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Book Blurb [edited by re slater]
In 1934, [Dietrich Bonhoeffer's] Confessing [Lutheran] Christians in Germany declared that support for the Nazi regime violated the basic principles of the Christian faith, thereby creating a status confesionis (confessional situation), requiring a binding doctrinal stance on sociopolitical questions.
In this book, the result of a lifetime of engaged religious, philosophical, and critical inquiry, David Ray Griffin declares that with regard to American Empire, the church in America is in a similarly dire situation and must stand up for the integrity of the Gospel. He writes:
“Our Christian faith at its best would lead us, both as individual Christians and as churches, to oppose the American Empire in the name of God. As long as the church does not explicitly oppose this empire, it is, by its silence, a de facto supporter.”
Chapter by chapter (in some cases, verse by verse) Griffin argues that Christians in America must deal with the darker side of their country, especially its imperialism, racism, and nuclear and climate policies.
With clarity and insight, Griffin points out ways in which the American Empire is similar to the Roman Empire—the empire that crucified Jesus—and urges Christians, “publicly and unequivocally” to reject it.
To that end, Griffin has written a theology that aims always to keep in mind the meaning of “gospel”—good news. That is, it focuses on the primary doctrines of Christian faith, which are unqualifiedly good news, as distinct from secondary and tertiary doctrines, some of which have delivered bad—sometimes horrible—news.
The primary doctrines are rooted in the Bible, especially the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Written from the perspective of process theology, the book is “liberal in method and conservative in content.”
“Liberal in method” means that all appeals to authority to establish truth are rejected. Theology, like philosophy, can argue for the truth of its doctrines only on the basis of evidence and reason. So although the reality of revelation can be affirmed, theologians cannot make claims for the truth of events or doctrines by claiming that this truth was revealed [sic, the Christian church is to test its truth claims against Jesus' teachings in the gospel.]
It is “conservative in content” by virtue of employing a constructive postmodern worldview, based on the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. Being “conservative in content” does not mean affirming the types of conservative theology that allow secondary and tertiary doctrines to distort the gospel’s primary doctrines. It means reaffirming primary doctrines of the Christian gospel, such as God’s creation of the world, God as actively present in us, and divinely-given life after death.
American Christianity is in crisis. In this timely book, [process theologian] David Ray Griffin preaches the Gospel—not interpreted for the convenience of Americans, but to remind Americans of what the Gospel actually says and what it calls us to do.
Editorial Reviews
Every David Griffin book abounds with his vast learning, astute insights, and deep humanity. This one is an occasion for rejoicing inasmuch as Griffin has never previously marched through the classic doctrines to convey what they mean to him in our situation. The Christian Gospel for Americansis the systematic gift that many of us have waited for him to offer. - Gary Dorrien, author, In a Post-Hegelian Spirit: Philosophical Theology as Entangled Discontent.
With brilliant lucidity Griffin lays out a comprehensive theology for Christians here and now. The gospel's "reign of divine values" lands--with authority--in a confession relentless in its ecopolitical insistence, gracious in its boundless embrace. - Catherine Keller, author, Political Theology of the Earth.
David Ray Griffin delivers his systematic theology of freedom and creativity that will inspire hope in all caring souls to resist the demonic American Empire. Rarely does a book so true and inspiring come along to roil the waters of religious and social complacency. This is his crowning achievement, a rare marriage of spiritual contemplation and social analysis that brings to life Jesus and the Hebrew prophets. This book is a gift. - Ed Curtain, author, Resistance: Lyrical and Critical Essays.
I consider this David Ray Griffin's magnum opus! It draws together the wide-ranging and cutting-edge ideas Griffin has advanced over the years. And yet it offers new insights, gems, and mind-blowing ideas. Griffin makes claims here that will surprise--in positive ways--both conservatives and liberals. This systematic theology not only has something new for everyone, these new ideas desperately need to be heard to avert the crises of our day. For the sake of our sanity and for the planet's well-being, we need this book! - Thomas Jay Oord, author The Uncontrolling Love of God and God Can't.
About the Author
David Ray Griffin is Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA and a founder and co-director of the Center for Process Studies. He has published, as author or editor, more than 40 books in theology, philosophy, philosophy of religion, the relation between science and religion, and social and political issues.
Product Details
Paperback: 510 pages
Publisher: Process Century Press (July 25, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1940447429
ISBN-13: 978-1940447421
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