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Zusatztext A significant contribution to both academic and pastoral theology! and might go a long way toward healing the breach between the two. Klappentext This book develops the thesis that classical Christian theology seeks to help believers flourish by knowing and loving God. Ellen Charry argues this premise by example, offering a close reading of a number of classical texts, from the New Testament era to the Reformation, including works ofPaul, Augustine, Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, Anselm, and Calvin. She points out the pastoral and moral aims that shape the teachings of these theologians on a wide range of topics, including the Trinity; human beings as created in the image of God; the incorporation of Jews and Gentiles into thebody of Christ in baptism; the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ; and the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Charry explains that the very logic of their arguments is shaped by the author's concern for the goodness and happiness that should result from living into the doctrines. She furthershows that although the spiritual and pastoral purposes of these writings are many and complex, they are invariably concerned to foster what modern people can, without difficulty, recognize as human dignity--what she calls "excellence"--in action, affection, and self-appraisal. Zusammenfassung Through close readings of a number of classic texts, Charry develops the thesis that classic Christian theology is thoroughly shaped by pastoral and moral purposes. Charry's hope is to show contemporary theologians how to teach the faith in a morally constructive fashion, transcending the current destructive opposition between "academic" and "pastoral" theology.
