Christianity as a Way of Life
A Systematic Theology
Published on 28. November 2023
Book
Hardback
328 pages
978-0-300-24409-0 (ISBN)
Description
Focusing on Christianity's core practices, a leading theologian imagines Christianity as a way of life oriented toward wisdom
A Seminary Coop Notable Book of 2023
In this book, Kevin W. Hector argues that we can understand Christianity as a set of practices designed to transform one's way of perceiving and being in the world. Hector examines practices that reorient us to God (imitation, corporate singing, eating together, friendship, and likemindedness), that transform our way of being in the world (prayer, wonder, laughter, lament, and vocation), and that reshape our way of being with others (benevolence, looking for the image of God in others, forgiveness, and activism).
Taken together, the aim of these practices is to transform one's way of perceiving and acting in the face of success and failure, risk and loss, guilt and shame, love, and loss of control. These transformations can add up to a transformation of one's very self.
To make sense of Christianity as a way of life, in turn, these practices must be understood within the context of Christian beliefs about sin, Jesus, redemption, and eternal life. Understanding them thus requires a systematic theology, which Hector offers in this clear-eyed, ambitious, and elegant interpretation of the Christian tradition.
A Seminary Coop Notable Book of 2023
In this book, Kevin W. Hector argues that we can understand Christianity as a set of practices designed to transform one's way of perceiving and being in the world. Hector examines practices that reorient us to God (imitation, corporate singing, eating together, friendship, and likemindedness), that transform our way of being in the world (prayer, wonder, laughter, lament, and vocation), and that reshape our way of being with others (benevolence, looking for the image of God in others, forgiveness, and activism).
Taken together, the aim of these practices is to transform one's way of perceiving and acting in the face of success and failure, risk and loss, guilt and shame, love, and loss of control. These transformations can add up to a transformation of one's very self.
To make sense of Christianity as a way of life, in turn, these practices must be understood within the context of Christian beliefs about sin, Jesus, redemption, and eternal life. Understanding them thus requires a systematic theology, which Hector offers in this clear-eyed, ambitious, and elegant interpretation of the Christian tradition.
Reviews / Votes
"Hector has given readers a sophisticated but accessible introduction to Christian doctrine focused on the ways that theological doctrines seek to shape the practices, lives, and devotion of those who seek to follow Jesus. . . . Hector manages to make sophisticated theology accessible without being simplistic, showing the richness and totality that Christian vision attempts to foster in all that we do."-Englewood Review of Books"Much of this book is interesting and accessible."-Robin Gill, Church Times
"With an uncommonly soft touch, Kevin Hector guides readers along a journey that is at once surprising and familiar. Brimming with wit and intelligence, with the confidence and conviction of one still learning all he has to teach, Professor Hector presents Christianity as a way of life in which falling in love with God's good news, which demands and promises nothing less than the self's transformation, comes off as the most natural thing in the world."-Jonathan Tran, author of Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism
"Unpacking practices as varied and unexpected as corporate singing and laughter, Hector's marvelous new book displays the fundamentally practical character of Christianity as a matter of being formed to perceive, respond, and act in harmony with what is ultimately true and good."-Jennifer Herdt, Yale University
"A sophisticated and compelling account of Christianity as a salutary way of life rather than a mere system of coherent beliefs. Reading it carefully will be time very well spent."-Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
546 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-300-24409-0 (9780300244090)
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
Person
Kevin W. Hector is the Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor of Theology and of the Philosophy of Religions at the University of Chicago. He is the author of Theology without Metaphysics and The Theological Project of Modernism. He lives in Chicago, IL.