A History of Christian Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction / Edition 2

by William C. Placher, Derek R. Nelson

Overview

A modern classic, A History of Christian Theology offers a concise yet complete chronicle of the whole of Christian theology, from its background in the history of Israel to the liberation and postliberal theologies of recent years. This updated 30th anniversary edition includes expanded treatments of theological developments at the end of the 20th century, and preliminary trajectories for theology in the 21st century. It also includes updated bibliographies and revised chapters on important innovations in biblical studies, and their impact on theology. This updated and revised edition will continue to aid the work of both students and faculty for years to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664239350
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	10/17/2013
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	356
Sales rank:	1,000,877
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

William C. Placher was Charles D. and Elizabeth S. LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was the author or editor of a number of books including Essentials of Christian Theology, published by WJK.

Derek R. Nelson is Associate Professor of Religion at Wabash College.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition ix

Preface to the First Edition xi

William C. Placher and A History of Christian Theology xiii

1 Introduction 1

2 The Hope of Israel 7

3 The Mission to the Gentiles 21

4 The Beginnings of Orthodoxy 33

5 An Alliance with Philosophy 43

6 Truly Human, Truly Divine 55

7 Light in the East 73

8 Augustine 91

9 The Path to Salvation 103

10 The Fragile Synthesis 119

11 The Absolute Power of God 137

12 Faith Alone, Scripture Alone 153

13 The Catholic Reformation 171

14 God's Governance 187

15 Reason and Enthusiasm 203

16 The City on a Hill 219

17 The Claims of History 233

18 The End of Western Christendom 249

19 The Current Scene 263

Notes 275

Index 301

Editorial Reviews

"William C. Placher . . . is to be congratulated for having done what many would have considered impossible. In slightly more than 300 pages he has chronicled the whole history of Christian theology, from its background in the history of Israel to the various modes of liberation theology in the late 20th century. Moreover, he has touched almost all of the important bases and has dealt with significant figures, issues, movements in an incisive and illuminating manner. This intellectual history, a story of people and their ideas, is a delight to read. I predict it will be widely used not only in college and seminaries, but also in lay institutes and study groups."—The Christian Century

From the Publisher