Glorification and the Life of Faith - Paperback

by Ashley Cocksworth (Author), David F. Ford (Author), Kent Eilers (Editor)

Two renowned theologians open up the reality of God's glory in this book, offering readers a dynamic foundation for glorifying God in the twenty-first century.

Drawing from Christian spirituality, liturgy, poetry, hymns, iconography, seminal "glory" texts in the Bible, the Nicene Creed, and theologians throughout the ages who caught sight of the glory of God in diverse ways, this book explores the immensely rich and generative soteriological theme of glorification. It shows students how to integrate theology into the life of faith and demonstrates how the practices of Christian worship influence theological thinking. Metaphors, descriptions, evocations, concepts, narratives, and more highlight the amazing, abundant reality of glorification.

This is the first book in the Soteriology and Doxology series. These introductory textbooks cover key topics in soteriology, providing substantive treatments of doctrine while pointing to the setting of theology in doxology. Series editors are Kent Eilers and Kyle C. Strobel.

Back Jacket

This book opens up the reality of God's glory, offering readers a dynamic foundation for glorifying God in the twenty-first century.

"Ash and David's book is of immense depth and pellucid clarity and is strong encouragement for the daily life of churches and of their members. It turns all into doxology: creation, reading the Bible, saying the creed, and celebrating glory together. It is a joy-filled, smiling, delightful counterweight to cynical individualism and triumphalist and selfish isolation. In God's glory, the authors remind us, we are 'fully alive'--in new relationship with the Lord, drawn together in community, and able to live out our calling in our lives."
--Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

"This is the kind of book that makes one want to be a theologian--in all the varied ways we might realize that vocation to love God with our minds--because it is clearly such a joy-filled thing to do. Cocksworth and Ford eschew triumphalism but not exuberance as they invite fresh, courageous encounters with the endless surprise of God's glory in the face of every temptation to despair."
--Ellen F. Davis, Duke Divinity School

"Cocksworth and Ford have succeeded in writing the definitive modern book on God's glory by treating it as so much more than a mere theological topic. As they so persuasively show, a true theology of glory is one that stirs the reader in heart, mind, and spirit and overflows into contemplation and praise."
--Simeon Zahl, University of Cambridge

"This book achieves much more than a contemporary theology of glory, although it does this with profound care and with sensitivity. Cocksworth and Ford invite readers to consider God's glory in unexpected ways and in everyday encounters, such as the human smile. This book provides much-needed encouragement for the church."
--Gabrielle Thomas, Emory University

Author Biography

Ashley Cocksworth (PhD, University of Cambridge) is senior lecturer in theology and practice at the University of Roehampton, England. His books include Karl Barth on Prayer and Prayer: A Guide for the Perplexed.

David F. Ford (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, England, and a Fellow of Selwyn College. His publications include The Shape of Living and The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary.