Timeless Truth in the Hands of History A Short History of System in Theology Due 10/25

Related: Religion, James Clarke and Co,

Religions have always been the subject of intense philosophical reflection. The Ancient Greek philosophers are renowned for wondering about the nature of divinity, its place in the Universe and its role in men’s lives; similarly Christians have been trying from the very inception of the Church to organise the teachings of the sacred texts in systems, in order to acquire knowledge of God’s Word and wishes. This essential work is what is called systematic theology.

In Timeless Truth in the Hands of History, Gale Heide provides a detailed definition and deep analysis of systematic theology and the concepts that surround it. A passionate theologian, he shows us that the subject is much more complex and nuanced than it appears at first sight, and his work undertakes to scrutinise its numerous underlying notions and the mistakes that usually go with it. At the heart of this study is the remembrance that our perception of System is constantly evolving and thus change in systematic theology, and indeed the understanding of Church itself, have and will change over the centuries.

Heide’s definitive book is both a theological study and a historical one, as systematic theology is examined through the work and influence of great figures from the beginning of our era to the contemporary epoch: from Origen and Constantine to Wycliffe, Hegel and finally Kierkegaard, among other key philosophers. The author gives them voice, presents their great legacies and highlights the correlations, oppositions and evolutions of their thoughts on the matter.

This serious and well-researched study mixes theology, history and philosophy with flair and balance, making it an essential work for theologians today.

About the Author: Gale Heide is Academic Dean and Professor of Theology and Biblical Languages at Montana Bible College in Bozeman, Montana. He is author of is Is My Father’s World (1998), System and Story (2008), and Domesticated Glory (2010).

About the publisher: James Clarke and Co Ltd is a long-established British academic publisher specialising in historical and theological books and also in reference material. It has been associated with the Lutterworth Press since 1984.