Description:
In this new study Martin Davie looks at the key issue of freedom of religion from a theological, historical and pastoral perspective.
Brief description: Dr Martin Davie is a lay Anglican theologian who is numerous books and articles, including a trilogy of books on Anglican theology and ecclesiology published by Gilead, Our Inheritance of Faith, The Gospel and the Anglican Tradition and Bishops, Past, Present and Future. He has taught at a number of theological colleges and has undertaken Faith and Order and ecumenical work for the Church of England. He is currently theological consultant to the Church of England Evangelical Council and Fellow of the Latimer Trust.
Review Quotes:
'The times in which we live are so marked by dramatic social changes and extreme rhetoric that it can be hard for Christians to resist the pull towards anger, despair or simply attitudes and behaviours that bring no credit to the church and no glory to Christ. In this book, Martin Davie reminds us that this world is not home and that an attitude of patience and hope is to characterize our lives. But he does this not simply by offering empty pieties but by setting forth a theological framework and clear, practical proposals for Christian life both in the church and in the world. His is a timely and helpful voice in this moment of confusion.'
Professor Carl R Trueman, Grove City College, PA
'For Christians, right across the world, and to a lesser extent people of other faiths, genuine freedom to hold to and practice their beliefs is a matter of extreme urgency. This is increasingly true in 'Western' nations, as in other geographical locations. Martin Davie's new book presents a full-length, detailed account of why religious freedom is ultimately the basis of all freedoms. He explores the Biblical basis of this reality in the freedom that God has chosen to affirm and uphold for all humans. This book covers an enormous amount of ground with precision, insight and wisdom. Readers will benefit from the wealth of judicious opinions expressed and the weight of arguments adduced to defend this indispensable gift from a gracious and merciful God.'
Andrew Kirk, Trustee and Research Fellow of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology
'On being the patient people of God is a tour de force, magisterial in its knowledge, insight and analysis of issues of freedom of religion, Christian conscientious objection, and the call to patient holiness in today's world. Dr Davie winningly engages the wider issues where Western society and culture intersect with law, philosophy, anthropology, sociology and theology. He not only sounds the alarm but offers important solutions and ways forward. Davie's scholarship is put to good use as he allows (largely ignorant, uneducated) postmodern readers access to profound Christian thought over the centuries, from early church fathers such as Bishop Cyprian of Carthage to modern theologians such as the brilliant Leslie Newbigin. Given the seriousness of the increasingly totalitarian challenges orthodox Christians now face in the West, Davie's God-focus and framework is much needed.
Dr Lisa Nolland, CEO, Marriage, Sex and Culture Group, London
"Dr Martin Davie has, once again, put us in his debt with this well researched work on the roots of freedom of religion and belief in the Christian tradition and its increasingly urgent relevance in the world today. His gathering together of sources is nothing short of magisterial and the book will become and remain a point of reference for researchers, practitioners and activists for many years to come. He has not only referred to his sources exhaustively but, as ever, has analysed and drawn out their significance for us today. It is difficult to imagine a more thorough treatment of the subject than this latest contribution by one of our leading theologians. Deo Gratias!"
Msgr Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, OXTRAD: Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy & Dialogue