Why Are We Here: Everyday Questions and the Christian Life

(Paperback)

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Description

A one-of-a-kind book in which several outstanding theologians use their expertise to examine everyday questions that Christians ask. Christians do not just believe; they think about what they believe. Moreover, they are not content with simple answers to their questions about life and meaning. The contributors to this volume therefore provide thoughtful responses to the following questions: Why are we here Why are we so indifferent about our spiritual lives Why do the innocent suffer Is Jesus Christ the only way to salvation Are there angels Why go to church The unity of the church--why care What shall parents teach their children What does my faith have to do with my job Must Christians believe in hell Is there life after death The eleven contributors to this volume--which include, in addition to the editors--Kathryn Tanner, David Dawson, Thomas F. Tracy, J.A. DiNoia, Bruce D. Marshall, James J. Buckley, Michael Root, William Werpehowski, and George Hunsinger) are friends who attended the same graduate school (Yale) and had many of the same teachers. For twenty years they have been meeting once a year to talk about their work, their lives, and their thinking about the Christian faith. In this book they share with fellow Christians and curious bystanders the intellectual and spiritual wealth and excitement and complexity they have found in that faith. Ronald F. Thiemann is John Lord O'Brian Professor of Theology and Dean of Harvard Divinity School. William C. Placher is Professor of Contemporary Theology and Philosophy of Religion at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN.

Reviews

"...accessible for many people, including undergraduates, seminarians, participants in adult study groups, and those who simply want to begin to consider a variety of "everyday questions" of importance relative to the Christian life...This collection is helpful, thought-provoking, and easy to use."--Robert B. Slocum, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Anglican Theological Review, Summer 2000 -- Robert B. Slocum, Marquette University, Milwaukee * Anglican Theological Review *
"These essays preach! ... Pastors will find here a wealth of ideas for how to think more theologically in their own sermons, counseling and teaching. The essays convey the excitement and joy that the authors find in thinking about the Christian faith." -- John P. Burgess, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, reviewing for Christian Century, March 24, 1999 -- John P. Burgess * Christian Century *
"Subjects range from 'Why are we here' to 'Is there life after death' are carefully presented in literary form." -- Raymond B. Knudsen, Editor, The Counselor, January 24, 1999 -- Raymond B. Knudsen * Counselor, The *
"Taken together, these essays bear a unity of conviction that arises from a clear and genuine spirit of inquiry. Non-Christians will find this a helpful introduction to Christian beliefs in everyday practice, and thoughtful Christians will read it with the recognition that simple answers don't suffice." --Library Journal * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Ronald F. Thiemann is John Lord OBrian Professor of Theology and Dean of Harvard Divinity School. William C. Placher was Professor of Contemporary Theology and Philosophy of Religion at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN.