For the Life of the World: Theology That Makes a Difference

Volf (Public Faith in Action), theology professor at Yale, and Croasmun (The Emergence of Sin), director of Yale’s Life Worth Living program, assert that the contemporary discipline of theology is in crisis. The authors believe theological study has veered far from its essential purpose of promoting “true life in the presence of God” and label their book “a manifesto” that challenges readers to adapt their practice of theology, which addresses “the grand goal of God: fashioning each human and the entire world into God’s home and our true home as well.” The authors suggest that colleges, universities, and religious institutions now focus on equipping people to generate resources rather than undertake the search for truth and meaning, but they also insist that the world still requires a compelling theology “to discern, articulate and commend a vision of flourishing life.” Though this work of erudite scholarship may prove challenging for the amateur theologian to navigate, Volf and Croasmun persuasively argue that faithfully practiced Christian theology can engage the challenges posed by scientific inquiry and other religious worldviews. For Bible scholars and theological historians, this fervent book will be sure to inspire conversations about the purpose of academic pursuits in theology. (Jan.)