Speaking of God in an Inhumane World, Volume 1
Essays on Liberation Theology and Radical Christianity
Edited by David B. Gowler
Imprint: Cascade Books
This two-volume collection of essays on the Bible and social justice, liberation theology, and radical Christianity by Christopher Rowland addresses the question raised by Gustavo Gutierrez about how we can speak of God as a loving parent in a world that continues to be so inhumane. These essays by an esteemed New Testament scholar represent intellectual interests of a lifetime as he integrated exegesis of the New Testament texts in their first-century contexts and located their interpretations within the quests for meaning and significance that exist within contemporary society. These essays represent mostly the latter concern--exploring Christian Scripture, which has informed the lives of men and women down the centuries--as they interpret both contexts, and in doing so make a significant contribution to contextual theology that should be heard by the inhabitants of both contexts. The first volume of Speaking of God in an Inhumane World includes essays on liberation theology and radical Christianity; the second volume focuses primarily on radical Christianity and includes reflections on Gerrard Winstanley, William Blake, William Stringfellow, and others.
Christopher Rowland is Dean Ireland’s Professor Emeritus of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture at Oxford University.
David B. Gowler (editor) is Pierce Chair of Religion, Oxford College of Emory University; senior faculty fellow, Center for Ethics, Emory University.
“Christopher Rowland’s work has been an inspiration to many who seek to combine intellectual rigor with a commitment to social justice. This collection is a powerful testimony to his unique and vital contribution to the task of making radical Christianity real and relevant for today.”
—Elaine Graham, professor emerita of practical theology, University of Chester
“This informative and impassioned collection of essays demonstrates richly Christopher Rowland’s ‘intellectual commuting’ between the constant presence of the biblical text and the politics of society and church. This is practical theology at its best. Sustaining attention to liberation theology across a period of thirty-two years, the work is always integrative—relentlessly and organically building connections. Deep thanks to editor David Gowler for offering us this resource for living in an inhumane world.”
—Zoë Bennett, fellow, Wesley House Cambridge
“Christopher Rowland paints a compelling portrait of the pragmatic possibilities of theology when it bravely engages the valiant struggle of marginalized communities around the globe. Informed by Rowland’s lifelong commitment to a liberating and radical Christianity, this book unflinchingly addresses the abuses and misuses of religion, while fearlessly insisting that religion at its best is a potent force for promoting abundant life for all.”
—Brad R. Braxton, president and professor of public theology, Chicago Theological Seminary
“How should we order our societies and our economies? Christians look to Scripture to answer these questions, but this turns out to be no simple matter, and we are faced with the ‘conflict of interpretations.’ Addressing this conflict, Christopher Rowland is one of our surest guides, and these essays underline the challenge which Scripture, as understood by liberation theology, poses to mainstream understandings of ‘the way things have to be.’”
—Tim Gorringe, professor emeritus of theological studies, University of Exeter
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