Theology in the Democracy of the Dead: A Dialogue with the Living Tradition - Paperback

by Matt Jenson (Author)

G. K. Chesterton wrote, "Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead." This book pays homage to major theologians of the Christian tradition that tell the history of theology. Matt Jenson engages in charitable yet critical exposition and dialogue with eleven select thinkers, offering a lucid, synthetic account of their theology with a view to ongoing systematic theological issues. He engages directly with core primary texts and treats individual theologians in greater depth and nuance than most overview textbooks.

Back Jacket

G. K. Chesterton once wrote that "tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead." Matt Jenson seeks to enfranchise the dead by dialoguing with eleven major Christian theologians, inviting their input into the work of theology.

"A lively and accessible--and yet also deeply considered--set of conversations with some of the Christian tradition's most vivid and powerful voices. Again and again these voices from the past come to life in response to Jenson's queries and exclamations. A first-rate example of truly dialogical theology."
--Alan Jacobs, Honors College, Baylor University

"Jenson deserves our deepest thanks for extending this superb invitation to apprenticeship with some of the finest thinkers ever to walk the face of the earth. I hope and pray that many readers will respond with close attention, advancing in Christian discipleship in communion with the saints."
--Douglas A. Sweeney, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

"This book invites readers to learn the craft of Christian theology from eleven of its master practitioners. Jenson shows himself to be more than just an uncommonly deep and skillful reader of these theological classics, though that alone would make these chapters worth close study; he goes further, proving to be that exceptional guide who can teach others to read better by reading alongside him. A rare opportunity for theological apprenticeship."
--Fred Sanders, author of The Triune God

"Conversation lies at the heart of the theological enterprise, conversations with great minds of the past in particular. Dispelling damaging caricatures with a largely sure touch, Jenson converses with eleven diverse Christian theologians from across the centuries. By doing so, he engages with many of the key issues of Christian theology--issues which transcend historical context despite always being contextually bound in their articulation. These essays will surely generate further conversation."
--Frances Young, University of Birmingham (emeritus)

"This book has been years in the making. It is a serious engagement with some of the most formative minds in the Christian tradition written by one of the most thoughtful and careful theologians working today. Those who read it will be challenged to think deeply about fundamental matters of the Christian faith. A rich and rewarding work full of conversations with those who, though dead, yet speak."
--Oliver D. Crisp, University of St. Andrews

Author Biography

Matt Jenson (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is associate professor of theology in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University in La Mirada, California. He has written The Gravity of Sin: Augustine, Luther, and Barth on 'homo incurvatus in se' and (with David Wilhite) The Church: A Guide for the Perplexed. Jenson is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.