Creatures of Possibility
The Theological Basis of Human Freedom
Published on 15. November 2016
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-0-8010-9810-9 (ISBN)
Description
A Prominent Theologian Explores What It Means to Be Human
Preeminent scholar and theologian Ingolf Dalferth offers mature reflections on what it means to be human, a topic at the forefront of contemporary Christian thought. Dalferth argues that humans should be defined not as deficient beings--who must compensate for the weaknesses of their biological nature by means of technology, morals, media, religion, and culture--but as creatures of possibility. He understands human beings by reference to their capacity to live a truly humane life. Dalferth explores the sheer gratuitousness of God's agency in justifying and sanctifying the human person, defining humans not by what we do or achieve but by God's creative and saving action. In the gospel, we are set free to interact with the world and creation.
Preeminent scholar and theologian Ingolf Dalferth offers mature reflections on what it means to be human, a topic at the forefront of contemporary Christian thought. Dalferth argues that humans should be defined not as deficient beings--who must compensate for the weaknesses of their biological nature by means of technology, morals, media, religion, and culture--but as creatures of possibility. He understands human beings by reference to their capacity to live a truly humane life. Dalferth explores the sheer gratuitousness of God's agency in justifying and sanctifying the human person, defining humans not by what we do or achieve but by God's creative and saving action. In the gospel, we are set free to interact with the world and creation.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 146 mm
Weight
401 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8010-9810-9 (9780801098109)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2016
Baker Publishing Group
€20.99
Available for download
Persons
Ingolf U. Dalferth (DrTheol, University of Tuebingen) is Danforth Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. He is also professor emeritus in the faculty of theology at the University of Zurich, where he directed the Institute of Hermeneutics and Philosophy of Religion for many years. Dalferth is the author or editor of over forty books, including Crucified and Resurrected.
Content
Contents
Preface to the 2016 English Edition
Preface to the 2011 German Edition
1. From Deficient Being to Beings of Possibility: An Introduction
2. Of Humanity and God: The Perspective of Reason and the Wider Perspective of Faith
3. Mere Passive: The Passivity of Gift in Luther's Theology
4. All for Nothing: On the Art of Giving and the Limitations of Gift
5. Self-Offering: From the Act of Violence to the Passion of Love
6. Becoming Human: Compensation for a Deficiency or Excess of Love?
7. Creative Passivity: The Self-Belittlement of Human Beings
Indexes
Preface to the 2016 English Edition
Preface to the 2011 German Edition
1. From Deficient Being to Beings of Possibility: An Introduction
2. Of Humanity and God: The Perspective of Reason and the Wider Perspective of Faith
3. Mere Passive: The Passivity of Gift in Luther's Theology
4. All for Nothing: On the Art of Giving and the Limitations of Gift
5. Self-Offering: From the Act of Violence to the Passion of Love
6. Becoming Human: Compensation for a Deficiency or Excess of Love?
7. Creative Passivity: The Self-Belittlement of Human Beings
Indexes