Christian Hermeneutics
Paul Ricoeur and the Refiguring of Theology
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:26th Oct '95
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Paul Ricoeur is one of the most influential philosophers alive today. This book draws primarily on Ricouer's hermeneutic insights to address the fundamental question of how reference, truth, and meaning are related in the discourse of theology. The author defends the view that theological truth claims cannot be sustained without some appeal to the referential, or in Ricouer's terminology, "refigurative" potential intrinsic to our linguistic practices. What it means for Christians to tell the truth, for their language and life to display and thus elicit trust, cannot be understood apart from an appreciation of the refigurative power of language. By appealing to Aristotle's theory of mimesis (imitation) and muthos (plot), as well as to the ideas of Augustine and Heidegger on time, Paul Ricouer offers striking possibilities whereby theological discourse might renew its task of speaking truthfully of God, and hence of our relation to God, to one another, and to the world.
...a fine and highly readable interpretation...This work is commendable inasmuch as it draws theology into a fresh and potentially innovative examination of its functioning as a practical discipline. * Theological Studies *
clearly written book...Fodor's book is worth reading, not because he is able to set out a hermeneutical theory or praxis which meets his theological agenda, but precisely because of his agenda, and because he raises so many issues with great perspicuity. * Theology *
This is a beutifully written, spritiual book. At times its argument moves slowly, but always generously. It addresses itself to the Christian community from a place within the Christian community...it is a Christian act of truth-telling: humble before the enormity of its subject and gracious. * The Expository Times *
clearly written book...Fodor's book is worth reading, not because he is able to set out a hermeneutical theory or praxis which meets his theological agenda, but precisely because of his agenda, and because he raises so manu issues with great perspicuity. * Theology *
His book should ... be viewed as a good prolegomena to the project. It is also well worth reading by anyone interested in the problems associated with religious language. * George Khushf, University of South Carolina *
Clear and reliable reconstructions of Ricoeur's arguments immediately engage the reader ... an important and thoroughly researched book. * Religious Studies *
ISBN: 9780198263494
Dimensions: 220mm x 146mm x 27mm
Weight: 594g
384 pages