Overview

The Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology brings together leading scholars in the fields of theology and epistemology to examine and articulate what can be categorized as appropriate epistemic evaluation in theology. Part one focuses on some of the epistemic concepts that have been traditionally employed in theology such as knowledge of God, revelation and scripture, reason and faith, experience, and tradition. This section also considers concepts that have not received sufficient epistemological attention in theology, such as saints, authority, ecclesial practices, spiritual formation, and discernment. Part two concentrates on epistemic concepts that have received significant attention in contemporary epistemology and can be related to theology such as understanding, wisdom, testimony, virtue, evidence, foundationalism, realism/antirealism, scepticism, and disagreement. Part three offers examples from key figures in the Christian tradition and investigates the relevant epistemological issues and insights in these writers, as well as recognizing the challenges of connecting insights from contemporary epistemology with the subject of theology proper, namely, God. Part four centres on five emerging areas that warrant further epistemological consideration: liberation theology, continental philosophy, modern orthodox writers, feminism, and Pentecostalism.This authoritative collection explores how the various topics, figures, and emerging conversations can be reconceived and addressed in light of recent developments in epistemology. Each chapter provides an analysis of the crucial moves, positions, and debates, while also identifying relevant epistemic considerations. This handbook fulfils the need for the development of this new conversation that will take its natural place in the intersection of theology and epistemology. It links the fields of theology and epistemology in robust, meaningful, and significant ways.

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9780198816621

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Reviews

Combining the expertise of prominent scholars in the academic disciplines of philosophy, theology, and religious studies, the Handbook represents the most comprehensive qntematic exposition of the epistemology of theology arailable in the English language. ... It is difficult to find flaws in such meticulously executed work at both the systematic and historical level. * Severin V. Kitanov, Anglican and Episcopal History * The volume would be very good for graduate students, seminarians, well-versed undergraduate religious studies majors, and clergy who seek to hone their scholarly skills. I recommend it for professors, like myself, who teach a course in the Writings, because it can provide not only good specific ideas for lectures but also an overall focus on the Writings. * Robert Karl Gnuse, Biblical Theology Bulletin * we now have a text which ably introduces its audience of theologians, scriptural scholars, and philosophers to a broad class of epistemological concerns for theology. No one writing in analytic theology should remain wholly ignorant of its contents, which hail from many of the best epistemological and theological minds today ... the articles in this handbook balance high-level sophistication with accessibility ... We owe a great debt, then, to [the editors] for putting together such a fine work of scholarship and bringing the world of contemporary epistemology into serious conversation with contemporary theology. * Journal of Analytic Theology * The exceptional achievement of the book - that it constitutes and indispensable bridge between Newman's epistemology and contemporary epistemic theories, which are hardly known within religious contexts. * Oswaldo Gallo-Serratos, Newman Studies Journal * This book is a remarkable and timely volume that is the result of the confluence of a number of important lines of inquiry in epistemology, philosophy of religion and theology . . . this text provides helpful standalone essays that can accompany units on standard issues within the theology curriculum . . . the constructive systematician will find in many of these essays valuable guidance regarding how to go about constructive work in a manner that is epistemically responsible . . . This volume excels as such a cardinal text and will be a required resource for any wishing to make a future contribution to theological topics that touch in any way on epistemic issues. * International Journal of Systematic Theology * ... an excellent example of world-class scholarship. The editors have assembled some of the best scholars in the fields of epistemology and theology respectively, and their essays are precise and praiseworthy for how they engage in quite arcane and rarified topics by making them accessible but not simplistic for their readers. The wide range of topics and figures discussed in the book, especially how many current issues in epistemology and theology are given voice and how they mutually inform one another are appreciated. Moreover, this work has set the standard for this new academic subdiscipline ... It is also neatly balanced with an almost equal number of chapters devoted to epistemology and theology respectively; therefore, should the reader be more inclined toward epistemology or theology or vice versa, they can settle into certain parts of the work before moving onto the other parts. * Reading Religion * There is much in this book that merits attention. ... You do not need to be a philosopher to profit from this book. It taught me a lot. * Paul Richardson, The Church of England Newspaper * Bridging theology and philosophy, The Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology is the ultimate source in this emerging field ... Destined to be an important reference and research tool, the volume examines ideas and people that have been crucial to the field but also introduces new ideas for scholars working in philosophical theology. This handbook sets the standard in this evolving field at the intersection of theology and epistemology. * Choice Review * This volume is substantial and well organized. It is comprehensive in its scope ... there is no question that this volume should be a central text in any course or discussion of theology and epistemology. * Religious Studies Review * This volume will be an important addition to anyone interested in the given topic, both students and established scholars alike ... the volume should be an essential resource in the field for years to come. * Pneuma *

