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Limits and Life: Meaning and Metaphors in the Religious Language of Iceland not only contributes to the field of Nordic cultural history, it is a valuable resource for those who may find themselves confronting threats and preparing for catastrophes in the twenty-first century. How can we best cope with traumatic events in nature, society, and the home? Facing and interpreting limits has been the pivotal religious task of Icelanders throughout the centuries. Strategies for survival became a necessity and included interpretations that assisted in coping with these crises along with strategies of escape. The theology of Icelanders offers potential ways for coping with difficulties and suggests strategies for addressing the limit-issues threatening us and later generations.
About the author
Sigurdur Arni Thordarson is a pastor of ELCI, the National Church of Iceland. He holds a Cand. Theol. from the University of Iceland and a PhD from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Summary
How can we best cope with traumatic events in nature, society, and the home? This title contributes to the field of Nordic cultural history, it is a suitable for those who may find themselves confronting threats and preparing for catastrophes in the twenty-first century.
Report
«Given the harsh beauty of the environment, it is not surprising that Icelandic religious thinkers should emphasize liminal features of human existence: death, finitude, transience, threats, challenges. Sigurdur Arni Thordarson distinguishes between two types of theological response: struggling responsibly to bring forth what is good in the world and escaping to an inner spirituality. Proposing strategies for overcoming the dualism of nature and spirit, the author has written a book that is very relevant to today's global ecological crises.» (Peter C. Hodgson, Finney Professor of Theology Emeritus, Divinity School, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee)
«'Limits and Life' is a central work and a key to spirituality in Iceland. Sigurdur Arni Thordarson demonstrates an indigenous religious spirituality informed by European theological analysis. His profound and original interpretation allows Icelandic religious tradition to become a creative and powerful source for theology struggling with limits and crises of the future.» (Pétur Pétursson, Professor of Practical Theology, University of Iceland)
