This collection of articles presents the main contributions to the third LEST (Louvain Encounters in Systematic Theology) conference, held at the K.U.Leuven's Faculty of Theology, November 2001. Its theme, Theology and Conversation: Towards a Relational Theology, continues the explorations in contemporary theology as set out in the 1997 LEST I conference on The Myriad Christ (BETL 152) and in the 1999 LEST II conference on Sacramental Presence in Postmodern Context (BETL 160). In LEST III also, the plurality and diversity of theological approaches play a major role and the question is raised whether the contemporary theological endeavour in a global world contains in itself the tools to respectfully and constructively approach this diversity. The ideas of relation and conversation, as found in the theologies of the Trinity and of creation, as presupposed in ecclesial praxis, and as articulated in reflections that take their bearings from spiritual experience, provide a powerful means for renewed theological reflection capable of confronting plurality and diversity.

Foreword / Kimlyn J. Bender and Bruce L. McCormack -- Engagements with the theology of Karl Barth, Christ and canon, theology and history : the Barth-Harnack dialogue revisited / Kimlyn J. Bender -- Argue theologically with one another : Karl Barth's argument with Emil Brunner / Gerhard Sauter -- God's being is his own decision : the Jüngel-Gollwitzer "debate" revisited / Bruce L. McCormack -- The time that remains : Hans-Georg Geyer in the intellectual debate about a central question in the twentieth century / Gerrit Neven -- Echoes of Barth in Jon Sobrino's critique of natural theology : a dialogue in the context of post-colonial theology / Matthew D. Lundberg -- "Beautiful playing" : Moltmann, Barth, and the work of the Christian / Cynthia L. Rigby -- Conversations with traditional theological topics "inspired heterodoxy" : the freedom of theological inquiry and the well-being of the church / Dawn DeVries -- What is the meaning of revelation? : H. Richard Niebuhr, modernism, and nicene Christianity / George Hunsinger -- Interpretatio in bonem partem : Jürgen Moltmann on the immanent Trinity / Thomas R. Thompson -- God's body or beloved other? : Sallie McFague and Jürgen Moltmann on God and creation / David J. Bryant -- In search of a non-violent atonement theory : are Abelard and Girard a help or a problem? / Gregory Anderson Love -- The people of God in Christian theology / Katherine Sonderegger -- Will all be saved or only a few? : a dialogue between faith and grace / Jürgen Moltmann -- Wholly called, holy callings : questioning the secular/sacred distinctions in vocation / Stephen L. Stell -- Theological identity : a dance of loyalty / Kathleen D. Billman -- Luther's ghost : ein gluehender backofen voller liebe / George Newlands -- Theology in dialog with society and culture : which forms and themes should Christian theology uphold in dialog with secular culture? / Michael Welker -- Faith in the public square / David Fergusson -- Reading for preaching : the preacher in conversation with story-tellers, biographers, poets, and journalists / Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. -- Charles Hodge as a public theologian / John Stewart.

Sometimes described as “a theologian’s theologian,” David Tracy’s scholarship has impacted countless thinkers around the globe. The complexity of his thought, however, has often made engaging his work into a daunting challenge. Combining analysis of the most influential features of Tracy’s theology (theological method, the religious classic, public theology) with a retrieval of his more overlooked interests (Christology, God), Stephen Okey presents the essential themes of Tracy’s career in accessible and insightful prose.

This work demonstrates how understanding environmental science and theology can provide new resources for sustaining the Earth. With sidebars, discussion questions, and recommended readings, the book provides students with a text that nurtures both critical thinking and ethical action.

Here, theologians explore religion, economics, and culture in our increasingly globalized world. The book covers conflicts inherent in conversation, embodied conflicts and conversations, and expanding boundaries of conversation.

Challenging all who are concerned about religion in today's world, J. Deotis Roberts outlines a new way of looking at the essential questions. Roberts proposes a theology concerned with concrete and specific situations that also retains a universal vision. In discussing the relationship of American black thought to African, liberation, feminist, Asian, and Euro-American theologies, he covers significant religious issues such as love, justice, power, and evil.

What difference does theological thinking make? Does Christianity have any relevance for our secular, globalized, environmentally threatened world? Specifically formulated for undergraduate and seminary courses in theology, this volume answers a resounding yes. Gathering many respected and original Christian thinkers who have been inspired by the example and work of theologian Sallie McFague, this book engages such topics as God, Christ, revelation, eschatology, and church in three intertwined and pressing areas: (1) our religious life and language in a secularized, pluralistic society, (2) our newly globalized economic life, and (3) our threatened environmental life.

"A Sheed & Ward book." Includes bibliographical references and index. A society of their own (1953-1964) -- College theology as academic discipline (1923-1964) -- The CTS (1965-1974) -- Theology as liberation, revolution, freedom (1965-1974) -- Defining membership, defending members of the college theology society (1975-1984) -- The hermeneutical circle : location! location! location! (1975-1984) -- Maintaining identity; drawing boundaries; fighting battles (1985-1994) -- Theology in local and global perspective (1985-1994) -- Negotiating the golden years (1995-2004) -- Nos quedamos (1995-2004).

How might practice theories and engagement with practice contribute to and advance theological study of religion and religious life and practices? This volume explores and discusses how theological engagement with practice, theoretically as well as empirically, might profit from theories of practice developed in disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, education and organisational studies during the recent decades, but so far scarcely employed within theology. In part I, the volume unfolds key components of practice theory, especially as they have more recently been developed within sociological practice theories, reflect on their significance and potential with regard to theology. In part II, these perspectives are employed in the study of concrete religious practices - established as well as experimental religious practices, and collective as well as individual ones. By unfolding connections between theology and practice theories, and reflecting on practice theories' analytical and theoretical potential for theological study of religion, the book will be of interest for any scholar in the study of contemporary religion and practical theology.

There has long been a need for a comprehensive but truly introductory single-authored textbook in theology. By introducing the reader to the biblical, doctrinal and contemporary dimensions of Christianity with the help of illustrated examples from selected primary texts, the book provides an excellent grounding in theology for both students of the discipline and the general reader. The work explores key 'tools' for the scientific study of theology, endeavoring both to affirm the rationale behind Christian thinking, and also to familiarize the reader with significant contrary positions. The solid foundations in biblical theology and hermeneutics given in the book will enable students to read Judeo-Christian scripture intelligently. Key testimonies regarding Jesus Christ are scrutinized and the nature of the New Testament discussed. As well as the emergence of doctrinal orthodoxy and the later disagreements which have shaped contemporary Christianity, the reader will become familiar with the dimensions of current Christian thinking in its dialogue with post-modernity. This new edition includes an additional chapter examining Spirituality, and a series of companion videos for each chapter.