Paradox in Christian Theology - Paperback

by James Anderson (Author)

Does traditional Christianity involve paradoxical doctrines, that is, doctrines that present the appearance (at least) of logical inconsistency? If so, what is the nature of these paradoxes and why do they arise? What is the relationship between ""paradox"" and ""mystery"" in theological theorizing? And what are the implications for the rationality, or otherwise, of orthodox Christian beliefs? In Paradox in Christian Theology, James Anderson argues that the doctrines of the Trinity and the incarnation, as derived from Scripture and formulated in the ecumenical creeds, are indeed paradoxical. But this conclusion, he contends, need not imply that Christians who believe these doctrines are irrational in doing so. In support of this claim, Anderson develops and defends a model of understanding paradoxical Christian doctrines according to which the presence of such doctrines is unsurprising and adherence to paradoxical doctrines cannot be considered as a serious intellectual obstacle to belief in Christianity. The case presented in this book has significant implications for the practice of systematic theology, biblical exegesis, and Christian apologetics. ""In defending the ineluctable presence of paradox in theology, James Anderson argues that attempts to avoid this will result in formulations that are inadequate to the articulation of core Christian doctrines. What is particularly striking about this study is its accomplished engagement of important research work in analytic philosophy of religion."" --David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity, University of Edinburgh ""This book is a very well-informed, carefully argued, and cogent discussion of theological paradox, drawing on studies in the history of doctrine and philosophy. The book is clearly written and faithful to Christian orthodoxy. I hope that it is widely read and taken to heart."" --John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL ""A convincing amount of paradox explains its necessity in Christianity. Then recent theories of belief-entitlement are constructively advocated, showing how theological paradoxes can be rationally believable. A clear, strong case."" --Joseph Houston, Emeritus Professor of Philosophical Theology, University of Glasgow ""Christian apologetics has historically sought to give a reasoned account of paradox, for Christian faith itself entails living in the midst of doctrinal paradoxes."" --Michael Purcell, Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics, University of Edinburgh James Anderson holds PhDs in computer simulation and philosophical theology from the University of Edinburgh. He is currently employed by the University as a Research Fellow.

Author Biography

James Anderson is Associate Professor for Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, and an ordained minister in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He holds PhDs in computer simulation and philosophical theology from the University of Edinburgh. A Brit by birth, he has lived in North Carolina since 2009. Dr. Anderson is a member of the Society of Christian Philosophers, the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He specializes in philosophical theology, religious epistemology, and Christian apologetics.