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Realism and Christian Faith

Realism and Christian Faith

Realism and Christian Faith

God, Grammar, and Meaning
Author:
Andrew Moore, University of Oxford
Published:
April 2003
Availability:
Available
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9780521524155

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    The question of realism - that is, whether God exists independently of human beings - is central to much contemporary theology and church life. It is also an important topic in the philosophy of religion. This book discusses the relationship between realism and Christian faith in a thorough and systematic way and uses the resources of both philosophy and theology to argue for a Christocentric narrative realism. Many previous defences of realism have attempted to model Christian belief on scientific theory but Moore argues that this comparison is misleading and inadequate on both theological and philosophical grounds. In dialogue with speech act theory and critiques of realism by both non-realists and Wittgensteinians, a new account of the meaningfulness of Christian language is proposed. Moore uses this to develop a regulative conception of realism according to which God's independent reality is shown principally in Christ and then through Christian practices and the lives of Christians.

    • A major new investigation of the notion of realism in theology
    • A book which bridges philosophy and theology, of interest in both disciplines
    • A persuasive new justification of theological realism in Christianity

    Reviews & endorsements

    "The confidence and clarity Moore expresses throughout the work are refreshing." John D. Dadosky, Regis College, University of Toronto, Theology Today

    "Moore's book is an impressive study of the problem of realism in modern theology and philosophy: whether God exists independently of human beings and their concepts.... Recommended." Choice

    See more reviews

    Product details

    December 2004
    Adobe eBook Reader
    9780511058066
    0 pages
    0kg
    This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.

    Table of Contents

    • Preface
    • 1. Realism and Christian faith: towards an ontological approach
    • 2. 'Limping with two different opinions'?
    • 3. Taking leave of theological realism
    • 4. Realism and Christian faith after Wittgenstein
    • 5. The grammar of Christian faith and the relationship between philosophy and theology
    • 6. Representation, reconciliation, and the problem of meaning
    • 7. God, reality, and realism
    • 8. Speaking the reality of God
    • 9. Realism: conformed to the conforming Word
    • Bibliography
    • Index.
      Author
    • Andrew Moore , University of Oxford

      Andrew Moore is a Fellow of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture, Regent's Park College, University of Oxford. He was formerly Chaplain of Jesus College, Oxford. He is on the Editorial Board of the E-journal Ars Disputandi, and has published articles in a variety of church and academic journals, including Religious Studies and the International Journal of Systematic Theology.