Who we are : our dignity as human : a neo-evangelical theology
This timely theology of humankind gives an evangelical and Reformed perspective on what it means for us to be created in the image of God and shows how this image relates to contemporary problems of racism, sexuality, and our relationship to the natural world. The second volume in the late Paul Jewett's planned multivolume systematic theology - which began with God, Creation, and Revelation - this work brings solid biblical and theological scholarship to bear on the Christian doctrine of humankind, showing that our unique dignity as human beings is to have been created to live our lives before God, in loving responsibility toward God and other people. Excellent doctrinal sermons by Marguerite Shuster demonstrate how theological and practical aspects of the doctrine of humankind might be preached in local congregations
Sermons
xiv, 487 pages ; 23 cm
9780802840752, 0802840752
34191571
Introduction : Humankind in space and time ; Humanity and mechanistic reductionism ; “Who are we?” - a sermon ; Humanity viewed as fellowship with God and neighbor ; Humanity viewed as individual selves
On being human: a Christian perspective : Introduction : On persons and personalities. Human nature on its material side: our existence in the body ; Human nature on its immaterial side: our transcendence of the body : Soul and spirit ; Addendum: concerning trichotomy. “Well-being” - a sermon ; Humankind: the image and likeness of God : Introduction : The reliquiae (relics, remnants) of the image. The meaning of the image as given in creation: human self-transcendence : Introduction : Memory. Self-transcendence and reason : First addendum: the retarded and the gifted ; Second addendum: concerning humor. Self-transcendence and will : Freedom or mechanism? a further comment. Self-transcendence and conscience : Introduction ; The biblical data ; Conclusion ; Addendum: conscience and the moral absolute. “Conscience” - a sermon ; The image and the sense of the beautiful
Human dignity and racial prejudice : Racism: its essence and its effects ; A concluding word ; Addendum: concerning capital punishment
The image and sexual polarity: “male and female he created them” : The man-woman relationship : Paul and the hierarchical view of the man-woman relationship ; The hierarchical view of the man-woman relationship elaborated and defended ; Other Scriptures bearing on the man-woman relationship : Jesus and women ; The Pauline argument revisited ; An analysis of the second creation narrative. The man-woman relationship viewed as a partnership of equals : Introduction : Sexual complementarity and wifely submission. The Magna Carta of humanity: Galatians 3:28 ; Conclusion. Addendum: misogyny in pagan and Christian thought. The mystery of human sexuality: a brief comment ; Excursus: the eternal feminine ; “Something fitting” - a sermon ; Sex, love, and marriage : Sex as erotic passion ; Romantic love : Some historical and theological observations ; Concerning the Song of Songs. Addendum: a cheer for Heloise. The covenant of marriage : The volitional nature of the marriage bond (vinculum matrimonii) ; Excursus: the celibate life ; Further comment on the marriage relationship : The personal quality of the one-flesh union ; Excursus: marriage viewed as a sacrament ; The blessings of marriage (bona matrimonii) ; Marriage and the gift of new life : Induced conception ; Birth control ; Abortion: a question of life and death : Concerning slogans and moral simplicities ; The biblical data ; Soul and fetus: a theological comment ; Abortion and women’s rights ; Conclusion. Fidelity within the marriage bond : First addendum: monogamy and polygamy ; Second addendum: sex and sin. Marriage as institution: the wedding : Addendum: arranged marriages. Divorce: the dissolution of the marriage bond : Marriage, divorce, and the divine will ; Conclusion. Concerning homosexuality: an extended addendum : The traditional case against homosexuality in the teaching of the church ; The traditional attitude shown toward homosexuality in the life of the church (and in society) ; The contemporary case for homosexuality : Concerning the distinction between sexual orientation and sexual behavior ; Concerning civil rights and medical opinions. The church and the contemporary case for homosexuality : Sexual orientation and sexual behavior revisited ; The biblical witness with respect to homosexuality : Genesis 19 ; Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 ; Romans 1:26-27 ; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10 ; The attempt to find a positive biblical word on homosexuality. Attempted solutions : Change of orientation ; Committed homosexual relationships ; Celibacy. A “conclusion” of sorts
The divine image and the dominion of humankind : The rise of civilization and technology : Cain and civilization ; Babel, science, and technology. Excursus: the mystery of life and evolution ; The ecological crisis : Particular ecological problems : Pollution ; Habitat destruction and the loss of species ; Population growth and hunger ; Exhaustion of resources. Economic and justice issues ; Technological possibilities and risks : Nuclear power ; Genetic engineering and biotechnology ; Conclusion. The recalcitrant and interlocking nature of the problems. A modest exercise of dominion : Stewardship ; Love of neighbor ; The value of beauty, gratitude, and contentment ; A view to God’s future. “A wider sympathy” - a sermon