Our understanding of human rationality has changed significantly since the beginning of the century, with growing emphasis being placed on multiple rationalities, each adapted to the specific tasks of communities of practice. We may think of the world as an ontological unity - but we use aplurality of methods to investigate and represent this world. This development has called into question both the appeal to a universal rationality, characteristic of the Enlightenment, and also the simple 'modern-postmodern' binary. The Territories of Human Reason is the first major study to explorethe emergence of multiple situated rationalities. It focuses on the relation of the natural sciences and Christian theology, but its approach can easily be extended to other disciplines. It provides a robust intellectual framework for discussion of transdisciplinarity, which has become a major themein many parts of the academic world.Alister E. McGrath offers a major reappraisal of what it means to be 'rational' which will have significant impact on older discussions of this theme. He sets out to explore the consequences of the seemingly inexorable move away from the notion of a single universal rationality towards a pluralityof cultural and domain-specific methodologies and rationalities. What does this mean for the natural sciences? For the philosophy of science? For Christian theology? And for the interdisciplinary field of science and religion? How can a single individual hold together scientific and religious ideas,when these arise from quite different rational approaches? This ground-breaking volume sets out to engage these questions and will provoke intense discussion and debate.

The Territories of Human Reason: Science and Theology in an Age of Multiple Rationalities (Ian Ramsey Centre Studies in Science and Religion)

Politics & Social Sciences

McGRATH, Alister E.

Philosophy

Oxford University Press

Our understanding of human rationality has changed significantly since the beginning of the century, with growing emphasis being placed on multiple rationalities, each adapted to the specific tasks of communities of practice. We may think of the world as an ontological unity-but we use a plurality of methods to investigate and represent this world. This development has called into question both the appeal to a universal rationality, characteristic of the Enlightenment, and also the simple 'modern-postmodern' binary. The Territories of Human Reason is the first major study to explore the emergence of multiple situated rationalities. It focuses on the relation of the natural sciences and Christian theology, but its approach can easily be extended to other disciplines. It provides a robust intellectual framework for discussion of transdisciplinarity, which has become a major theme in many parts of the academic world. Alister E. McGrath offers a major reappraisal of what it means to be 'rational' which will have significant impact on older discussions of this theme. He sets out to explore the consequences of the seemingly inexorable move away from the notion of a single universal rationality towards a plurality of cultural and domain-specific methodologies and rationalities. What does this mean for the natural sciences? For the philosophy of science? For Christian theology? And for the interdisciplinary field of science and religion? How can a single individual hold together scientific and religious ideas, when these arise from quite different rational approaches? This ground-breaking volume sets out to engage these questions and will provoke intense discussion and debate.

A groundbreaking account of the origins, development, and enduring significance of Christian doctrine, explaining why it remains essential to the life of Christian communities. Noting important parallels between the development of scientific theories and Christian doctrine, Alister E. McGrath examines the growing view of early Christianity as a 'theological laboratory'. We can think of doctrinal formulations as proposals submitted for testing across the Christian world, rather than as static accounts of orthodoxy. This approach fits the available evidence much better than theories of suppressed early orthodoxies and reinforces the importance of debate within the churches as a vital means of testing doctrinal formulations. McGrath offers a robust critique of George Lindbeck's still-influential Nature of Doctrine (1984), raising significant concerns about its reductionist approach. He instead provides a more reliable account of the myriad functions of doctrine, utilising Mary Midgley's concept of 'mapping' as a means of coordinating the multiple aspects of complex phenomena. McGrath's approach also employs Karl Popper's 'Three Worlds', allowing the theoretical, objective, and subjective aspects of doctrine to be seen as essential and interconnected. We see how Christian doctrine offers ontological disclosure about the nature of reality, while at the same time providing a coordinating framework which ensures that its various aspects are seen as parts of a greater whole. Doctrine provides a framework, or standpoint, that allows theological reality to be seen and experienced in a new manner; it safeguards and articulates the core vision of reality that is essential for the proper functioning and future flourishing of Christian communities.

