An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding

An accessible introduction to Christian philosophical theologyPhilosophical or analytic theology seeks to employ philosophical tools while studying topics in Christian theology and examining the logical consistency or intelligibility of some of the key doctrines of the Christian faith. In this accessible primer, An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology, authors Stephen T. Davis and Eric T. Yang first explain the scope, relevance, and value of philosophical theology and then applies its conceptual tools to examine each of the core Christian doctrines:Revelation and ScriptureThe TrinityThe IncarnationRedemption and the atonement,Resurrection and life after deathThe final chapter briefly addresses some additional theological issues including petitionary prayer, eschatology, and original sin.Designed for beginning students and non-specialists this guide provides the ideal entry point for not only understanding what philosophical theology is but also for how it can provide valuable insights for how we think about the core doctrines of the Christian faith.Review'Thinking deeply and clearly about God is imperative for all Christians. The task of theology brings biblical, historical, and systematic resources to bear on the fundamental questions of Christianity. Davis and Yang ensure that the philosophical remains in the theologian's toolbox. This text offers a winsome and accessible foray into philosophically sophisticated discussions of core Christian doctrines. It is grounded in traditional discussions of these issues but focuses on state-of-the-art engagements with contemporary philosophical treatments. This text will be a helpful accompaniment for students, pastors, and scholars as they think through central topics of Christian theology.' -- JAMES M. ARCADI, assistant professor of biblical and systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School'I've been waiting for a book like this for a long time. Although others have written on the relationship between philosophy and theology, none do so with such clarity and accessibility, making this an excellent tool for anyone seeking to understand how philosophy can be a resource for theological reflection. Tackling a range of difficult theological issues, Yang and Davis somehow manage to model both critical acumen and charitable engagement, consistently helping the reader appreciate the complexity of the conversation without overwhelming detail or unnecessarily technical jargon. If you've ever wondered what Athens has to do with Jerusalem, this would be a great place to start.' -- MARC CORTEZ, professor of theology, Wheaton College'In an anti-intellectual and sound-bite age, serious thinking on key Christian doctrines is needed. Stephen Davis and Eric Yang's An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology is the book I've been waiting for! Accessibly written, historically informed, and conversant with the contemporary discussion, Davis and Yang's book powerfully demonstrates the coherence, intelligibility, and beauty of key Christian doctrines. You will be challenged intellectually and nourished spiritually. I highly recommend this book to theology and philosophy students--indeed, to any Christian seeking to better understand the deep truths of the Christian faith.' -- PAUL M. GOULD, associate professor of philosophy of religion and director of the MA in Philosophy of Religion Program, Palm Beach Atlantic University'This wonderful book by Eric T. Yang and Stephen T. Davis offers a contemporary introduction to philosophical theology, and it ably demonstrates the relevance and importance of philosophy for theology. It addresses questions that are not only significant and complicated but also quite common, and it does so with sparkling clarity, deep insight, and overall winsomeness. It will be a blessing not only to students and scholars but also to pastors and preachers. I recommend it highly, and I plan to return to it often.'