From the dawn of Western thought to the present day, The Love of Wisdom tells the story of philosophy as something intensely theological, both in its insights and its wrong turns. The book will be invaluable for any student of theology or intellectual history, and for anyone who wants to see the intellectual cogency of the Christian faith at its best. The intellectual tradition of the Church emerges clearly from this book as one of the glories of the Christian inheritance. Andrew Davison argues that Christian thinkers will be more faithful to Christian teaching, not less, if they pay attention to philosophy. Our thinking is always philosophical, since we cannot think without categories or assumption. Our philosophy may as well, therefore, be good philosophy. By bringing our philosophy out into the open we can bring them under theological judgement. Clear and articulate, this book provides the philosophical background to Christian theology down the ages, and examines the intellectual climate of our own times.
Theology is far too wonderful a calling and a gift for its human practitioners to risk the absence of any potential allies. Among these, the magnificently clarifying agility and imaginative equipment of the philosophical traditions have been massively helpful to theologians who know how to command their aid without becoming becalmed within their own limitations. Andrew Davison’s book will be the invaluable companion for all who seek to grow theologically. He adroitly surveys the most crucial interactions of theology and philosophy over the centuries, but—more importantly—he brings to life the most exciting and informing encounters. -- Mark A. McIntosh
Theology today is eclectic: it is now possible to draw constructively on so many systems of thought that once were relegated to the history of ideas. Andrew Davison’s book lays out the wealth of these systems with the exactitude of a scientist and the attentiveness of a teacher. Particularly unique and helpful is his charting of philosophical ideas in their actual and potential theological lives. For the theologian in need of a careful, thorough, charitable, and critical introduction to the history of philosophy, it is difficult to imagine a more fitting work. -- Anthony D. Baker
ISBN: 9780334053040
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
330 pages