Suffering: A Test of Theological Method - Softcover

McGill, Arthur C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0664244483 ISBN 13: 9780664244484

Publisher: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1984

Synopsis

How can an omnipotent God allow suffering and violence to pervade the world? Arthur McGill approaches this disturbing question by examining the concept of power that is violent, destructive, and dominative, and the power of God that is creative, totally open, self-giving, and expansive. Through consideration of power, McGill provides reflections on the nature of God's inner life in the Trinity and concludes that "service" characterizes God's relationship to the world, not "domination."

About this title

About the Author

Arthur C. McGill was the Bussey Professor of Theology at Harvard Divinity School. A distinguished philosopher and theologian, he also taught at Amherst College, Wesleyan University, and Princeton Univeristy.

From the Back Cover

How can an omnipotent God allow suffering and violence to pervade the world? The author approaches this disturbing question by examining the concept of power. At opposing ends of a spectrum lie two powers--demonic power that is violent, destructive, and dominative, and the power of God that is creative, totally open, self-giving, and expansive. Through consideration of power, McGill provides reflections on the nature of God's inner life in the Trinity and concludes that "service" characterizes God's relationship to the world, not "domination."

Combining the scholarship and clarity that characterizes the greatest theological writing of our times, "Suffering" addresses the need for renewed faith in the almighty powerfulness of God's self communication and self-giving until the time "when the pretenses of demonic power are swept away."

Edition details

• Publisher: Westminster/John Knox Press
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0664244483
• ISBN 13: 9780664244484
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 136