Since first Thomas Aquinas defined theology as revelation, or the rational elucidation of revealed truth, the idea of revelation has played a fundamental role in the history of western theology. This book provides a new and detailed investigation of the concept, examining its nature, sources, and limitations in all five of the major scriptural religions of the world: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The first part of the book discusses the nature of theology, and expounds the comparative method as the most useful and appropriate for the modern age. Part Two focuses on the nature of religion and its early historical manifestations, whilst the third part of the book goes on to consider the idea of revelation as found in the great canonical traditions of the religions of the world. Part Four develops the distinctively Christian idea of revelation as divine self-expression in history. The final part of the book discusses how far the idea of revelation must be revised or adapted in the light of modern historical and scientific thought, and proposes a new and positive theology of revelation for the future. The book includes discussions of the work of most major theologians and scholars in the study of religion - Aquinas, Tillich, Barth, Temple, Frazer, and Evans Pritchard - and should be of interest to many scholars and students of comparative religion and theology, and anthropologists.
Reviews
`betrays a greater degree of religious dogmatism than is now normal among western intellectuals. ... Ward offers a devout defence of the Christian outlook.' Times Higher Education Supplement
'Ward offers a devout defence of the Christian outlook. His aim is to restore Christian theology to its proper place as a science.' Shabbir Akhtar, The Times Higher, 16 December 1994
Ward's book ... deals with a very important topic and in its clarity and sobriety deserves to be read. It makes one think. * Month, June 1995 *
If you want to expand your thinking on religion in a direction which takes into account historical and modern scientific methods then this book will be a valuable addition to your library. * The Reader *
The range of Ward's study is impressive ... Here is the Regius Professor in risky creative mood, and it represents a considerable advance on his more popular A Vision to Pursue. * Theology *
Thoughtful and engaging work ... Highly recommended for seminaries and universities. * Religious Studies Review *
Ward's book ... deals with a very important topic and in its clarity and sobriety deserves to be read. It makes one think. * The Month *
With perfect timing Keith Ward ... enters the fray ... the distinctive feature of his treatment here is the inter-faith emphasis ... It is a volume that is essential to read. For sheer creativity and ingenuity, Ward is one of the greatest systematicians working in Britain today. * Reviews in Religion and Theology *
Specialists will inevitably have resevations about various parts of Ward's depiction, but this should not detract from the wide learning and energetic scope of his grand vision. * Journal of Contemporary Religion *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198264668
Author Keith Ward
Format Hardback
Page Count 360
Imprint Clarendon Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 570g
Dimensions(mm) 219mm * 147mm * 25mm