Christianity in Evolution
An Exploration
Christianity in Evolution
An Exploration
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Publisher: Georgetown University Press
ISBN: 9781589017696
Number of Pages: 176
Published: 01/08/2011
Width: 14 cm
Height: 21.6 cm
Evolution has provided a new understanding of reality, with revolutionary consequences for Christianity. In an evolutionary perspective the incarnation involved God entering the evolving human species to help it imitate the trinitarian altruism in whose image it was created and counter its tendency to self-absorption. Primarily, however, the evolutionary achievement of Jesus was to confront and overcome death in an act of cosmic significance, ushering humanity into the culminating stage of its evolutionary destiny, the full sharing of God's inner life. Previously such doctrines as original sin, the fall, sacrifice, and atonement stemmed from viewing death as the penalty for sin and are shown not only to have serious difficulties in themselves, but also to emerge from a Jewish culture preoccupied with sin and sacrifice that could not otherwise account for death. The death of Jesus on the cross is now seen as saving humanity, not from sin, but from individual extinction and meaninglessness. Death is now seen as a normal process that affect all living things and the religious doctrines connected with explaining it in humans are no longer required or justified.
Similar evolutionary implications are explored affecting other subjects of Christian belief, including the Church, the Eucharist, priesthood, and moral behavior.
Conversing with theology from the patristic to the modern age, Mahoney's book is sure to be debated in the classroom as an alternative voice in contemporary theology. Choice The kind of project that Mahoney pursues is desperately needed in theology. Let us hope that the discussion his book is likely to produce generates further detailed reflection on these pressing questions. Reviews in Religion and Theology Offers real challenges to contemporary theology, above all in demanding that theology address evolution honestly and full on. WORSHIP MAGAZINE There is much here to admire, and some sections-Mahoney's discussion of altruism; his critique of other evolutionary theologies-provide invaluable discussions. Mahoney raises again the question of how far it is necessary, or advisable, to reconstruct our theology in the light of modern science, but his work also raises questions as to how far science can aid this project. Mahoney's passion for his work, however, is evident, which makes Christianity in Evolution a stimulating, if sometimes infuriating, read. THEOLOGY A stimulating exploration, and one well worth adding to the Wish List for readers interested in the religion/science debates. Forbes It requires commitment and stamina, but those who summon up these qualities will be richly rewarded. For it shows, for once, Christianity looking forward in partnership with the modern world of science, rather than holding itself aloof and apart in a time warp. -- Peter Stanford The Independent UK
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