Theology for a Troubled Believer: An Introduction to the Christian Faith

by Diogenes Allen

Overview

The reasons people are attracted to Christianity and its teachings are many and varied. In this book, Allen hopes "to supply more of the information (pieces of the puzzle) that are needed if a person is to make sense of the Christian understanding of God and our life in the universe." More philosopher than theologian, Allen writes for "a troubled believer," dealing with issues and questions that emerge during Christians' daily lives and in the course of contemplating Christian faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664223229
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	02/01/2010
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Diogenes Allen is Stuart Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He is the author of a number of books including Christian Belief in a Postmodern World: The Full Wealth of Conviction.

Table of Contents

Preface: A Different Approach to Introducing Theology ix

Introduction: What Is Theology? xvii

Part I The Nature of God 1

1 The Holy One of Israel 3

2 Holiness for Today 19

3 The Maker of Heaven and Earth 28

4 The Limits of Science 37

5 hat Is Meant by "God" 44

Part II Suffering 55

6 Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering 57

7 Innocent Suffering and Life beyond Death 68

8 Suffering from Nature and Extreme Human Cruelty 74

Part III The Divine Sacrifices 85

9 The Sacrifice in Creation 87

10 Incarnation as a Sacrifice 96

11 The Temptations in the Wilderness 107

12 The Sacrifice of the Cross 117

Part IV The New Life in God 129

13 The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life 131

14 Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Servant 147

15 Revelation and Faith 155

Part V Responding to God 169

16 The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Sacraments 171

17 Sin, Evil, and Hope for the Future 183

Epilogue 197

Endnotes 201

Index 211

Editorial Reviews

"Diogenes Allen's Theology for a Troubled Believer is one of the richest expressions of theology in years. Few are capable of integrating scholarly and spiritual depth in a single volume as Allen has done here. He has effortlessly and coherently blended together classic philosophy and literature, Holy Scriptures, and the historic witness of the saints to illustrate and uncover central themes of Christian doctrine. We receive here a rare gift from one of our leading theolo-gians today" W. Mark Richardson, Professor of Systematic Theology General Theological Semi-nary, New York

From the Publisher