Combining the expertise of prominent scholars in the academic disciplines of philosophy, theology, and religious studies, the Handbook represents the most comprehensive qntematic exposition of the epistemology of theology arailable in the English language. ... It is difficult to find flaws in such meticulously executed work at both the systematic and historical level. * Severin V. Kitanov, Anglican and Episcopal History * The volume would be very good for graduate students, seminarians, well-versed undergraduate religious studies majors, and clergy who seek to hone their scholarly skills. I recommend it for professors, like myself, who teach a course in the Writings, because it can provide not only good specific ideas for lectures but also an overall focus on the Writings. * Robert Karl Gnuse, Biblical Theology Bulletin * we now have a text which ably introduces its audience of theologians, scriptural scholars, and philosophers to a broad class of epistemological concerns for theology. No one writing in analytic theology should remain wholly ignorant of its contents, which hail from many of the best epistemological and theological minds today ... the articles in this handbook balance high-level sophistication with accessibility ... We owe a great debt, then, to [the editors] for putting together such a fine work of scholarship and bringing the world of contemporary epistemology into serious conversation with contemporary theology. * Journal of Analytic Theology * The exceptional achievement of the book — that it constitutes and indispensable bridge between Newman's epistemology and contemporary epistemic theories, which are hardly known within religious contexts. * Oswaldo Gallo-Serratos, Newman Studies Journal * This book is a remarkable and timely volume that is the result of the confluence of a number of important lines of inquiry in epistemology, philosophy of religion and theology . . . this text provides helpful standalone essays that can accompany units on standard issues within the theology curriculum . . . the constructive systematician will find in many of these essays valuable guidance regarding how to go about constructive work in a manner that is epistemically responsible . . . This volume excels as such a cardinal text and will be a required resource for any wishing to make a future contribution to theological topics that touch in any way on epistemic issues. * International Journal of Systematic Theology * ... an excellent example of world-class scholarship. The editors have assembled some of the best scholars in the fields of epistemology and theology respectively, and their essays are precise and praiseworthy for how they engage in quite arcane and rarified topics by making them accessible but not simplistic for their readers. The wide range of topics and figures discussed in the book, especially how many current issues in epistemology and theology are given voice and how they mutually inform one another are appreciated. Moreover, this work has set the standard for this new academic subdiscipline ... It is also neatly balanced with an almost equal number of chapters devoted to epistemology and theology respectively; therefore, should the reader be more inclined toward epistemology or theology or vice versa, they can settle into certain parts of the work before moving onto the other parts. * Reading Religion * There is much in this book that merits attention. ... You do not need to be a philosopher to profit from this book. It taught me a lot. * Paul Richardson, The Church of England Newspaper * Bridging theology and philosophy, The Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology is the ultimate source in this emerging field ... Destined to be an important reference and research tool, the volume examines ideas and people that have been crucial to the field but also introduces new ideas for scholars working in philosophical theology. This handbook sets the standard in this evolving field at the intersection of theology and epistemology. * Choice Review * This volume is substantial and well organized. It is comprehensive in its scope ... there is no question that this volume should be a central text in any course or discussion of theology and epistemology. * Religious Studies Review * This volume will be an important addition to anyone interested in the given topic, both students and established scholars alike ... the volume should be an essential resource in the field for years to come. * Pneuma *

Author Information

William J. Abraham is Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at Southern Methodist University. His publications include Divine Revelation and the Limits of Historical Criticism (2000) and Canon and Criterion in Christian Theology (OUP, 1998). Frederick D. Aquino is Professor of Theology and Philosophy at the Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University. He specializes in religious epistemology, the epistemology of theology, John Henry Newman, and Maximus the confessor. He is the co-editor of Receptions of Newman (OUP, 2015).

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