The Freedom of Christian Theology - (Studies in Dialectical Theology) by Piotr J Malysz & R David Nelson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Eberhard Jüngel (1934-2021) belongs to the most creative, wide-ranging, rigorous, and demanding voices in twentieth-century Protestant theology. Over a long and distinguished career, Jüngel grappled with topics such as revelation, responsible talk about God, God's triunity, Christology, the nature of theological language, analogy, divine and human freedom, love, atheism, and theological approaches to the state. In all this, he had followed, perceptively yet critically, in the footsteps not only of Martin Luther, but also of G. W. F. Hegel, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rudolf Bultmann, Martin Heidegger, and Karl Barth.
Despite the diversity of their own backgrounds and interests, the contributors to The Freedom of Christian Theology: New Studies in Dialogue with Eberhard Jüngel all share the conviction that Jüngel's legacy lends itself to the same kind of constructive engagement that Jüngel himself practiced. The essays offered here bring Jüngel's many-sided contributions to bear on the theological, philosophical, and social challenges of today. Each is an attempt to grapple, in the spirit of Eberhard Jüngel, with the mysteries of today's world, which no less demand analytical care and penetrating insight. As an ongoing conversation with Jüngel, the essays model the freedom and joy of Christian theology to reflect on the world's complexities out of the riches of the Christian tradition.

Review Quotes

"The theological works of Eberhard Jüngel have never quite received the attention in English-language scholarship that their boldness, creativity, and insight deserve. In this volume, however, Malysz and Nelson begin to rectify this long-standing neglect, and set forth a compelling series of essays engaging his thought appreciatively yet critically. From justification to pneumatology, and from narrative to aesthetics, their contributors range widely and deeply over the themes present in Jüngel's diverse corpus, informing and illuminating in equal measure. This is a truly welcome collection, ideal both for seasoned Jüngel devotees and those yet to enjoy his work." --Paul T. Nimmo, University of Aberdeen

"Eberhard Jüngel's theological writings have sometimes been more praised than read, more admired than used. The merit of the editors and contributors to this important volume lies in their engagement with Jüngel's thought. He is not put on a pedestal but comes to life as a theologian capable of stimulating debate about some of the most pressing questions arising from the Christian faith. The book offers a fine example of theology for the twenty-first century generated in conversation with a leading voice of the recent past." --Johannes Zachhuber, Oxford University

"Eberhard Jüngel ranks among the most important German Protestant theologians of his generation. This volume demonstrates how relevant and stimulating his thinking remains. The authors explore a wide range of Jüngel's concerns, relate them to historic and contemporary theologies, and identify key questions for further investigation. Anyone seeking to understand the difference that Jüngel does and should make for theology today will benefit from the serious scholarship represented here." --John P. Burgess, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

About the Author

Piotr J. Malysz is associate professor of divinity at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.

R. David Nelson is Director of Baylor University Press.