Oliver O'Donovan's Moral Theology: Tensions and Triumphs

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Description

This book offers the first sustained, full-length treatment of the wide-ranging work of major Anglican theologian Oliver ODonovan. Analyzing such key texts as Resurrection and Moral Order, The Desire of the Nations and Ethics as Theology, Samuel Tranter shows that the relationship between eschatology and ethics is an area of significant tension in ODonovans evolving vision of moral theology. Tranter traces this tension as it relates to ODonovans writing and contemporary discussion around natural law, divine command and human flourishing, as well as to particular topics such as poverty, marriage and singleness and biotechnology. He also connects it with the broader doctrinal features of ODonovans project, such as his accounts of creation, sin and redemption, and his understanding of the relationships between the cross and the resurrection, on one hand, and Christology and pneumatology, on the other. Throughout, Tranter indicates the implications of these themes for our understanding of the Christian life. This volume establishes and evaluates ODonovans influence on contemporary Christian ethicists and political theologians (such as Luke Bretherton, Gilbert Meilaender, Jean Porter and Brent Waters), and engages with critical readings of ODonovan (such as those by Stanley Hauerwas and Gerald McKenny). In conversation with these and other voices from a range of perspectives, Tranter shows how ODonovans proposals may be appropriated and amended as a resource for theology and ethics going forward.

Reviews

A theological analysis of Oliver ODonovans moral theology, such as Samuel Tranters book presents, is long overdue. This is not only because of ODonovans inspiring and fundamental work in theological ethics, but also because of Tranters sharp attention to the real intention and focus of ODonovans work, as well as its importance for our time This again makes Tranters analysis indeed a remedy [for a] lack of a critical engagement with ODonovans thought, andmore than thata significant textbook in theological ethics * Studies in Christian Ethics *
This book is needed because Oliver O'Donovan is rightly not easy. Samuel Tranter makes O'Donovan's project clear without oversimplification. No one engaging O'Donovan can avoid this work. We are all in Tranters debt (and that includes Oliver himself). * Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University, USA *
Oliver ODonovans profound contribution to moral theology here receives the kind of insightful, artful, and critical engagement it rightly deserves. Tranters fine study sets an important benchmark for theological engagement with ODonovans lifework even as it presses searching questions concerning the eschatological quality of Christian ethics more generally. * Philip G. Ziegler, University of Aberdeen, UK *
Oliver ODonovans moral theology is notoriously complex. Samuel Tranter has done a great service by providing this careful and insightful guide, as well as offering a critical assessment. Tranters book is replete with rich observations and astute judgments about ODonovans work and the role of eschatology in Christian ethics. I highly recommend it! * Michael Mawson, Charles Sturt University, Australia *

Author Bio

Samuel Tranter is Director of Postgraduate Studies at Cranmer Hall, St John's College, Durham University, UK.