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How God Acts: Creation, Redemption, and Special Divine Action (US Edition)

Paperback ISBN: 9780800697006
Author(s): Denis Edwards Publisher: Fortress Press

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

How does the Christian doctrine of creation square with the picture of an evolving universe we receive from science today? How do the badly predatory behavior and wasteful extinction of whole species fit in with a Christian understanding? How does miraculous divine action, pictured so vividly in the biblical narratives, square with the inexorable march of the laws of physics? How does a God of love permit so much death and destruction?

These and a host of related questions raised by ordinary experience are tackled in this important and original work from theologian Denis Edwards reconceiving divine action. From providence and miracles to resurrection and intercessory prayer, Edwards shows how a basically noninterventionist model of divine action does justice to the universe as we know it and also to central convictions of Christian faith about the goodness of God, the promises of God, and the fulfillment of creation. Here is wonderfully lucid theology supporting a vision of how God is at work in the universe.

REVIEW:
"In this marvelous book Denis Edwards, a key contributor to 'theology and science' today, demonstrates how our understanding of God's special action in the world such as the incarnation, resurrection, miracles, God's answering prayer can be given fresh and invigorating illumination as 'non-interventionist' and 'participatory' by drawing on the insights of Karl Rahner, Thomas Aquinas, and Athanasius in dialogue with the natural sciences. The result is the beginning of a consistent integrated model of divine action with these sciences. Edwards's book should be required reading for scholars and non-technical readers interested in the growing dialogue between theology and science." ...Robert John Russell, Ian G. Barbour Professor of Theology and Science, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley Founder and Director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences.
 

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The God of Evolution: A Trinitarian Theology

ISBN: 9780809138548
Author(s): Denis Edwards Publisher: Paulist Press

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
An attempt to respond to the question: What difference does acceptance of the theory of evolution make to a Christian theology of God?

It is an insightful, thought-provoking work that shifts the boundaries of theology by examining the traditional understanding of God and melding it with evolutionary ideas.

Denis Edwards begins by looking at the biblical stories of origin and the evolutionary world view. From there he examines the nature of God and God's power, the nature of human persons, including an exploration of original sin and grace, the divine-human relationship, and the impact of an evolutionary world view on the understanding of the Holy Spirit and the person of Jesus. In these discussions Edwards weaves together the insights of contemporary scientific thinkers and the ideas of theologians such as Teilhard de Chardin, Karl Rahner, and Jürgen Moltmann in a careful and nuanced way.

Dealing with a topic in theology today that is attracting wide interest, this book is especially valuable in that it is written in accessible, non-technical language. Therefore, it will appeal to general readers with an interest in science and/or theology. It will also be a valuable ancillary text for undergraduates.

REVIEWS:
"A scholarly, intelligent dialogue between science and the Christian tradition." ...Australasian Catholic Record

"I applaud Denis Edwards for facing these difficulties head on." ...Australian Theological Book Review
 

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Breath of Life: A Theology of the Creator Spirit

ISBN: 9781570755255
Author(s): Denis Edwards Publisher: Orbis Books

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Offers a theological narrative of the Creator Spirit as a story with four continuing episodes — creation, grace, the Christ-event, and the church.

REVIEWS:
"As it instructs, delights and inspires, it will be a breath of fresh air for many readers. It helps faith to breathe more deeply, and to find new energies in reaching out and lifting up in the face of narrowness and depression. In short, this is a book that not only treats of the Holy Spirit, but is also infused with that generosity, encouragement and wisdom which are the Spirit's finest gifts. My advice: Read this book&$8212;it will be good for the heart!" ...Anthony Kelly CSsR, Australian Catholic University

"A remarkable synthesis of images and insights from the Hebrew and Christian Bible, patristic and medieval theology, and contemporary systematic theology on the topic of God the Holy Spirit as divine inspiration for the world of creation as it progresses toward full incorporation into the Communion of the Divine Persons." ...Joseph Bracken, SJ, Xavier University
 

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Human Experience of God

ISBN: 9780809125593
Author(s): Denis Edwards Publisher: Paulist Press

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Departing from human experience the book deals with the theological underpinnings of religious experience, then draws practical conclusions or implications for the spiritual life.