Colin Guntons Trinitarian Theology of Culture: Towards a Living Sacrifice of Praise

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Whilst upholding some of the criticisms of Colin Gunton's work, this incisive book argues that there is a Hauptbriefe in Gunton reception that assumes his early classic works, The One, the Three and the Many and The Promise of Trinitarian Theology (1st ed), are definitive of his project and fail to engage adequately with the progressions in Guntons later thought. Instead, this book offers a fresh reading of Gunton by giving greater prominence to his later writings, which are centred in the mediation of the Son and the Spirit in creation.

Andrew Picard argues that Guntons trinitarian theology of culture emerges from his later trinitarian theology of mediation, creation, Christology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology. Exploring these doctrinal foci enables an understanding of Guntons account of faithful human culture as embodied worship; a living sacrifice of praise which contributes to the divine redemption and perfection of creation. It is the churchs particular calling to embody such praise through its visible life in community. The study concludes by intersecting Guntons theology with the social sciences to critique ableism and consider the politics of the churchs belonging in community.

Reviews

Immersed in Guntons trinitarian theology, Andrew Picard takes readers to the heart of Gunton's theology of culture. With finesse, Picard illuminates the enduring importance of Gunton's approach, charting a way forward that adeptly navigates the critiques that too often overshadow it. By so doing, this book is an indispensable resource for those seeking a faithful perspective on culture that, following Gunton, is theological all the way down. * Andrew Torrance, University of St Andrews, UK *
Theologies of culture have never been more urgent than in our contemporary age of culture wars. Andrew Picards illuminating analysis of Colin Guntons trinitarian theology of culture, including Guntons neglected later works, will transform how theologians understand Guntons legacy. More widely, this innovative book will change how you conceive the relationship between trinitarian theology and human culture. * Joanna Leidenhag, University of Leeds, UK *
The enduring value and profundity of Colin Guntons contribution to Christian theology in the late twentieth century has still to be appreciated in full. Gunton was a courageous dissenter from the tendency in both the academy and the church to bend to the dictates of secularism. He offers instead a theology deeply grounded in and informed by the action of the Triune God and an account of human culture as the terrain within which God is at work bringing to fulfilment Gods good purposes for the world. Andrew Picard brings these themes to light through his astute and profoundly important reading of Guntons theological writings. This book will be essential reading for anybody seeking a sure guide into the depths of Guntons theology. * Murray Rae, University of Otago, New Zealand *
Andrew Picards work goes a long way toward setting the record straight in assessing the merits of Colin Guntons theological-cultural legacy. Rather than throw out the baby with the bathwater, he adeptly analyzes third wave criticisms while at the same time admirably demonstrates that proper attention to developments in Guntons later writings holds great promise for a less abstract and more material theology of culture. Going further, Picards constructive employment of Guntons mature writings in conversation with biblical and historical studies and cultural scientific resources extends the reach of Kings College Londons trinitarian theological architect for addressing pressing ethical issues and dismantling oppressive structures such as ableism in the contemporary church and society. * Paul Louis Metzger, William Jessup University, USA *
Engagement with the thought of Colin Gunton is well underway, and Picards work here is an exemplary contribution to those studies. Over the course of six chapters, he has developed an insightful, informed, and critically engaged argument regarding Guntons thought that will be valuable to anyone exploring connections between Guntons theological perspective, social ethics, and theology of culture. * Eric Flett, Eastern University, USA *
Through critically examining Colin Gunton's trinitarian trajectory, Andrew Picard articulates the often-missed beauty and incisiveness of Gunton's theology of culture. The triune God loves creation, inviting and empowering humanity for the project of cultural collaboration. With clarity and thoughtfulness, Picard leverages this theology so that the church might examine its politics of belonging, especially related to disability. This work compellingly demonstrates how the richness of trinitarian doctrine is woven into the fabric of daily life. * Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, New Zealand *
Picard reminded me why I have always found Guntons theology helpful, not only was he readable (compared to theologians who are incomprehensible), but he sought to provide a theological response that could speak confidently and intellectually in a world after Christendom. Picard demonstrates that Colin Gunton is a theologian still worth reading, precisely because of his concern for culture, and how God, and the Church, engage with the world. * Baptist Quarterly *

Author Bio

Andrew Picard is Director of Carey Graduate School and Lecturer in Public Theology at Carey Baptist College, New Zealand.