Experiences in Theology: Ways and Forms of Christian Theology

by Jürgen Moltmann, Margaret Kohl

Overview

Theology always has been (and is for Moltmann) not an abstract or otherworldly endeavor, but one nourished by, and responsive to, experiences in, and with, life itself. In this volume, the final in his series of Beitrge (systematic "contributions" to theology), Moltmann revisits the landmarks of his own theological journey. He searches out those intersections of his own life with contemporary events that have kindled and impelled his theological thinking (part 1). The perspective of hope, the central moment in Moltmann's thought, is freshly explained, while other basic theological themes and concepts are developed and interrelated (part 2).

But more than that, Moltmann uses these theological tinders to spark the flames of the chief directions in liberating theological thought todayblack, Latin American, Minjung, and feminist theologies(part 3) and the central motif of Trinity (part 4).

This volume not only introduces Moltmann's theology, but it also utilizes the contemporary religious and political scene to incite the novice's own theological reflection.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800632670
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	12/18/2000
Edition description:	1 FORTRESS
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.62(w) x 8.75(h) x 1.12(d)

About the Author

Jürgen Moltmann is professor emeritus of systematic theology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. He is the author of more than twenty books with Fortress Press, including The Crucified God (1973), Theology of Hope (1993), and The Spirit of Life (2001).

Margaret Kohl attended Oxford University and specialized in translating German theology after moving to Germany. She lives near Munich.

Read an Excerpt

From the Preface: "For me, theology was, and still is, an adventure of ideas. It is an open, inviting path.... The road emerged only as I walked it.... In this book, I have described the way my own biography has given me ways into theology in general, in my own person and in the community of the church and the university; and then in particular, access to the individual theological problems.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Translator's Note

Preface

I: What is Theology?

Where do we think theologically? Locations of personal theological existance

Who is a theologian?

How does someone become a true theologian? Suffering from God and delight in God

Theology of history

Christian theology

Natural theology

II. Hermeneutics of Hope

The logic of promise

Historical hermeneutics

Trinitarian hermeneutics of 'holy scripture'

Theological epistemology

III. Mirrow Images of Liberating Theology

The two sides of oppression

Black theology for whites

Latin American liberation theology for the First World

Minjung theology for the ruling classes

Feminist theology for men

Unanswered questions

IV. The 'Broad Place' of the Trinity

Personal approaches

I believe in the triune God

From the historical hope in God's promise to the spatial experience of God's indwelling

The unity of the Trinity: the concept of perichoresis

Trinitarian experience of God

The trinitarian experience of fellowship

'The Trinity is our social programme'

Epilogue: 'The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom': Science and Wisdom

Notes

Index of Names