Description: In this volume theologians and pastors from varying Christian traditions, who are rooted in the church and share appreciation for the Christian theological tradition, grapple with the mixed blessings of their respective theological inheritances. Phillip Cary writes on Augustine, Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt on Aquinas, Amy C. Schifrin on Luther, Carolyn A. Chau on Balthasar, and David Luy on Pannenberg--each identifying where they see their theologian coming up short, but in light of what they got right. To conclude the volume, Chad Raith II unpacks how his own convictions changed regarding infant baptism. This collection of essays is a testament to the importance of ecumenical, church-based, critical yet appreciative receptive theology.
Brief description: Victor Lee Austin is theologian-in-residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. He is the author of, among other books, Up with Authority, Friendship: The Heart of Being Human, and A Post-Covid Catechesis.
Review Quotes: "Anyone interested in the church's great tradition and its bearing on our ecumenical work will want to read this book. It offers critical reflection on some of the most important thinkers in the history of the church and brims with insight on how best to utilize their teaching as we work to manifest our churches' unity in Christ. It makes a wonderful addition to the Pro Ecclesia Series and will surely prove an unmixed blessing to all who pray that God's people may be one."
--Douglas A. Sweeney, dean and professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
"Ecumenism is living through a time of theological uncertainty. Representatives of diverse communions are often unsure about what needs to happen--or what will happen--theologically and doctrinally in their own churches. In this timely book, theologians query and correct their spiritual masters. The result shows not only that each of these spiritual masters is in many ways a gift for all Christians but also that the crisis of Christianity requires renewed theological attention to what Congar calls the 'monuments of tradition.'"
--Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary