The Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology

by William J. Abraham; Frederick D. Aquino

Publisher:

Oxford University Press

, 2017

Overview

The Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology brings together leading scholars in the fields of theology and epistemology to examine and articulate what can be categorized as appropriate epistemic evaluation in theology. Part one focuses on some of the epistemic concepts that have been traditionally employed in theology such as knowledge of God, revelation and scripture, reason and faith, experience, and tradition. This section also considers concepts that have not received sufficient epistemological attention in theology, such as saints, authority, ecclesial practices, spiritual formation, and discernment. Part two concentrates on epistemic concepts that have received significant attention in contemporary epistemology and can be related to theology such as understanding, wisdom, testimony, virtue, evidence, foundationalism, realism/antirealism, skepticism, and disagreement. Part three offers examples from key figures in the Christian tradition and investigates the relevant epistemological issues and insights in these writers, as well as recognizing the challenges of connecting insights from contemporary epistemology with the subject of theology proper, namely, God. Part four centers on five emerging areas that warrant further epistemological consideration: Liberation Theology, Continental Philosophy, modern Orthodox writers, Feminism, and Pentecostalism.

This authoritative collection explores how the various topics, figures, and emerging conversations can be reconceived and addressed in light of recent developments in epistemology. Each chapter provides an analysis of the crucial moves, positions, and debates, while also identifying relevant epistemic considerations. This Handbook fulfils the need for the development of this new conversation that will take its natural place in the intersection of theology and epistemology. It links the fields of theology and epistemology in robust, meaningful, and significant ways.

Key Features

• Features forty-one original essays which reflect a broad range of perspectives and methodological assumptions
• Provides an analysis of the crucial issues and debates
• Identifies and articulates the relevant epistemic considerations

Contents

• Epistemic Concepts Within Theology
• General Epistemic Concepts Related to Theology
• Samplings From the Christian Tradition
• Emerging Conversations

Praise for the Print Edition

This book is a remarkable and timely volume that is the result of the confluence of a number of important lines of inquiry in epistemology, philosophy of religion and theology . . . this text provides helpful standalone essays that can accompany units on standard issues within the theology curriculum . . . the constructive systematician will find in many of these essays valuable guidance regarding how to go about constructive work in a manner that is epistemically responsible . . . This volume excels as such a cardinal text and will be a required resource for any wishing to make a future contribution to theological topics that touch in any way on epistemic issues.

—International Journal of Systematic Theology

. . . an excellent example of world-class scholarship. The editors have assembled some of the best scholars in the fields of epistemology and theology respectively, and their essays are precise and praiseworthy for how they engage in quite arcane and rarified topics by making them accessible but not simplistic for their readers. The wide range of topics and figures discussed in the book, especially how many current issues in epistemology and theology are given voice and how they mutually inform one another are appreciated. Moreover, this work has set the standard for this new academic subdiscipline . . . It is also neatly balanced with an almost equal number of chapters devoted to epistemology and theology respectively; therefore, should the reader be more inclined toward epistemology or theology or vice versa, they can settle into certain parts of the work before moving onto the other parts.

—Reading Religion

Product Details

• Title: The Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology
• Authors: William J. Abraham, Frederick D. Aquino
• Edition: First Edition
• Series: Oxford Handbooks
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 627
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Knowledge, Theory of (Religion); Theology
• ISBNs: 9780199662241, 9780198816621, 019966224X, 0198816626
• Resource ID: LLS:OXFORDHBKEPISTHEO
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:34:11Z