The Reality of God and Historical Method - (New Explorations in Theology) by Samuel V Adams (Paperback)

About the Book

Samuel Adams engages the classic problem of the relation between faith and history from the perspective of apocalyptic theology in critical dialogue with the work of N. T. Wright.

Book Synopsis

Samuel Adams engages the classic problem of the relation between faith and history from the perspective of apocalyptic theology in critical dialogue with the work of N. T. Wright. He argues that historical and theological scholars must take into consideration, at a methodological level, the reality of God that has invaded history in Jesus Christ.

Review Quotes

"Adams is meticulous in his attention to detail and every point he attempts to makes is very closely argued. He leans upon the prominent theologians of the past, not blindly, but drinks discerningly from the fountains already in place. He turns to Thomas F. Torrance for some of the critical issues-a good choice in this reviewer's opinion-but not exclusively, as testified by the 678 footnotes that support his work. As expected, the bibliography is extensive, with most of the major theologians of the last ninety years included. An Author and Subject Index, and a Scripture Index complete an excellent tool for the serious reader."

"At the heart of N. T. Wright's massive and influential output there is a set of fundamental and contestable methodological claims about 'worldview, ' critical realism and the relationship between theology and history. To date these claims have not been subjected to a thoroughgoing analysis and critique. Samuel Adams takes up that daunting and crucial task with great intelligence, maturity and grace in this timely, groundbreaking work on Wright's theological method. The result, however, goes beyond the engagement with Wright. In the end Adams makes his own constructive contribution to theology today by proposing an 'apocalyptic' understanding of the reality of God in history. Followers of Wright will be challenged by this book. Theologians will be reminded that the gospel is not a method, but the power of God in the word of the cross."

"N. T. Wright is widely recognized to be the most influential Christian thinker since C. S. Lewis and a leading biblical scholar recently wrote that 'he may well be the most widely read and influential New Testament scholar of all time'! Despite this, there has been limited engagement with his theological methodology and suppositions. This impressive monograph combines academic scholarship of a high order with penetrating theological insight to provide a level of critical engagement with Wright's approach that we have not yet witnessed. Adams draws on the immense strengths in Wright's program while offering critical yet constructive theological engagement of a kind that significantly advances the discussion of his work. As such it is an outstanding theological introduction to what Wright is seeking to accomplish that should also inspire and challenge biblical scholars and theologians to examine the interface between their work and the essential affirmations of the Christian faith. Not only should this book prove invaluable to academics and students alike, but its lucidity and eloquence should also make it accessible to a wider audience. Highly recommended!"

About the Author

Samuel V. Adams (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is director of graduate studies and assistant professor of theology and social justice at Kilns College in Bend, Oregon.