Theological Reflection and the Pursuit of Ideals

David Jasper is Professor of Literature and Theology, University of Glasgow and Changjiang Chair Professor, Renmin University of China, Beijing. He has numerous publications in the field of Literature and Religion, including co-editorship of The Oxford Handbook of English Literature and Theology (2007). Dale Wright is Gamble Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, Occidental College. He is a specialist in Buddhism and Eastern Religions, and he has been closely involved with David Klemm and Bill Schweiker in the project of Theological Humanism which is the driving inspiration of this current volume.

• Contents: Preface, David Jasper and Dale S. Wright; Freedom and matter, William H. Klink and David E. Klemm; The call of conscience, William Schweiker; Spirituality and the ’humane turn’, Maria Antonaccio; Tending the garden of Humanism, Glenn Whitehouse; The practice of memory, W. David Hall; Dwelling theologically, Daniel Boscaljon; Imagination and fallibility, Forrest Clingerman; Hegel beyond the ideal of idealism, Andrew W. Hass; The mystery of Catholicism, Thomas J.J. Altizer; The artist and the mind of God, David Jasper; Living up to death, Pamela Sue Anderson; Historical consciousness and freedom, Dale S. Wright; Divine lordship, divine motherhood, Julia A. Lamm; Index.

’Theological Reflection and the Pursuit of Ideals represents the latest contribution to the contemporary revival of theological humanism associated with the work of David Klemm and William Schweiker. This is a wide-ranging, creative, and insightful collection of essays written by a diverse group of authors united in their commitment to modes of theological reflection that enhance the integrity of life and engage the cultural ideals of our time. Readers interested in post-traditional spirituality, the aestheticization of religion, and corresponding styles of religious thought will find this volume especially stimulating and rewarding.’ Brent Sockness, Stanford University, USA ’This collection faithfully reflects the timeliness and intellectual importance of the programme of Theological Humanism as envisaged by David Klemm, William Schweiker and others. These well informed and imaginative essays will generously reward both readers who are open to exploring the important themes of Theological Humanism, and others who seek to relate them to such broad concerns as ecology, physics, literature and philosophy.’ George Newlands, University of Glasgow, UK