Description
Since the late 1980s the theme of God's self-revelation has been treated only briefly in Christian theology, at times simply ignored, and often confused with biblical inspiration. Revelation: Towards a Christian Theology of God's Self-Revelation lays out its basic characteristics, and begins by distinguishing between revelation in the primary sense (a living encounter with God's self-disclosure) and in the secondary sense (statements of faith derived from that encounter, or 'propositional' revelation). It considers revelation as transforming and informing, as being 'sacramental' or mediated through words and deeds, as communicated through an endless variety of means and mediators, as related to but distinct from biblical inspiration and truth, and as reaching those of 'other' faiths or of no faith at all. Gerald O'Collins skilfully distinguishes between past (or 'foundational') revelation, present (or 'dependent') revelation, and future (or 'eschatological') revelation. He expounds with ecumenical sensitivity the complex relationship between tradition and scripture. O'Collins moves into controversial areas by insisting that the divine self- revelation takes place only when received by human faith and that 'outside revelation there is no salvation (extra revelationem nulla salus'). This volume offers a coherent account of God's self-revelation, which can serve as a basis for all that follows in theology and for dialogue with those who follow 'other' living faiths or none at all. O'Collins extends and enriches what he has proposed in earlier books and articles about the characteristics of God's self-revelation.
About the Author
Australian-born Gerald O'Collins, SJ, AC, took his PhD at the University of Cambridge and taught at the Gregorian University (Rome) from 1973 to 2006, where he was also Dean of the Faculty of Theology (1985-91). He has written or co-written sixty published books (including Rethinking Fundamental Theology, Jesus Our Priest, and Salvation for All), authored hundreds of articles in professional and popular journals, and lectured at many universities and colleges in the UK, Ireland, USA, India, New Zealand, his native Australia, and elsewhere. As well as receiving numerous doctorates and other honorary awards, in 2006 he was created a Companion of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest civil honour granted through the Australian government.
Reviews
O'Collins's book is interesting as it interacts in illuminating fashion with official Roman Catholic teaching and documents, particularly from the Second Vatican Council. In his attempt to distinguish between God's self-revelation and the propositional content that it generates, O'Collins identifies important questions concerning what Christians are able to say with confidence about God when revelation is seen in personal and relational terms. The proposal to distinguish between revelation and inspiration is well made and the insistence that reception is considered an integral aspect of the event of revelation is important. * Mark Ord, Co-director BMS World Mission, Theology *
O'Collins, by dint of extraordinary application, discipline, and self-expenditure, has mastered this art to a supreme degree for the benefit not just of the Christian community, but of all those aware of the importance of religion in the contemporary period together with its troubled and troubling condition. * Patrick Madigan, Heythrop Journal *
An obvious strength is its sheer scope and breadth. Each and every chapter is packed full of engagement with a wide grouping of theologians and philosophers, both old and new. * Jordan Haddad, Reading Religion *
O'Collins once again gives us an in-depth look at a traditional theme. ... This is a densely argued book which provides anyone interested in understanding Christian revelation a clearly argued position as well as support for that position. * Nathan Kollar, Catholic Book Reviews *
O'Collins presents a well-researched and balanced theology of revelation that reflects his profound engagement with the tradition and contemporary scholarship. ... Students of theology, especially at the graduate level, will certainly benefit from a careful reading of this book. * Robin Ryan, New Theology Review *
In the book, [O'Collins] exhibits his usual erudition. He knows and uses the Scriptures to great effect. He shows detailed knowledge about classical, modern, and contemporary discussions of revelation, especially including the Church Fathers and Dei Verbum from Vatican II ... Revelation is a wonderful book. It is orthodox, incisive, and well written. It deserves a wide reading by scholars and laypeople alike. * Stephen T. Davis, Theological Studies *
A superb book and an absolute joy to read * Andrew Torrance, Expository Times *
Book Information
ISBN 9780198784203
Author Gerald O'Collins, SJ
Format Hardback
Page Count 244
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 143mm * 19mm
About the Author
Australian-born Gerald O'Collins, SJ, AC, took his PhD at the University of Cambridge and taught at the Gregorian University (Rome) from 1973 to 2006, where he was also Dean of the Faculty of Theology (1985-91). He has written or co-written sixty published books (including Rethinking Fundamental Theology, Jesus Our Priest, and Salvation for All), authored hundreds of articles in professional and popular journals, and lectured at many universities and colleges in the UK, Ireland, USA, India, New Zealand, his native Australia, and elsewhere. As well as receiving numerous doctorates and other honorary awards, in 2006 he was created a Companion of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest civil honour granted through the Australian government.
Reviews
O'Collins's book is interesting as it interacts in illuminating fashion with official Roman Catholic teaching and documents, particularly from the Second Vatican Council. In his attempt to distinguish between God's self-revelation and the propositional content that it generates, O'Collins identifies important questions concerning what Christians are able to say with confidence about God when revelation is seen in personal and relational terms. The proposal to distinguish between revelation and inspiration is well made and the insistence that reception is considered an integral aspect of the event of revelation is important. * Mark Ord, Co-director BMS World Mission, Theology *
O'Collins, by dint of extraordinary application, discipline, and self-expenditure, has mastered this art to a supreme degree for the benefit not just of the Christian community, but of all those aware of the importance of religion in the contemporary period together with its troubled and troubling condition. * Patrick Madigan, Heythrop Journal *
An obvious strength is its sheer scope and breadth. Each and every chapter is packed full of engagement with a wide grouping of theologians and philosophers, both old and new. * Jordan Haddad, Reading Religion *
O'Collins once again gives us an in-depth look at a traditional theme. ... This is a densely argued book which provides anyone interested in understanding Christian revelation a clearly argued position as well as support for that position. * Nathan Kollar, Catholic Book Reviews *
O'Collins presents a well-researched and balanced theology of revelation that reflects his profound engagement with the tradition and contemporary scholarship. ... Students of theology, especially at the graduate level, will certainly benefit from a careful reading of this book. * Robin Ryan, New Theology Review *
In the book, [O'Collins] exhibits his usual erudition. He knows and uses the Scriptures to great effect. He shows detailed knowledge about classical, modern, and contemporary discussions of revelation, especially including the Church Fathers and Dei Verbum from Vatican II ... Revelation is a wonderful book. It is orthodox, incisive, and well written. It deserves a wide reading by scholars and laypeople alike. * Stephen T. Davis, Theological Studies *
A superb book and an absolute joy to read * Andrew Torrance, Expository Times *
Book Information
ISBN 9780198784203
Author Gerald O'Collins, SJ
Format Hardback
Page Count 244
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 143mm * 19mm
