of the church? Every seminarian and church leader must wrestle with that question. No matter what designation a church uses to describe itself, it must also think critically about why it exists and what it should be doing. In this book, five leading voices representing a range of Christian traditions engage in an enlightening conversation as they present and compare their perspectives on the mission of the church. Each contributor offers his or her view and responds to the other four views. Contributors include Stephen B. Bevans, Darrell L. Guder, Ruth Padilla DeBorst, Edward Rommen, and Ed Stetzer. The book's format is ideal for classroom use and will also benefit pastors and church leaders.

This is the first book in English on priesthood in religious life to be published in twenty years. Its fourteen contributors search for new ways forward in the understanding of the distinct identity and ministry of religious men—committed to community, the prophetic lifestyle of vows or promises, and the particular charisms of their congregations—who have also answered the call to priesthood. Essays in this collection include reflections from a bishop, from the perspective of a lay theologian, from an expert in the social sciences, and on Pope Francis’s teachings on priesthood. Included as well are essays that are rooted in particular cultural traditions, in spirituality, and in canon law.