Paternoster Theological Monographs – serie

This work analyses and evaluates Jurgen Moltmann's model of universal salvation and its relation to his understanding of the redemption, or eschatological fulfilment,of time.

This book proposes that Christian worship Is a key source for any theology seeking to understand the covenant between God and human beings in the Christian tradition. Through a detailed examination of phenomenological, biblical and theological sources, the author seeks to write a theology in which the selfhood of God and human beings is seen as essentially 'vowed' or 'covenantal'. This claim is then explored through a detailed examination of Eucharistic and baptismal practices within the worship life of the church. Here, then, is a theology that understands Christian worship as a mutual act of promising and commitment between God and human beings.

In reading the literary rhetoric of the Book of exodus Kurle uncovers new insights in the author's purposes. The unique work undertakes to interpret the Book of exodus as a whole in terms of its rhetorical aims. The approach is distinguished from traditional critical readings in focussing not on the origin of the texts, nor on the theological specifics of putative sources, but on the text understood as having a coherent rhetorical strategy. It is also distinguished from expressly theological readings of the book. Kurle proceeds by considering, Yahweh, Moses and Israel as 'characters' in the literary sense, and exploring how the text operates through them on its 'implied readers'. Thus the particular focus is on the functional aspects of the text which direct the reading process and thus guide the reader in the perception of the ideas, concepts and stories presented. 'The book of exodus is the foundation for Israel's identity in its relation to God and part of the foundation of Jewish-Christian ethics. In The Appeal of Exodus Stefan Kurle offers a thorough, exegetically profound and pleasantly readable study using a functional-synchronic approach with a rhetorical-critical analysis. He concentrates completely on what the biblical text itself presents, looking at the persuasive nature of that text and presupposing an implied reader who has a certain knowledge of his own history. In the same manner the modern reader will be able to sense Israel's exciting journey from the oppressive slavery in Egypt to God's presence at Sinai.' Walter Hilbrands, Dean of studies, Giessen School of Theology, Germany

This book details the development and contours of Karl Barth's robust and lively vision of Christian and ecclesial life in the early years of his career.

Our conception of human personhood deeply impacts our understanding and practice of community and church. In this rigorous work Franklin argues that ecclesiology needs to be informed and shaped by a robust theological anthropology. "This book calls exactly for what evangelicalism needs in order to reinvent itself: a return to the incarnation as the foundation for a robust ecclesiology based on a Christ-centered anthropology. It is my belief that Christianity will regain its experiential and intellectual relevance for our time once Christians recover and proclaim its ancient message that the gospel is all about fulfilling our common longing for true life by becoming fully human in communion with God. Franklin's book is an important contribution to this task."~ Jens Zimmermann, Canada Research Chair in Interpretation, Religion and Culture, Trinity Western University "Trinitarian love is not only God's essence but also how God has chosen to relate to human creatures. This is Patrick Franklin's basis for proposing a trinitarian anthropology-ecclesiology. Reading Being Human, Being Church will be catalytic for transformative participation in the triune love that witnesses to the world in anticipation of the coming reign of God."~Amos Yong, Professor of Theology & Mission, Fuller Theological Seminary "The importance of human personhood for our understanding of the church and Christian life has been sadly neglected. Patrick's theological study of high quality, with its practical relevance, brings this out for us. His rigorous engagement with theologians both ancient and modern will be of appeal to students of theology and experienced practioners of the craft."~ Dennis Ngien, Professor of Systematic Theology, Tyndale University College & Seminary and Research Professor of Theology, Wycliffe College, U of Toronto (both in Toronto, Canada).

Scripture's teaching on the Incarnation, the Trinity, divine sovereigntywith human responsibility, and the problem of evil lead to irresolvabletensions or paradoxes. In the process of building a biblical theology ofparadox, Theological Antinomy carefully assesses the biblical passagesfor whether they truly contain tensions and if any of the resolutionsthat have been suggested are sufficient. Joel Arnold suggests amodel for how conservative interpreters can proceed through thetheological process without distorting the exegetical information orabandoning logical consistency. The book concludes with a rigorous,critical examination of Open Theism and its handling of theologicalparadox. Theological Antinomy drives the reader back to the biblicaltext, compels self-conscious analysis theology, and provokes awe atthe rich complexity of biblical revelation.

This comprehensive, significant work on Salvation Army theologyand practice is designed to help reinforce Salvationists' appreciationof their movement's rationale and mission, helping to maintain andincrease the Army's unique position within the Church and as partof global faith-based responses to humanitarian need. The writers inthis volume hold and proclaim a clear vision for the Army's future,fully seizing contemporary opportunities while retaining the fire andzeal of the primitive Movement.

With discussions of the Trinity increasingly coming to the fore in theological controversies over human relationships, this book seeks to restore the focus to theology proper. In The Will of Him Who Sent MeAndrew Moody proposes that a carefully defined model for ordered Trinitarian willing can help us better understand the great themes of the Bible and the reason for salvation history itself.

This important book reassesses the classic Chalcedonian view of Jesus: "one person, two natures". It carefully rejects all forms of kenotic Christology and affirms that Jesus possessed and used all the divine attributes, in particular, that of omnipresence, arguing that evangelical scholars have abandoned this important truth. This has ramifications for our view of the Holy Spirit and of Christ's presence with his people. It challenges us to read the Scriptures again and to live in the presence of Jesus. - Publisher Commendation:"In this important study of orthodox Christology, Dr Zachariades develops an aspect of it that has generally been neglected. How should we understand the universal presence of the risen, ascended an glorified Christ? Starting with the controversies of the early church, he takes us through the questions involved in the discussion and points us to a deeper understanding of how Christ is both God and man at the same time." Gerald L. Bray, Research Professor of Divinity, History and Doctrine, Beeson Divinity School, USA