Athens and Jerusalem: Philosophy, Theology, and the Mind of Christ

Praise for Athens and Jerusalem

In this daring study Gerald Bray paints on a wide canvas—nothing less than the entire Christian tradition—as he traces the subtle connections and stark differences between faith and reason, philosophy and theology, human learning and divine wisdom. Well conceived and well written, this book encourages us to think, and teaches us how.

—Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Bray presents the complex range of ways that pagan philosophy (‘Athens’) has been variously engaged within Christian theology (‘Jerusalem’), from the pre-Christian era to post-Christian New Atheism. With a disarmingly clear style, Bray skips across the Western world-map and throughout the centuries. Highly recommended for ambitious lay study, college students, and clergy alike. Two thumbs up!

—Kathryn Greene-McCreight, priest affiliate, Christ Church New Haven, Connecticut

In the midst of modern attempts at retrieving the Christian tradition’s exegetical and theological heritage, a deeper understanding of the variegated philosophical and contextual worlds of our forebears is sorely needed. Athens and Jerusalem helps to fill this gap in classic Gerald Bray form: by drawing together swaths of lofty ideas and historical characters into a readable, coherent, and enjoyable narrative. The result is a book that both summarizes prevailing narratives while also challenging them.

—Brandon D. Smith, chair of the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry and associate professor of theology and early Christianity, Oklahoma Baptist University; cofounder of the Center for Baptist Renewal

Gerald Bray’s book provides an impressive, integrative historical overview of the relationship between theology and philosophy. Bray displays a good deal of self-discipline by not getting bogged down by rabbit trails and unnecessary details. And while readers may disagree here or there, the larger project is impressive. The book’s good pace and flow and sufficient depth provide a valuable survey on the important question about the relationship between Athens and Jerusalem.

—Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University; author of A Little Book for New Philosophers and coauthor of An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom