This book traces the intellectual journey of a Christian minister and theologian. Starting with his discovery of God through a love of the natural world, David Peel's encounter with thinkers from his Reformed tradition and extensive ecumenical involvement takes him to a revisionary theology which meets his attempt to integrate a scientific background with the Christian faith. Essays written during his career illustrate the path he has taken. The topics covered include theological method; the centrality of theology for the church's life and work; a sacramental view of ministry; the missional church; biblical authority; nonconformity's gifts to the contemporary church; and theological education. Peel's theological approach is as critical of inadequate theologies inherited from the past as it is determined to construct a Christian narrative which satisfies twin requirements: first, being congruent with the Jesus tradition; and secondly, convincing the minds, reaching the hearts, and driving the commitments of contemporary people. Both ministers and church members are challenged to view their own theological journeys as God-given vocations.
Industry Reviews
“Here is a lifetime’s work of reflective, radical, and ecumenical theology from a prominent voice in the British Reformed tradition, offering critique that churches of all kinds need to hear.”
—Canon Trevor Pitt, former Principal, North East Oecumenical Course (NEOC)
“David Peel is a working minister. His academic formation was scientific. His churchmanship is Reformed. Trained for service in London, he has exercised it in the north of England, but his horizons embrace the world. The teaching of theology and the training of ministers have been central to his vocation, but pastoral ministry—theology brought home and realized there—has been its foundation. These essays distill the active faith of a thinking man.”
—Clyde Binfield, Professor emeritus of History, University of Sheffield
“What kind of message should the church proclaim in the twenty-first century? From his years in ministry and in theological education, David Peel offers his response that a theologically informed dialogue with the competing narratives of our day might help to revitalize church life. Nine insightful essays call us to renewed thinking, true to the tradition we have inherited but fit for mission in our own context. Can we rise to the challenge?”
—Robert Pope, Vice-Principal and Director of Studies in Christian Doctrine and History, Westminster College, Cambridge
“David Peel writes against the background of a church pushed to the margins and a culture where, for many, belief in God is foreign to their mindset. He asks what future there might be for those who neither give up God in favor of the world, nor give up the world in favor of God. These lucid essays will be greatly valued by any interested in a future for theology, church, and ministry today.”
—John Harrod, former Principal, Methodist Foundation, Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester, England
