Rethinking Fundamental Theology

Product Description

This book identifies the distinguishing features of fundamental theology, as distinct from philosophical theology, natural theology, apologetics, and other similar disciplines. Addressing the potential for confusion about basic Christian claims and beliefs, Gerald O’Collins sets out to
relaunch fundamental theology as a discipline by presenting a coherent vision of basic theological questions and positions that lay the ground for work in specific areas of systematic theology.

Rethinking Fundamental Theology examines central theological questions: about God, human experience and, specifically, religious experience; the divine revelation coming through the history of Israel and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; human faith that responds to revelation; the
nature of tradition that transmits the record and reality of revelation; the structure of biblical inspiration and truth, as well as basic issues concerned with the formation of the canon; the founding of the Church with some leadership structures; the relationship between Christ’s revelation and
the faith of those who follow other religions. O’Collins concludes with some reflections on theological method.

Written with the scholarship and accessibility for which O’Collins is known and valued, this book will relaunch fundamental theology as a distinct and necessary discipline in faculties and departments of theology and religious studies around the world.

Review

“Educated readers of all kinds will find much to inspire them and to challenge their preconceptions about the role and task of theology.”–
Commonweal

“A very fine text that should be welcomed by teachers, scholars, and students of all kinds…This is an outstanding and impressive survey, written by one of the leading experts in the field. One has to marvel at the author’s ability to summarize complex positions and problems in admirably clear,
succinct prose. O’Collins’s deep learning is obvious throughout, and anyone interested in fundamental theology can learn much from this work.”–
Theological Studies

“Invaluable in enriching those courses in systematic/dogmatic theology that parcel out among themselves the basic theological themes discussed so well in this volume.” —
Catholic Books Review

About the Author

Gerald O’Collins is Adjunct Professor at Australian Catholic University.