Synopses & Reviews
Is the subject-matter of theology everything there is, considered in relation to the mystery of God as the source and life and destiny of all things? Or is it a particular district of experience and language and behaviour called 'religion'? The latter view, which makes religion something quite separate from politics, art, science, law and economics, is peculiar to modern Western culture. But, according to Professor Lash, the 'modern' world is ending, and the consequent confusion contains the possibility of discovering new forms of ancient wisdom which the 'modern' world obscured from view.
These essays explore this idea in a number of directions: Part One examines the dialogue between Christianity and Hinduism, while Part Two considers the relations between theology and science, the secularity of Western culture, and questions of Christian hope or eschatology.
Review
"Lash's command of the tradition furnishes him with an admirable wisdom and a learned perspective to be able to point the way out of theology's many contemporary dilemmas." Edward T. Oakes, S.J., The Thomist
Review
"***" Science & Spirit
Review
"This valuable book is highly recommended." Zdravko Stefanovic, Andrews U. Sem. St.
Synopsis
What is the subject of theology? These fourteen essays argue against the view that "religion" is the name of one particular territory that we may consider or ignore if we feel so inclined. That "religion" is a subject quite different from others, such as politics, art, science, law and economics, is peculiar to modern Western culture. But Professor Lash states that the "modern" world is ending, and in the consequent confusion is the possibility of discovering new forms of ancient wisdom that the "modern" world obscured from view. Part I explores the dialogue between Christianity and Hinduism. Those essays in Part II (six were published between 1988 and 1994, and five are unpublished) consider relations between theology and science, the secularity of Western culture and questions of Christian hope or eschatology.
Synopsis
The common view that âreligionâis something quite separate from politics, art, science, law and economics is one that is peculiar to modern Western culture. In this book Professor Lash argues that we should begin to question seriously that viewpoint: the modern world is ending and we are now in a position to discover new forms of ancient wisdom, which have been obscured from view. These essays explore this idea in a number of directions, examining the dialogue between theology and science, the secularity of Western culture and questions of Christian hope.
Synopsis
Fourteen essays argue against the view that "religion" is a subject quite different from others. Stating that the "modern" world is ending, they argue that in the consequent confusion is the possibility of discovering new forms of ancient wisdom previously obscured.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 265-278) and index.
Table of Contents
Part I. A Meeting Place for Truth: 1. The beginning and the end of 'religion'?; 2. Prophecy and peace; 3. Reality, wisdom and delight; Part II. Emerging from Modernity: 4. Observation, revelation and the posterity of Noah; 5. On what kinds of things there are; 6. Contemplation, metaphor and real knowledge; 7. When did the theologians lose interest in theology?; 8. Anselm seeking; 9. Creation, courtesy and contemplation; 10. Hollow centres and holy places; 11. Hoping against hope, or Abraham's dilemma; 12. Eagles and sheep: Christianity and the public order beyond modernity; 13. Incarnation and determinate freedom; 14. Beyond the end of history?; Index.