The Mystery of God - by Christopher A Hall & Steven D Boyer (Paperback)

About the Book

Argues that the "mystery of God" has a rightful place in theological discourse and considers its impact on a variety of theological issues and practices.

Book Synopsis

Christianity Today 2014 Book Award Winner

How can I know God if he is incomprehensible? Is it possible to know God in a way that takes seriously the fact that he is beyond knowledge? Steven Boyer and Christopher Hall argue that the "mystery of God" has a rightful place in theological discourse. They contend that considering divine incomprehensibility invites reverence and humility in our thinking and living as Christians and clarifies a variety of theological topics.

The authors begin by investigating the biblical, historical, and practical foundations for understanding the mystery of God. They then spell out its implications for theological issues and practices such as the incarnation, salvation, and prayer, rooting knowledge of God in a concrete life of faith. Evangelical yet ecumenical, this book will appeal to theology students, pastors, church leaders, and all who want intellectual and practical guidance for knowing the unknowable God.

From the Back Cover

Knowing the Unknowable God

"Mystery is one of the most overworked words in the Christian vocabulary, and yet it's essential whenever we dare to speak about the God who is, as Luther says, both hidden and revealed. This book is both an invitation to contemplation and an exercise in humility. Boyer and Hall bring together theology and spirituality in a way that will help both seasoned travelers and new pilgrims on the road of faith."
--Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; general editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

"Rightly understood, mystery is a powerful and liberating theological reality. Boyer and Hall skillfully explore the wonderful truth of mystery, employing such topics as the incarnation, salvation, and prayer as examples of how it works in the church's confession and practice. In these pages there is real wisdom."
--Kelly M. Kapic, Covenant College

"This is a welcome volume: a clearly written, insightful approach to a difficult theological topic. I especially appreciated--and learned from--its taxonomy of mysteries and its idea that as a theological category, mystery should be understood in revelational and dimensional terms. Those terms nicely clarify and thematize what's distinctive about a Christian understanding of mystery and do so in a way that will resonate with many of the book's readers."
--Kevin Hector, The University of Chicago Divinity School

"The Mystery of God is a refreshing challenge to evangelicals to reject rationalistic approaches to faith while at the same time learn humbly from the Great Tradition. Boyer and Hall mine riches from the fathers that will help their readers appreciate the beauty of the Triune God and the orthodox tradition in which he is found."
--Gerald R. McDermott, Roanoke College; coauthor, The Theology of Jonathan Edwards

"A fine Protestant theological treatment of mystery in theology is long overdue, and Boyer and Hall have provided it."
--Roger E. Olson, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

About the Author

Steven D. Boyer (PhD, Boston University) is professor of theology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Christopher A. Hall (PhD, Drew University) is the president of Renovaré. He previously taught at Eastern University, has authored a number of books, and is associate editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Hall is also an editor at large for Christianity Today.