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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Print Price: $13.50

Format:
Paperback
208 pp.
11 b/w illustrations, 111 mm x 174 mm

ISBN-13:
9780199679973

Publication date:
October 2013

Imprint: OUP UK


Theology: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

David Ford

Series : Very Short Introductions

This Very Short Introduction provides both the believer and non-believer with a balanced survey of the central questions of theology. David Ford's approach draws us in to considering the principles underlying religious belief, including the centrality of salvation to most major religions, the concept of God in ancient, modern, and postmodern contexts, the challenge posed to theology by prayer and worship, and the issue of sin and evil. He also probes the nature of experience, knowledge, and wisdom in theology, and discusses what is involved in interpreting theological texts.

In this new edition, Ford considers the contemporary relevance of theology, including the effect of globalization and digitized communication, examines the theological responses to change and development in science, considers the impact of increased engagement between Islam and the West, and looks at the development and importance of theology between the different faiths.

Readership : Suitable for general readers interested in the topic of theology; students planning to study theology/religious studies at A-level or undergraduate level.

Reviews

  • "It is written in an extremely accesible, interesting and fresh style and this combined with its 'safely' othodox but balanced tone will make it a useful aid to assisting a range of people."

    --Ray Gaston, Theology November/December 1999

Preface
Part 1: Describing the field
1. Introduction: Theology and the religions in transformation
2. Theology and religious studies: how is the field shaped?
Part 2: Theological explorations
3. Thinking of God
4. Living before God: worship, ethics, and politics
5. Facing evil
6. Jesus Christ
7. Salvation - scope, intensity, and dialogues
Part 3: Skills, disciplines, and methods
8. Through the past to the present: history and texts
9. Experience, reason, and wisdom
Part 4: Prospects
10. Theology for the third millennium
References
Further reading

There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.

David F. Ford is Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, and Director of the Cambridge Inter-faith Programme. He is the author of many books, including most recently The Future of Christian Theology (OUP, 2011), Christian Wisdom: Desiring God and Learning in Love (CUP, 2007), and Shaping Theology: Engagements in a Religious and Secular World (OUP, 2007).

Christianity: A Very Short Introduction - Linda Woodhead
Atheism: A Very Short Introduction - Julian Baggini

Special Features

  • An accessible introduction to the questions raised by and about religion, with a focus on Christianity.
  • Provides a balanced account for both believers and non-believers.
  • Considers the contemporary relevance of theology.
  • Looks at the concept of God in ancient, modern, and postmodern contexts.
  • Explores the nature of experience, knowledge, and wisdom in theology.
  • Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over six million copies sold worldwide.
New to this Edition
  • Includes updates to the contemporary relevance of theology.
  • Looks at the developments of theology between faiths.
  • Considers the changes brought about by increased engagement between Islam and the West.
  • Examines theological responses to changes and developments in science.
  • Considers the effects of globalization and digitized communication on society.