Beginnings: Interrogating Hauerwas

It is impossible not to be theologically engaged; the reader too is interrogated ... A valuable companion for those who know Hauerwas's work and want to probe its riches in depth. * The Expository Times *
In this remarkable and thoroughly enjoyable book, Brian Brock gives the reader a unique opportunity to comprehend the mind of Hauerwas in a way that has rarely been possible in print. * Theology *
[Beginnings] is nothing short of exceptional … In Brock’s hands, Hauerwas is humanized in a wonderful way … Beginnings is a wonderful contribution to Hauerwas’s theological work because he finally allows himself to be “out-of-control” with regards to some hard questions. It is a testament to his friendship with Brock that he trusts him enough to engage in this theological dialogue and it is a credit to Brock’s integrity that he does not let Hauerwas off the hook. * Modern Theology *
Hauerwas is a one of a kind theologian and Brock draws that out in these conversations for our enjoyment and edification. * AndyGoodliff blog *
This is no ordinary conversation. Brian Brock's deep familiarity with the entire Hauerwas corpus, astute and persistent probing, combined with an ability to push Hauerwas hard, results in an important book - one that offers new perspectives on both Hauerwas the man and the integrative importance of Christology and ecclesiology within his diverse theological vision. Following the discussion is demanding. It is also an education - not only in Hauerwasian theology but in truth-telling, the art of conversation, wisdom, virtue, suffering, prayer, love, hope and joy. All told, a richly rewarding eavesdropping experience. * Patrick Mitchel, Irish Bible Institute, Ireland *
A common refrain in recent decades has been that friendship, dialogue and conversation are important elements in the work of theology. Rarely, however, do we see these in action in theological discourse. This creative and stimulating book does just this, drawing us into the dialogue between Brock and Hauerwas as they navigate through and burrow down into various elements of Hauerwas's theology, with Brock an ideal interlocutor. An engaging, robust and insightful conversation. * Bradford A. Anderson, Dublin City University, Ireland *
Beginnings is a compelling read from start to finish. The format of the book enables the reader to get into the mind and heart of Hauerwas in a unique way, to really grasp what makes this world renowned Christian theologian and activist tick. The animated series of conversations delve into and provide great clarity, and some new insights, on his stance on all the major questions that flow from being a Christian. This is an informative and inspiring volume that should be compulsory reading for both students of theology and those interested in the challenge of Christian identity. * Pádraig Corkery, Pontifical University, Ireland *
This remarkable collection of informal conversations gives us an easily-read overview and introduction to the work of one of the most important Christian ethicists writing today - Stanley Hauerwas. His friend and collaborator -and fellow Texan - Brian Brock discusses with Hauerwas himself the whole range of his radical and daring ideas over nearly half a century of profound rethinking of what it means to be a Christian in our time. For anyone who already follows Hauerwas's work, this book is an essential addition to their reading. For anyone who does not yet know it, this is the perfect place to start. * Sophie-Grace Chappell, The Open University, UK *
This is a marvellous book – 300 pages of an intensely interesting conversation between two great theologians and friends, Stanley Hauerwas and Brian Brock, skilfully edited by Kevin Hargaden. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. * Modern Believing *