Thinking About God

Developing out of a series of public lectures given to a large audience of non-theologians, this is one of the most attractive introductions to theology which has appeared so far. Perhaps, as Dorothee Soelle points out, in fact, "introduction" is not the right word, for this is above all an invitation to share her enthusiasm for theology, her delight in the beauty and the power of religious and theological language and the themes it expresses. The book covers all the major areas of modern theology. After discussing the nature of systematic theology and comparing orthodox, liberal, and radical approaches, it looks at the use of the Bible in theology. Then follow chapters on creation, sin, feminist liberation theology, the understanding of grace, Black theology, Jesus, cross and resurrection, the kingdom of God and the church, the theology of peace, the end of theism, and the question of God. Each chapter is followed by a bibliography, and Dorothee Soelle, who is familiar with theology on both sides of the Atlantic, has herself revised these for the English-language edition.

What is God like? What can God do? What can God know? How does God communicate? Philosopher Gregory E. Ganssle appeals to philosophy for some answers to these questions in this introduction to thinking clearly and carefully about God.

Theology is a word that tends to collect a lot of dust, and in-depth theological thinking often only comes later in life. But that doesn’t need to be the case! In Thinking About God, Alex Early proves that theology is absolutely fascinating at any age, and who better to engage than kids whose curiosity and wonder are eager to be fed? Developed from conversations the author shared with his own kids, this unique book equips young readers with the essential doctrines of the faith while consistently emphasizing the relational aspects of our faith with God, self, and others. The accessible Q & A format allows kids to read straight through or jump to any question that intrigues them, such as What is God like? What or who is the Trinity? Why does sin matter so much? Why did Jesus die? This book creatively and biblically bridges the gap between big, important theological concepts and young minds. . . and it does it in a way that will help a lot of older minds as well! You don’t need to wait for a theme-park trip to see your child’s face light up with awe and wonder. With Thinking About God, young minds can be filled with the truths of Scripture in ways that inspire them and engage them at their level. Your child's brilliant mind, fantastic imagination, and endless questions are all welcome in the wonderfully safe world of theology.

A Top Ten Book for Parish Ministry from the Academy of Parish Clergy Who--or what--is God? Is God like a person? Does God have a gender? Does God have a special relationship with the Jewish people? Does God intervene in our lives? Is God good--and, if yes, why does evil persist in the world? In investigating how Jewish thinkers have approached these and other questions, Rabbi Kari H. Tuling elucidates many compelling--and contrasting--ways of thinking about God in Jewish tradition. Thinking about God addresses the genuinely intertextual nature of evolving Jewish God concepts. Just as in Jewish thought the Bible and other historical texts are living documents, still present and relevant to the conversation unfolding now, and just as a Jewish theologian examining a core concept responds to the full tapestry of Jewish thought on the subject all at once, this book is organized topically, covers Jewish sources (including liturgy) from the biblical to the postmodern era, and highlights the interplay between texts over time, up through our own era. A highly accessible resource for introductory students, Thinking about God also makes important yet challenging theological texts understandable. By breaking down each selected text into its core components, Tuling helps the reader absorb it both on its own terms and in the context of essential theological questions of the ages. Readers of all backgrounds will discover new ways to contemplate God. Access a study guide.

Technology shapes every aspect of contemporary life, but George Pattison argues that thinking about God offers a creative counter-movement to the dominant technological culture. His argument is applied to questions of ethics, university study, the arts, and urban living.

Are your thoughts leading you to live the fulfilling life God wants you to have? Our daily habits are the direct result of what we tell ourselves. What influences your thoughts? Is it cultural or what God says in His Word? This 5-week study features personal, daily assignments, as well as video teaching on the book of Philippians.

The last decade or so has seen many books from what might be called ""the new atheists."" One thinks, for example, of Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens. They have captured the interest of the general reading public and have sold well. Often, however, they have loaded the dice against Christian belief in a most unfair fashion. Arguments and issues have been summarily dismissed after the most cursory of treatments. Thinking God, written by a philosopher and a theologian, father and son, invites the reader to a more reflective consideration of the issues around God and the traditional fabric of Christian belief in a fair and openhanded fashion. Issues, both traditional and more contemporary, have been engaged. The result is an invitation to think of Christian faith seriously, reflectively, and critically. ""A very timely and helpful book which sets out and discusses in a clear and informed manner a number of fundamental challenges to belief in God today. The authors, turning to philosophy and theology, draw on the resources of the past while engaging in dialogue with contemporary thinking."" -Santiago Sia Milltown Institute, Ireland ""This book discusses central topics in philosophical or fundamental theology and the philosophy of religion and will be very useful to Roman Catholic seminary and college students. It does not attempt to survey all possible positions on these topics, but aims at giving students a feel for how theologians and religiously oriented philosophers approach these topics and questions. Its great strength is that it stimulates critical reflection: it would serve as an excellent basis for class discussions."" -Thomas E. Hosinski, CSC University of Portland Owen F. Cummings is Regents' Professor of Theology at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon. He has published many books and articles in the field of systematic theology and church history. Andrew C. Cummings is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount Angel Seminary, and author of articles in medieval and modern philosophy.

In Transformed Thinking: Loving God With All Your Mind, Dr. Edward M. Curtis argues that every believer needs to take seriously Paul's exhortation in Romans 12 and avoid assimilating from our world and culture values that are contrary to God's truth revealed in Scripture. At the same time Curtis maintains that human perception and the human mind are wonderful gifts from God that he expects us to use to the full. There are significant truths to be learned from the study of our world and through human experience. It is only as we integrate the knowledge available to us through both general and special revelation that we can transform our thinking by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and truly glorify his name.

Combines professional insights along with the author's own experience and insights to speculate on how believers can make sense of their Christian faith when confronted with tragedy and suffering.