This book presents a view of Christianity and Christian thinking that draws on some key thinkers from Plato to Wittgenstein and represents a thoughtful 'common sense' theology offered as an alternative to the anti-intellectualism of many contemporary Christians and to the distortions of Christianity provided by some of the most vocal critics. Seeking to make accessible some traditional Christian thinking and practices that are rooted in the desire to make the most of life, Felderhof highlights the additional Platonic corollary that unless we have learned to live well, we shall not properly understand, thus presuming the mutual interdependence of theory and practice. Felderhof portrays how Christian theology is to do with making sense of what Christians do and how generally we are best advised to live. This is an invaluable introduction to key themes for students and a wide range of readers.
Biography
Dr. Marius C. Felderhof is a senior lecturer in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion of the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He has taught Christian theology to undergraduates over many years and has always been keen to bring the subject down to earth. He has an interest in education and been influential in the development of a new religious education syllabus for the schools of the religiously diverse City of Birmingham. This syllabus incorporates a website (www.birmingham-asc.org.uk) and a series of films that are used to bring religious faith to life, highlighting varying religious contributions to the ideals and visions of the good life. He has written many articles for academic journals and recently edited a book with P. Thompson and D. Torevell entitled Inspiring Faith in Schools, Studies in Religious Education
'Marius Felderhof revisits Christianity neither as insider nor as outsider, but invites us to take part in this fictive dialogue between both - a meeting to spark off the discovery of how to live well and how this life experience can be reflected upon theologically today.' Markus Vinzent, King's College London, UK 'Revisiting Christianity provides a clear, accessible, yet philosophically nuanced guide to Christian belief and practice. Felderhof’s long experience of teaching theology to students in a secular, pluralist university setting has enabled him to identify and to communicate both what is important and what is distinctive about Christian faith and commitment. His is a vision of Christianity that stimulates the intellect, engages the emotions and invites a response.' L. Philip Barnes, King’s College London and Union Theological College, Belfast UK '... a major strength of the book is not only that it examines the claims and behaviours of Christianity but that it does so using a theologically reflective approach. This not only offers answers to some questions students might have, but a method for arriving at answers for themselves. This is possibly its major selling point for those involved in theological education.' Journal of Adult Theological Education
