Theology in the Public Square: Church, Academy, and Nation (Challenges in Contemporary Theology)

This study shows how theology lost its pivotal role, along with philosophy, within the history of the western university. Reflecting on his own extensive academic experience, Gavin DвЂTMCosta sketches out a fascinating project, whereby theology may once more become ''queen of the sciences.'' However, this requires rethinking the role of education and challenging modernist and postmodern visions of the university. He imagines what a Christian university might deliver: a challenge to the practice of various academic disciplines, giving detailed examples regarding religious studies and physics; as well as fostering the possibility of a genuinely intellectual Christian culture. The book feeds into debates about the religious identity of denominationally founded universities, taking as a test case Roman Catholic universities within the United States, and the role of freedom, funding, research, and progress within such universities. It also forms part of a wider attempt to propose a vital public role for theology that enables it to serve the Church, and engage the university, and the wider secular and inter-religious culture in which we live. This book will be of interest to those concerned with the future of the university as well as to students and teachers of theology and religion. This study rethinks the nature of theology and its role in universities. The author uses examples from both British and American institutions, examining the process whereby theology becomes a transformative force within academic establishments. This imaginative study rethinks the nature of theology and its rolein universities. The author sketches out a fascinating project using examplesfrom US and UK institutions, whereby theology becomes atransformative force within universities. Imagines what a Christian university, in which all disciplineshave been theologized, would look like. Feeds into discussions about the religious identity ofdenominationally-linked colleges and universities. Forms part of a wider attempt to imagine a vital public rolefor theology that enables it to serve both the Church and the widercommunity. This study shows how theology lost its pivotal role, along withphilosophy, within the history of the western university.Reflecting on his own extensive academic experience, Gavin D'Costasketches out a fascinating project, whereby theology may once morebecome "queen of the sciences." However, this requires rethinkingthe role of education and challenging modernist and postmodernvisions of the university. He imagines what a Christian universitymight deliver: a challenge to the practice of various academicdisciplines, giving detailed examples regarding religious studiesand physics; as well as fostering the possibility of a genuinelyintellectual Christian culture. The book feeds into debates about the religious identity ofdenominationally founded universities, taking as a test case RomanCatholic universities within the United States, and the role offreedom, funding, research, and progress within such universities.It also forms part of a wider attempt to propose a vital publicrole for theology that enables it to serve the Church, and engagethe university, and the wider secular and inter-religious culturein which we live. This book will be of interest to those concernedwith the future of the university as well as to students andteachers of theology and religion This Study Show How Theology Lost Its Pivotal Role, Along With Philosophy, Within The History Of The Western University. Reflecting On His Own Extensive Academic Experience, Gavin D'costa Sketches Out A Fascinating Project, Whereby Theology May Once More Become Queen Of The Sciences. However, This Requires Rethinking The Role Of Education And Challenging Modernist And Postmodern Visions Of The University. He Imagines What A Christian University Might Deliver: A Challenge To The Practice Of Various Academic Disciplines, Giving Detailed Examples Regarding Religious Studies And Physics; As Well As Fostering The Possibility Of A Genuinely Intellectual Christian Culture.--book Jacket. Theology's Babylonian Captivity In The Modern University -- Babylon In The Church : The United States And England -- Cyrus Returns : Rebuilding The Temple In Babylon -- Why Theologians Must Pray For Release From Exile -- The Engagement Of Virtue : A Theological Religious Studies -- The Marriage Of The Disciplines : Explorations On The Frontier -- Epilogue: Theology : The Church At The Heart Of The Christian University Proclaiming The Word To The World. Gavin D'costa. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [219]-238) And Index. This imaginative study rethinks the nature of theology and its role in universities. The author sketches out a fascinating project using examples from US and UK institutions, whereby theology becomes a transformative force within universities. Imagines what a Christian university, in which all disciplines have been theologized, would look like. Feeds into discussions about the religious identity of denominationally-linked colleges and universities. Forms part of a wider attempt to imagine a vital public role for theology that enables it to serve both the Church and the wider community. * This thought-provoking study rethinks the nature of theology and its role in universities. * The author sketches out a fascinating project using examples from US and UK institutions, whereby theology becomes a transformative force within universities.