Justification: Five Views (Spectrum Multiview Book Series) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830839445 ISBN 13: 9780830839445

Publisher: IVP Academic, 2011

Synopsis

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:1). When Paul wrote these words he seemed confident he had made himself clear. But for centuries the Pauline doctrine of justification has been a classic point of interpretation and debate in Christian exegesis and theology. And while in recent decades there have been moments of hopeful convergence among the various traditions of the Western church, the fine print often reveals more facets and distinctions than ever before. This volume focuses on five views of justification and calls on representative proponents to set forth their case and then respond to each other. The five views are: Traditional Reformed (Michael S. Horton) Progressive Reformed (Michael F. Bird) New Perspective (James D. G. Dunn) Deification, or Theosis (Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen) Roman Catholic (Gerald O?Collins and Oliver Rafferty) In addition, editors James Beilby, Paul R. Eddy and Steven E. Enderlein provide an extensive introduction to the issues informing this important debate. This distinguished forum of biblical interpreters and theologians offers a lively and informative engagement with the biblical, historical and contemporary understandings of justification. Justification: Five Views is not only a fascinating probe into Paul?s meaning, it is also a case book in theological method.

About this title

About the Author:

James K. Beilby is professor of systematic and philosophical theology and Paul Rhodes Eddy is professor of theology, both at Bethel University. Together they have also edited Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views, The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views and the award-winning The Historical Jesus: Five Views.

Review:

"[T]his volume is well worth reading, and it is appropriate for students and scholars. The editors have done a fabulous job in organizing the material and assembling an all-star lineup. Readers will not be disappointed with this excellent resource." (Kevin P. Emmert, Trinity Journal, Spring 2014)

"Of all the multiple views books, this one was needed most. It is also perhaps the best yet: getting Horton, Dunn, Bird, Kärkkäinen, O'Collins and Rafferty all at the table at the same time under the same roof is both a tour de force and a brilliant example of how their interaction can teach each of us. One word is needed most for the justification debate at work among (mostly) evangelicals, the word listen, and if you listen to the pages of this book you will see examples of not listening and listening. The challenge remains for all of us: will we listen again to the Scriptures to hear what it says about justification? Or will we impose our systems of thought on the Bible?" (Scot McKnight, North Park University)

"Beilby and Eddy have raised the bar with regard to this multiple views genre, this time bringing together world-renowned scholars and theologians to engage a very hot topic. Reading Justification: Five Views is like being treated to five books by five masters of their craft, each going deep into the details at times but yet also stepping back to cover the forest ably enough for the less initiated to appreciate what is at stake. A must-read for those interested in the ecumenical implications of the doctrine of justification." (Amos Yong, Regent University School of Divinity)

"No single volume could possibly cover all Christian views of the doctrine of justification. Justification: Five Views courageously selects five contemporary views and helpfully presents and critiques them. Each view is expounded and defended by a leading proponent and then critiqued by other contributors. Anyone interested in the current discussion about this crucial Christian doctrine must read this book. It sheds more light than heat in an area of theology almost burned over by heated polemics. Of all the 'views' books out there, this is one of the best." (Roger E. Olson, professor of theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University)

"A wonderfully useful book. After a superb historical survey of the issues to be debated, five influential approaches to the doctrine of justification by faith are presented and defended by credible and engaging representatives. I can think of no better introduction to these important debates than this outstanding volume." (Alister E. McGrath, King's College, London)

"The strength of this text is realized from the concise and scholarly documentation of each contributor. The reader will greatly benefit by learning the diverse views of justification. Most importantly the text will aid students to better defend their personal position of justification. The editors did achieve their formula for a good multiple-views book: it addresses an important theological issue, the debate is clearly defined, and the conversation represents positions that are distinct from each other." (Joseph Bresnahan, Criswell Theological Review, Fall 2013)

About this edition

• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0830839445
• ISBN 13: 9780830839445
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320
• Editor: Beilby James K., Eddy Paul Rhodes, Enderlein Steven E., Horton Michael S., Bird Michael F., Dunn James D. G., Kärkkäinen Veli-Matti, O'Collins Gerald, Rafferty Oliver