A magnificent history of doctrine.—New York Review of Books"In this volume Jaroslav Pelikan continues the splendid work he has done thus far in his projected five-volume history of the development of Christian doctrine; defined as 'what the Church believes; teaches; and confesses on the basis of the word of God.' The entire work will become an indispensable resource not only for the history of doctrine but also for its reformulation today. Copious documentation in the margins and careful indexing add to its immense usefulness."—E. Glenn Hinson; Christian Century"This book is based on a most meticulous examination of medieval authorities and the growth of medieval theology is essentially told in their own words. What is more important; however; then the astounding number of primary sources the author has consulted or his sovereign familiarity with modern studies on his subject; is his ability to discern form and direction in the bewildering growth of medieval Christian doctrine; and; by thoughtful emphasis and selection; to show the pattern of that development in a lucid and persuasive narrative. No one interested in the history of Christianity or theology and no medievalist; whatever the field of specialization; will be able to ignore this magnificent synthesis."—Bernhard W. Scholz; History"The series is obviously the indispensable text for graduate theological study in the development of doctrine; and an important reference for scholars of religious and intellectual history as well. . . . Professor Pelikan's series marks a significant departure; and in him we have at last a master teacher."—Marjorie O'Rourke Boyle; Commonweal
#400593 in Books Bruce Lincoln 2006-06-15 2006-06-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .70 x 6.00l; .54 #File Name: 0226482030190 pagesHoly Terrors Thinking About Religion After September 11
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Bruce Lincoln successfully distinguishes between the important aspects of religion ...By Wyatt Monroe McDanielBruce Lincoln successfully distinguishes between the important aspects of religion; and applies them succinctly. In particular; the first and last chapters; the first detailing religion more generally and the last detailing religion's role in violence; were the most interesting.11 of 19 people found the following review helpful. A tough slogBy DTC#This is a difficult book to read because it is suffused with academic references and needlessly complex phrases and jargon. For example; "... a more lattitudinarian position verging even upon antinomianism." (p.84); "... the Manchester school of social antrhopology; and such French semiologists Roland Barthes." (p.78); "These are meant as Weberian ideal-types ..." (p.59). In short; the book targets an academic audience; IMO - not a lay audience.The author deconstructs speeches of George Bush and Osama bin Laden. The author tries to show that both Bush and bin Laden use the same essential religious themes and rhetorical devices to motivate and sway their target audiences ("Symmetric Dualisms"). IMO; this is sophistry; the same analytical technique could be applied to; say; Churchill and Hitler or Lincoln and Jefferson Davis.The primary redeeming qualities of the book are brief treatments of Sayyid Qutb and Mohammad Atta; and an even briefer treatment of the insanity following the French Revolution (e.g.; "The Cult of Reason").For the layperson; instead of this book I recommend Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence; 3rd Edition (Comparative Studies in Religion and Society; Vol. 13) by Mark Juergensmeyer. It is far more accessible; and IMO; it provides a much more useful analysis and a broader survey. If you're looking to learn more about Sayyid Qutb and his influence on Islamic radicals; turn to Terror and Liberalism by Paul Berman.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. comments of aneducated lay personBy karlstoffersA great deal of the book requires a university education in theology to understand it. Otherwise a thoughtful presentation. II recommend it
