Synopsis: The subject of "culture" has provided theologians with a whole
new realm of exploration. By the turn of the twentieth century and the
beginning of this new milennium the subject of culture had presented
itself to theologians and church leaders for vital consideration. As one
of the world's leading theologians, Robert Jenson's eminent career has
coincided with the pre-eminence of culture in theological and churchly
discussion. Having described himself as a theologian of culture in his
earliest works, culture continually informs Jenson's systematic
theology, which in turn works its way out in countless cultural forms.
In Rhyming Hope and History we explore the philiosophical and
theological influences of Jenson's work and outline their vast and
varied applications to the world of culture and the life of the church.
For Jenson, the church is the cultural embodiment of the risen Christ in
the fallen reality of our world. In a series of conversations between
Jenson and leading thinkers, including G.W.F. Hegel, Jonathan Edwards,
Wittgenstein, Richard H. Niebuhr, Kathryn Tanner, Paul Tillich, Nicholas
Wolterstorff, Augustine, and Jeremy Begbie, we explore this creative and
courageous proposal. Endorsements: "Robert Jenson is one of the most
creative and interesting theologians to emerge in America in recent
generations. In this fine study, Russell Rook offers important insights
into his theology, and in particular, highlights the constant dialogue
with American--and broader Western--culture that has been such a
significant part of Jenson's project. Rook writes with verve and with an
easy mastery of the subject; this is a very good book on an important
figure." --Stephen R. Holmes Senior Lecturer in Theology The University
of St. Andrews "Robert Jenson is a towering figure in contemporary
theology, one who has made a signal contribution to understanding
culture theologically rather than letting theology be determined by the
cultural shibboleths of the day. Russell Rook provides the first
systematic analysis of Jenson's work and in the process makes an astute,
lucidly written, and doctrinally rich contribution to broader debates
about what it means to be the church in our Christ haunted and Christ
forgetting cultural context." --Luke Bretherton Reader in Theology and
Politics King's College London Author Biography: Russell D. Rook is a
member of The Salvation Army and was formerly the chair of Spring
Harvest, one of Europe's largest Christian conventions. A writer and
teacher, Russell's publications include: What Are We Waiting For?
Reflections on Eschatology and Contemporary Culture (with Stephen
Holmes) and Living Out Loud: Conversations in Virtue, Ethics and
Evangelicalism with Stanley Hauerwas and Friends.
