Foundations of Systematic Theology - Hardcover

Thomas C. Guarino

9780567029805: Foundations of Systematic Theology

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0567029808 ISBN 13: 9780567029805

Publisher: T & T Clark International, 2005

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Guarino argues in this book that the doctrinal form of the Christian faith, in its essential characteristics, calls for certain theoretical exigencies. This is to say that the proportion and beauty of the form is not served or illuminated by simply any presuppositions. Rather, a determinate understanding of first philosophy, of the nature of truth, of hermeneutical theory, of the predication of language and mutual correlation is required if Christian faith and doctrine are to maintain a recognizable and suitably meditative form. Failing to adduce specific principles will lead either to a simple assertion of Christian truth, in which case the form of Christianity becomes less intelligible and attractive - or one will substitute a radically changed form, which is itself inappropriate for displaying the fundamental revelatory narrative of faith. The house of Christian faith possesses a certain proportion of structure; the form will sag badly if one removes an undergirding item, or if one beam is replaced with another of variable shape or size. The form's beauty will either be obscured, no longer clearly visible, or the form will become something quite different, no longer architectonically related to what was originally the case. The intention of this book is to discuss those doctrinal characteristics considered fundamental to the Christian faith, as protective of its revelatory form and, concomitantly, to examine the theoretical principles required if such form is to remain both intelligible and beautiful.

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Review

"In this rich and much-needed book, G. shows a wide familiarity with the relevant literature and acknowledges the legitimate concerns of recent theologians and philosophers, even as he defends the need and legitimacy of a first philosophy. At the same time, he recognizes the limits of his project. He is not trying to address the question of how church doctrine is related to the symbolic character of much scriptural language, nor is he trying to resolve issues that have emerged among proposed first philosophies. G.'s summary and adjudication of the contemporary critical need for a first philosophy should be studied by those on different sides of these questions." ---M. John Farrelly, O.S.B., Theological Studies, December 2008