Need to Know: Vocation as the Heart of Christian Epistemology

by John G. Stackhouse Jr.

Overview

How should a Christian think? If a serious Christian wants to think seriously about a serious subject--from considering how to vote in the next election to choosing a career; from deciding among scientific theories to selecting a mate; from weighing competing marketing proposals to discerning the best fitness plan--what does he or she do? This basic question is at the heart of a complex discourse: epistemology. A bold new statement of Christian epistemology, Need to Know presents a comprehensive, coherent, and clear model of responsible Christian thinking. Grounded in the best of the Christian theological tradition while being attentive to a surprising range of thinkers in the history of philosophy, natural science, social science, and culture, the book offers a scheme for drawing together experience, tradition, scholarship, art, and the Bible into a practical yet theoretically profound system of thinking about thinking. John Stackhouse's fundamental idea is as simple as it is startling: Since God calls human beings to do certain things in the world, God can be relied upon to supply the knowledge necessary for human beings to do those things. The classic Christian concept of vocation, then, supplies both the impetus and the assurance that faithful Christians can trust God to guide their thinking--on a "need to know" basis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199376971
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/30/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	864 KB

About the Author

John G. Stackhouse Jr. is the Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University in New Brunswick, Canada.

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction 1. The Current Situation 2. Vocational Thinking 3. Elements of the Basic Scheme 4. The Basic Scheme 5. Deciding in an Ambiguous World Appendix: A Sketch of the Model at Work

Editorial Reviews

"Stackhouse's vocational epistemology [is] intriguing, perhaps even promising....Eminently readable. Those who are new to epistemology will find it accessible and enlightening, and those who are familiar with epistemology will find distinctive issues with which to grapple."—Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"This book is a profound exploration of our epistemological predicament in the 21st century. It offers a sensible account of Christian faith that steers a steady course between the pretensions of rationalistic dogmatism and relativistic subjectivism. Stackhouse takes seriously the challenges offered by our pluralistic culture and also the limits inherent in human finitude and sinfulness, but offers a hopeful path rooted in an understanding of our callings." —C. Stephen Evans, University Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University

"This is a stimulating, enriching and invigorating reexamination of some of the oldest and greatest questions of philosophy and theology. Stackhouse helps us see old debates in new ways, and may even help us resolve a few of them!" —Alister E. McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, Oxford University

"John Stackhouse's new book follows the trajectory of his much-admired Humble Apologetics. For him, the first thing (apart from the Word of God) is to understand our culture and what drives it. Contemporary culture is a mixture: some things are to be guarded against, others to be appropriated. In advocating this process of sifting, Stackhouse urges his readers to exercise judgment, and particularly to think vocationally. He is an excellent expositor, one who teaches by example. What's more, he's a friendly, engaging guide, with a great feel for what's going on around us. Above all, he aims to tool-up his readers, encouraging us to think for ourselves. This is, in sum, a notable book in Christian discipleship." —Paul Helm, Professor Emeritus of the History and Philosophy of Religion, King's College, London University

"This book on epistemology has all the hallmarks of the work of John Stackhouse: formidable range and grasp of the materials, philosophical acuity, a sharp eye for the main points at issue and an engaging and persuasive style of exposition. Reading him is an education in itself and this book shows him at the height of his expository powers." —David Martin, FBA, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, London School of Economics

"With this volume, John Stackhouse has entered the epistemological fray and made a significant contribution to the conversation about faithful Christian thinking...This book will benefit both church and academy."—Themelios

From the Publisher