Much contemporary theology has turned to cultural studies as the partner of choice in its search for apt resources, drifting away from its unavoidable relationship with philosophy. In these circumstances it is a great pleasure to welcome a volume that charts a whole new phase in the mining of philosophy for the articulation and enrichment of robust forms of Christian theology. McCall has exactly the right kind of skills to execute this assignment: sure-footed theological grounding in the Christian tradition, well-honed appropriation of the philosophical sources, wonderful economy and clarity in exposition and a discriminating voice of his own. This is a splendid introduction to an exciting new phase of Christian theology.
-William J. Abraham,
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
This timely and engaging book, written by one of today's leading practitioners of analytic theology, is a must-read for anyone interested in a careful, clear and accessible introduction to that burgeoning field.
-Michael Rea,
professor of philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Analytic theology has quickly established itself as an important, dynamic research program in contemporary theology. But until now it has had no introductory text. Not only has Thomas McCall provided a stellar volume for just this purpose, he also makes a contribution to the theological literature by showing that analytic theology is not merely philosophical theology masquerading as systematic theology - it is a truly theological theology. This is a clear, well-written and compelling work that is sure to be of great interest to a wide readership.
-Oliver Crisp,
professor of systematic theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
At the outset of this extraordinary and much-needed book, Tom McCall promises to introduce nonspecialists to analytic theology. He superbly accomplishes this task, but so much more. No mere introduction, this book engages constructively with a wide variety of theologians and philosophers on central theological topics. McCall's balance and lucidity make this a breakthrough book, not only for the project of analytic theology, but also for the full arrival of McCall's charitable and wise theological voice.
-Matthew Levering,
Perry Family Foundation Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
With a lively combination of theoretical and constructive work, Tom McCall not only introduces but contributes to the budding discipline of analytic theology. Deftly moving between clarifications and programmatic statements on the one hand and case studies on the other, McCall has written a book that will interest student and scholar alike.
-Kevin Hector,
assistant professor of theology and the philosophy of religions, The University of Chicago Divinity School