Internationale Theologie/International Theology – serie

The study examines the understanding of the glory of God in the thought of John Calvin. The examination is carried out from the historical observation in the first part and the systematic evaluation in the second part. The author describes the development of the concept of gloria Dei in Calvin’s Institutes as well as its significant role as a counterpart to the major Christian doctrines. Following a survey of the historical background, the presence of gloria Dei in the first, second, and last editions of the Institutes is discussed. In the systematic part, the concept of gloria Dei is analyzed in the context of its dynamic presence throughout the central doctrines such as the doctrine of creation, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, eschatology, and ecclesiology. The systematic evaluation shows that gloria Dei is one of the loudest cantus firmi in Calvin’s theological composition.

This book provides a metaethical analysis of the responsibility ethics of H. Richard Niebuhr and Emmanuel Levinas. It probes the plausibility of their ethical theories by revealing and clarifying some conceptual difficulties and logical inconsistencies found in their ethics in order to advance current scholarship in responsibility ethics. In addition to illumining various theological and philosophical backgrounds of their ethics, this study offers a critical reflection on some of the major metaethical topics relevant to each thinker.

The worldwide Pentecostal movement has 525 million adherents. A feature of the movement has been its embrace of pluralism and pragmatism. There are features of worship which are commonly and incorrectly considered to be distinctive to Pentecostalism. The quality of the spiritual experience of adherents provides a convincing explanation for its growing following. Pentecostalism has had a complex relationship with modernity. The movement faces challenges but the spiritual experience of Pentecostals could enrich conversations not only among Christians but also between Christians and those of different faith, even those with no faith at all. There are Pentecostals who are willing to explore the potential that lies in an expanding dialogue about spiritual experience around the world.

«Die Studie bietet im Kern eine Untersuchung zu Dietrich Bonhoeffers Doktor-arbeit Sanctorum Communio. Eine dogmatische Untersuchung zur Soziologie der Kirche. Sie konzentriert sich dabei zunächst auf die sozialphilosophischen und soziologischen Ansätze zur Analyse der Kirche sowie auf die Lehre von der Stellvertretung und deren christologische Begründung. Außerdem geht der Autor auf die soteriologische Erneuerung der Menschheit in Christus und die Gestalt der Kirche als Gemeinschaft von Gott und Mensch und schließlich auf die «äußeren und inneren» Funktionen der Kirche ein. In all dem will die Arbeit aber vor allem «die Bedeutung der Ekklesiologie Bonhoeffers im Kontext der protestantischen Kirche in China» erhellen.»Prof. Dr. Dr. Dres. h.c. Michael Welker (Universität Heidelberg)

The ecumenical dialogues within Christianity mostly concentrate on the issues of justification, the Church, and the Holy Spirit. An ecumenical theological anthropology can rarely be found. The book presents the classical topics in theological anthropology from the Reformed, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox perspectives. The plurality or sometimes even the apparent tensions among theological traditions are shown to be within the limits of God’s word alone. "In this fascinating book, Kristanto shares his thoughts on biblical notions, his vast explorations in the history of theology, and his analysis of today´s intellectual challenges. Bringing these all together in one highly readable work, Kristanto manages to demonstrate perfectly the relevance of the biblical concept of the human being for the Church and society."Herman Selderhuis