Faith and Reason in the Reformations

Reviews / Votes

Each era has turned the kaleidoscope of images formed by the meeting of Athens and Jerusalem in order to explore the relationship of faith and reason for its time. Central College placed questions relating to the Christian traditions and the exercise of reason with its practical application in several disciplines into the context of the observance of the initiation of the Reformation at a conference in 2017. This volume brings together twelve conference essayists from five Christian traditions, with stimulating, even provocative results. Terence Kleven's introductory essay lays biblical foundations for seeking dialogue with the "city" in which God places the church. The suggestions of these essayists for conduct of this dialogue in our times combine standard elements of the traditions with fresh, inviting perspectives. The volume will invigorate readers' thinking on the challenges to speaking to the intellectual currents confronting Christians in the twenty-first century. -- Robert Kolb "Is the Church necessary for the flourishing of science, human community and neighborliness among the nations and religions of the world?" Gratefully this gathering of thinkers say that the Church is more than necessary. Their ecumenical representation provides a comprehensive witness of the Church's experience with faith and reason since the Reformation, and asks the questions of our present and future. In recognition of our global common experience, they show how voices from non-Christian sources are joining in the inquiry. It is a refreshing contribution toward hope in a complicated time. -- Bishop Alan Scarfe, Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Two weeks shy of the five hundredth anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenburg, a group of prominent scholars met at Central College in Pella, Iowa, to discuss the significance of the Protestant Reformation. The fruit of their discussion may be found in this volume. Faith and Reason in the Reformations is not your typical exercise in ecumenism, which often ends in watered-down compromises or platitudes. Rather, because the participants understand that respect for the other can only come from a proper loyalty to one's own, the discussions are lively, honest, and instructive. I highly recommend this collection of essays to anyone interested in the future of ecumenism or the different ways in which Christians understand the relationship between faith and reason. -- Michael P. Foley, Baylor University The 500th anniversary of the Protestant reformation provides opportunity for Christians to consider again the relationship between faith and reason. This volume succinctly opens the discussion of this relationship, offering thought-provoking essays that describe and appreciate the diversity and development of approaches in major Christian traditions. Here the reader will find not only helpful elucidations of diverse views and the consideration of the impact of those views but also a keen recognition that across traditions similar questions can spur and direct inquiry. -- Mary Jane Haemig, Luther Seminary