The Vocation of Theology Today: A Festschrift for David Ford
Ebook
Overview
What is the task of theology in a complex religious and secular world? What are theologians called to contribute to society, the churches, and the academy? Can theology be both fully faithful to Christian tradition and Scripture, and fully open to the challenges of the twenty-first century? In this book, an international team of contributors, including some of the best-known names in the field, respond to these questions in programmatic essays that set the direction for future debates about the vocation of theology. David Ford, in whose honor the collection is produced, has been for many years a key figure in articulating and shaping the role of contemporary theology. The contributors are his colleagues, collaborators, and former students, and their essays engage in dialogue with his work. The main unifying feature of this exciting collection is not Ford's work per se, however, but a shared engagement with the pressing question of theology's vocation today.
"This lively and intellectually rich book offers a serious and
affectionate tribute to perhaps the most important Christian
theologian of our time: David Ford. With careful academic attention
to his teaching and writing, it allows the reader to understand the
luminous theory and praxis of a living theologian, showing how a
life of intellectual and religious reasoning about the call of
Scripture can truly change the world."
--Laurie Zoloth, Northwestern University
"A rich and diverse collection of essays, this book is a fine
testimony to the capacity of David Ford as a Christian theologian.
It not only connects church and the university, worship and
theology, the academic study of religion and the Abrahamic faiths,
but it also encourages others to share that vocation and fulfill
its vision."
--David Fergusson, University of Edinburgh
"This sparkling set of essays is a fitting testimony to the
limitless insight that emerges from the unique kind of conversation
David has embodied for us and fostered among so many of his
friends. The gratitude the reader will feel toward the authors will
properly turn into gratitude for the man himself, and for the God
whose 'face' David has been inviting us to behold for so many
years."
--Jeremy Begbie, Duke University
"David Ford's creativity, passion, inclusiveness, and generosity of
spirit have enabled him to engage with a broad perspective in the
landscape of faith; through encouragement, vision, and joy, he has
mentored students and co-created with colleagues, modeling a
collegial way of praising God. This excellent volume reflects those
discussions leading them to a new level of maturity. I commend it
wholeheartedly."
Iain R. Torrance, Princeton Theological Seminary
"This is a sparkling collection--a fitting tribute to David's great
capacity to encourage and support a new generation of exciting
thinkers in the magnificent new Divinity School for which he has
been the chief inspiration."
George Newlands, President of Society for the Study of
Theology.
Tom Greggs is Professor of Historical and Doctrinal Theology at
the University of Aberdeen.
Rachel Muers is Senior Lecturer in Christian Studies at the
University of Leeds.
Simeon Zahl is Junior Research Fellow in Theology at St John's
College, Oxford University