All Things Hold Together in Christ: A Conversation on Faith, Science, and Virtue - Paperback

by James K. A. Smith (Editor), Michael L. Gulker (Editor)

As Christians engage controversial cultural issues, we must remember that "all things hold together in Christ" (Col. 1:17)--even when it comes to science and faith. In this anthology, top Christian thinkers--including Robert Barron, Timothy George, Stanley Hauerwas, Alasdair MacIntyre, Mark Noll, and N. T. Wright--invite us to find resources for faithful, creative thinking in the riches of the church's theological heritage and its worship traditions.

Back Jacket

This anthology invites Christians to find resources for faithful, creative thinking in the riches of the church's theological heritage and its worship traditions. Contributors include Robert Barron, Timothy George, Stanley Hauerwas, Alasdair MacIntyre, Mark Noll, and N. T. Wright, among others.

"The Colossian Forum is renewing the conversation on science in the church today. It's the kind of conversation we need--starting with worship of the Creator, practicing humble dialogue within Christian communities, and remembering the limits of science as well as its importance in a Christian worldview. This volume presents the writings of leading philosophers, theologians, and historians on the role of Christian practice in forming virtues, the role of virtues in forming intellectual discourse, and the role of Christology in forming our understanding of science and creation."
--Deborah Haarsma, president, BioLogos

"A quiet revolution is going on in the contested debates between science and religion, and this anthology represents vital reading for its manifesto. The editors insist, and I think they are correct, that the methodological basis for understanding dialogue between theology and science needs to be overhauled. It is time for theology to reclaim a voice but at the same time become aware of its limitations as a servant in the broader vision of building the church for a new century. This anthology will be essential reading for the student and educated layperson alike."
--Celia Deane-Drummond, University of Notre Dame

"This anthology's convergence of authors and readings invites readers into a new way of thinking about faithful Christian practice amid the postmodern university, Christian or otherwise. As such, those who follow the logic of All Things Hold Together in Christ will be initiated into 'The Colossian Way, ' which aspires to be nothing less than a viable mode of contemporary discipleship along the way of Jesus in a secular world."
--Amos Yong, Fuller Theological Seminary

"A valuable collection of writings for those wishing to go deeper into the theoretical underpinnings of The Colossian Forum. Drawing on Alasdair MacIntyre's work, various scholars develop insights for a virtue-centered approach to discipleship. Focused on religion and science, the implications extend more broadly to dialogue and debate over divisive issues, always looking for ways that faith can shape us to better engage challenges not as a threat but as a context in which faith may deepen."
--Jenell Paris, Messiah College; senior fellow, The Colossian Forum

Author Biography

James K. A. Smith (PhD, Villanova University) is professor of philosophy at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he holds the Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview. He was editor in chief of Comment magazine from 2013 to 2018 and is now editor in chief of Image journal.

Michael L. Gulker (MDiv, Duke Divinity School) is president of The Colossian Forum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.