Anthropological theory can radically transform our understanding of human experience and offer theologians an introduction to the interdisciplinary nature between anthropology and Christianity. Both sociocultural anthropology and theology have made fundamental contributions to our understanding of human experience and the place of humanity in the world. But can these two disciplines, despite the radical differences that separate them, work together to transform their thinking on these topics? Robbins argues that they can. To make this point, he draws on key theological discussions of atonement, eschatology, interruption, passivity, and judgement to rethink important anthropological debates about such topics as ethical life, radical change, the ways people live in time, agency, gift giving, and the nature of humanity. The result is both a major reconsideration of important aspects of anthropological theory through theological categories and a series of careful readings of influential theologians such as Moltmann, Pannenberg, Jungel, and Dalferth informed by rich ethnographic accounts of the lives of Christians from around the world. In conclusion, Robbins draws on contemporary discussions of secularism to interrogate the secular foundations of anthropology and suggests that the differences between anthropology and theology surrounding this topic can provide a foundation for transformative dialogue between them, rather than being an obstacle to it. Written as a work of interdisciplinary anthropological theorizing, this book also offers theologians an introduction to some of the most important ground covered by burgeoning field of the anthropology of Christianity while guiding anthropologists into core areas of theological discussion. Although theoretically ambitious, the book is clearly argued throughout and written to be accessible to all readers in the social sciences, theology, and religious studies interested in the place of religion in social life and human experience.
Reviews
a delight to read- a deeply satisfying work that is also truly groundbreaking. * Timothy Larsen, History and Anthropology *
With Theology and the Anthropology of Christian Life Joel Robbins has given us a work that is slim in size yet overflowing with ideas for-and challenges to-anthropologies of both Christianity and humanity at large. * Simon Coleman, History and Anthropology *
for some, the dialogue with theology may be an unexpected choice, yet nobody can doubt the critical insights and the productivity of the chapters, or the unpredictable places that the book takes its readers, not to mention the good humour and 'full moral tone' that suffuses all of Joel Robbins's work and certainly all of his interactions with colleagues. * Courtney Handman, History and Anthropology *
Joel Robbins' much anticipated second monograph is a significant contribution to the foundation of theologically engaged anthropology * J. Derrick Lemons, History and Anthropology *
This is a stimulating work: rather than a theologian taking up social science, here is a social scientist creatively embracing theology. * John Mansford Prior, SVD, Mission Studies *
Theology and the Anthropology of Christian Life represents Robbins's most robust attempt yet to flesh out what a risky and transformative disciplinary engagement between anthropology and Christian theology might entail. * Sara A. Williams, Journal of the American Academy of Religion *
Part of what makes the book intriguing is Robbins's admitted personal grounding in the Pentecostal charismatic faith tradition. Robbins shows readers how theology and social anthropology have engaged, but also been influenced by, modern and postmodern ways of thinking ... Overall, this provocative book will be useful to both disciplines as they contribute to a more robust understanding of humanity and the world. * A. L. Kolp, CHOICE *
...stimulating work, which I shall be referring to frequently. * John Mansford Prior, Ledalero Institute of Philosophy *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198845041
Author Joel Robbins
Format Hardback
Page Count 206
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 144mm * 18mm