By the Renewing of Your Minds: The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine. This item is unavailable.By the Renewing of Your Minds: The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine

This book develops the thesis that classical Christian theology seeks to help believers flourish by knowing and loving God. Ellen Charry argues this premise by example, offering a close reading of a number of classical texts, from the New Testament era to the Reformation, including works of Paul, Augustine, Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, Anselm, and Calvin. She points out the pastoral and moral aims that shape the teachings of these theologians on a wide range of topics, including the Trinity; human beings as created in the image of God; the incorporation of Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ in baptism; the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ; and the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Charry explains that the very logic of their arguments is shaped by the author's concern for the goodness and happiness that should result from living into the doctrines. She further shows that although the spiritual and pastoral purposes of these writings are many and complex, they are invariably concerned to foster what modern people can, without difficulty, recognize as human dignity--what she calls "excellence"--in action, affection, and self-appraisal.

Charry's book will contribute to the very thing she wants to see revived in the education of the church's theologians, from scholastic ivory towers to Sunday schools in the local church, theologians thinking of themselves as 'pastors helping people find their identidy in God'. (Robbie F. Castleman, Themelios,Vol.25:3.)

The final chapter is simply hard to put down. (Robbie F. Castleman, Themelios,Vol.25:3.)

a passion and persuasiveness that is as refreshing in style as it is rigorous in scholarship. (Robbie F. Castleman, Themelios,Vol.25:3.)

a fine academic book that seeks to narrow the gap between the lectern and the learner; the pulpit and the pew; the head and the heart. (Robbie F. Castleman, Themelios, Vol.25:3.)

A significant contribution to both academic and pastoral theology, and might go a long way toward healing the breach between the two. (Bruce D. Marshall, St. Olaf College)