Imaginative Apologetics: Theology, Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition

Jacket Description/Back: A Fresh Introduction to Christian Apologetics This timely introduction argues for a version of Christian apologetics that is theological, philosophical, and "catholic" and that embraces the whole of human reason. It emphasizes a foundation in theology that is both confident and open and makes reference to philosophy in an accessible way. Contributors John Hughes on proofs and arguments for faith and reasonAndrew Davison on Christian reason and Christian communityAlison Milbank on apologetics and the imaginationDonna J. Lazenby on apologetics, literature, and worldviewMichael Ward on C. S. Lewis's view of imagination and reason in apologeticsStephen Bullivant on atheism, apologetics, and ecclesiologyCraig Hovey on Christian ethics as Good NewsGraham Ward on cultural hermeneutics and Christian apologeticsRichard Conrad, OP, on moments and themes in the history of apologeticsAlister E. McGrath on the natural sciences and apologetics "The time seems ripe to reconsider the apologetic role. . . . It is the true exercise of the imagination which induces a paradoxically sober "furor" and guides and cautions our discursive judgement. . . . It is the vision of Christ, the God-Man who exercised for our redemption the supreme imaginative act of recreation here on earth. A true apologetics negatively defends this imaginative action against assault by positively perpetuating its performance. It is this task which the authors of the present volume seek to renew in our time."--John Milbank, University of Nottingham (from the foreword) "This attractive volume encourages us to invite others into Christ's way of seeing the world and to step into the life of a community where his new way of living and loving can be found. It is an original and inspiring contribution to the apologetic task of the Church." --Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of CoventryMarc Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index. Table of Contents: Foreword by John MilbankIntroduction by Andrew DavisonFaith and Reason Reconsidered1. Proofs and Arguments "John Hughes"2. Christian Reason and Christian Community "Andrew Davison"Christian Apologetics and the Human Imagination3. Apologetics and the Imagination: Making Strange "Alison Milbank"4. Apologetics, Literature, and Worldview "Donna J. Lazenby"5. The Good Serves the Better and Both the Best: C. S. Lewis on Imagination and Reason in Apologetics "Michael Ward"Being Imaginative about Christian Apologetics6. Atheism, Apologetics, and Ecclesiology: "Gaudium et Spes" and Contemporary Unbelief "Stephen Bullivant"7. Christian Ethics as Good News "Craig Hovey"Situating Christian Apologetics8. Cultural Hermeneutics and Christian Apologetics "Graham Ward"9. Moments and Themes in the History of Apologetics "Richard Conrad, OP"10. The Natural Sciences and Apologetics "Alister E. McGrath"IndexBiographical Note: Andrew Davison (DPhil, University of Oxford) is Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Sciences in the Divinity Faculty of the University of Cambridge. He has taught at Westcott House, Cambridge, and at St. Stephen's House, Oxford, and is known for his writing on doctrine, mission, and the church. He is coauthor of "For the Parish: A Critique of Fresh Expressions" and joint editor of "Lift Up Your Hearts."Publisher Marketing: This timely and accessible book offers a fresh, contemporary introduction to Christian apologetics, arguing for a version that is theological, philosophical, and "catholic" and embracing the whole of human reason. It emphasizes a foundation in theology that is both confident and open and makes reference to philosophy in an accessible way. It includes contributions from authors such as Alister McGrath and Graham Ward and a foreword by John Milbank.

Contributor Bio:  Davison, Andrew Andrew Davison received his Ph. D. from Imperial College in London, and was a lecturer at the University of Melbourne for six years, before moving to Prince of Songkla University in Thailand. He is the author of "Killer Game Programming in Java", "Pro Java 6 3D Game Development", and co-author (with Carol Hamer) of "Learn BlackBerry Games Development". Contributor Bio:  Milbank, John John Milbank is professor of religion, politics, and ethics at the University of Nottingham, England, and director of the Centre of Theology and Philosophy at Nottingham. His other books include"Theology and Social Theory: Beyond Secular Reason" and "Beyond Secular Order: The Representation of Being and the Representation of the People."