The Nature of Christian Doctrine: Its Origins, Development, and Function

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

World-renowned scientist Richard Dawkins writes in The God Delusion: 'If this book works as I intend, religious readers who open it will be atheists when they put it down'. The volume has received wide coverage, fuelled much passionate debate and caused not a little confusion. Alister McGrath is ideally placed to evaluate Dawkins' ideas. Once an atheist himself, he gained a doctorate in molecular biophysics before going on to become a leading Christian theologian. He wonders how two people, who have reflected at length on substantially the same world, could possibly have come to such different conclusions about God. McGrath subjects Dawkins' critique of faith to rigorous scrutiny. His exhilarating, meticulously argued response deals with questions such as: Is faith intellectual nonsense? Are science and religion locked in a battle to the death? Can the roots of Christianity be explained away scientifically? Is Christianity simply a force for evil? This book will be warmly received by those looking for a reliable assessment of The God Delusion and the many questions it raises - including, above all, the relevance of faith and the quest for meaning.

The Dawkins Delusion? - Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine

Literature & Fiction

History & Criticism

SPCK Publishing

Mere Theology sets out to explore how the great tradition of Christian theological reflection enriches our faith and deepens our engagement with the concerns and debates of the world around us.

Mere Theology

Society for Promoting Christian

Never has there been such interest in heresy and the 'religious forbidden'. But what is heresy? Why has it been sprinkled with stardust in recent years? How did it originally develop? Are heresies liberating ideas that were ruthlessly suppressed? Or are they flawed visions of Christianity, abandoned because of their inadequacies? In Heresy, historian and theologian Alister McGrath reveals the surprising history of his subject, presenting an orthodoxy that will equip the Church to meet the challenge from renewed forms of heresy today.

Heresy: A History of Defending the Truth

History

World

Theology is the study of the nature of God and of religious belief. But why should that matter to us? 
What's the point of theology? 
In this wonderfully accessible book, renowned theologian Alister McGrath answers that question--What's the point of theology?--and explores the depth and breadth theology can bring to our lives. Drawing on insights from his experience of coming to Christianity from atheism, this exhilarating and enlightening volume reveals how theology can help us grow in wisdom, contribute to our wellbeing, spark our innate sense of wonder, and above all, grow in faith and love as we draw ever closer to the divine. 
Ideal for new and seasoned Christians who want to engage more deeply with their faith, as well as those who are puzzled by spiritual matters and curious to find out more, What's the Point of Theology? will open your eyes to all that theology has to offer--a wiser understanding of what really matters, a richer vision of the good life, a deeper appreciation of the beauty of nature, and an avenue to strengthen your faith and relationship with God.

What's the Point of Theology?: Wisdom, Wellbeing and Wonder

Zondervan Academic

A one volume commentary accessible to all Christians by one of today's leading evangelical scholars.

NIV Bible Companion, The

Zondervan

Will be shipped from US. Used books may not include companion materials, may have some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, may not include CDs or access codes. 100% money back guarantee.

Justification by Faith

Religious pluralism is the greatest challenge facing Christianity in today's Western culture. The belief that Christ is the only way to God is being challenged, and increasingly Christianity is seen as just one among many valid paths to God.
In Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World, four perspectives are presented by their major proponents:
<ul>
<li>
Normative Pluralism: All ethical religions lead to God (John Hick)</li>
<li>
Inclusivism: Salvation is universally available, but is established by and leads to Christ (Clark Pinnock)</li>
<li>
Salvation in Christ: Agnosticism regarding those who haven't heard the gospel (Alister McGrath)</li>
<li>
Salvation in Christ Alone: Salvation depends on explicit personal faith in Jesus Christ alone (R. Douglas Geivett and W. Gary Phillips)</li>
</ul>
This book allows each contributor to not only present the case for his view, but also to critique and respond to the critiques of the other contributors.
The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views—both Christian and non-Christian—on important theological issues.

Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World

Pinnock, Clark H.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by McGRATH, Alister E.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by McGRATH, Alister E.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by McGRATH, Alister E.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Territories of Human Reason: Science and Theology in an Age of Multiple Rationalities (Ian Ramsey Centre Studies in Science and Religion)

The Territories of Human Reason: Science and Theology in an Age of Multiple Rationalities (Ian Ramsey Centre Studies in Science and Religion)

The Nature of Christian Doctrine: Its Origins, Development, and Function

The Dawkins Delusion? - Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine

Mere Theology

Heresy: A History of Defending the Truth

What's the Point of Theology?: Wisdom, Wellbeing and Wonder

NIV Bible Companion, The

Justification by Faith

Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World