The Providence of God: Deus habet consilium

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This text comprises a comprehensive analysis of the doctrine of providence, from historical, philosophical-theological, systematic and practical perspectives. The essays in this book discuss the doctrine of providence from four central angles.

First, three chapters give an historical introduction to the modern interpretation of the notion of providence, examining how it was progressively naturalised and secularized in modern times. Second, over seven chapters, and from different perspectives, the book restates the Christian notion of providence in relation to the problem of evil and the theory of evolution.Third, in two chapters, the book exhibits providence as a core theme in systematic theology. Finally, over three chapters, the book shows the ethical and political relevance of the doctrine of providence today.

Reviews

This assembly of new work is a welcome contribution to reflection on one of the most difficult and most vital of theological themes. Exploring exegetical, historical, philosophical, natural-scientific, pastoral and political aspects of the doctrine of providence, the authors exhibit a variety of distinctive approaches, and their proposals are sure to spark responses. These essays make clear the risk and the promise latent in this all-pervasive doctrine, and exemplify the kind of scrutiny it requires.' - Charles M. Wood, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA -- Charles M. Wood
I believe the editors of this volume are correct in their belief that the agency of God is becoming one of the most pressing and interesting questions in contemporary debate. A merit of the essays in this collection is the way they reframe the subject and rescue it from its traditional handing and presentation. Of particular merit are the essays by Francesca Murphy on the First Book of Samuel and the essays by John Webster and David Fergusson.' - Iain R. Torrance, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, USA -- Iain R. Torrance
"By and large, this collection critiques but generally endorses the classical doctrine of providence..." Church Times, November 2009
Biblically and historically grounded, contemporary in its themes and interdisciplinary in scope, the articles comprising this volume provide a comprehensive sense of where constructive orthodox Christian thinking is at today.' -- Religious Studies
This volume gives a revealing look at the present status of a difficult but essential theological theme. Scholars of systematic and practical theology will be interested in this wide-ranging discussion in, which will also be useful for graduate courses in the topic. -- Anglican Theological Review

Author Bio

Dr Francesca Aran Murphy is Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. Philip G. Ziegler is Chair in Christian Dogmatics at the University of Aberdeen, UK.