Theology for the Future

Wolfhart Pannenberg was one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century, and his work has much to offer contemporary theologians. In this book, the contributors analyze and discusses a component of Pannenberg’s theology with an eye to demonstrating its enduring promise for contemporary and future theological construction. Topics discussed include Pannenberg’s theological method, defense of the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection, doctrine of God, doctrine of the Trinity, theory of time, doctrine of creation, doctrine of salvation, and public theology.

Hollingsworth is to be congratulated for bringing together such an able variety of contributors to explore different aspects of the rich but complex theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg. Pannenberg is one of the most important theologians who has written over the last thirty years and his work deserves attention especially among English-speaking readers. His emphasis on futurity, resurrection, and theological method, have many theological and pastoral implications, which these essays bring out well. I commend this book warmly.--Anthony C. Thiselton, FBA, University of Nottingham, emeritus, United by a desire to see Pannenberg's legacy continue, the authors of this volume are not afraid to critically engage this theological giant and to genuinely wrestle with the topics. Time and time again I found myself in agreement that themes of Pannenberg's work - eschatology, theological method, theology & science, comparative religion, the public nature of theology - are key issues not only of our time, but for any theology of the future. Well worth reading!--Joanna Leidenhag, University of Leeds, Wolfhart Pannenberg was one of the most prolific and influential Protestant theologians of the twentieth century, rivaled only by his teacher Karl Barth. The authors of this volume help American readers understand Pannenberg's thought in its historical and social context and demonstrate its lasting significance for the global church today. This erudite collection of essays is a fitting tribute to a towering figure. Highly recommended.--Rhyne R. Putman, Williams Baptist University, Wolfhart Pannenberg's interdisciplinary approach to systematic theology, especially concerning the relation between philosophy and theology, has much to teach practitioners today. The essays in this volume provide not just a helpful overview of the main contours of Pannenberg's expansive thought, but they probe, appropriate, and, at times, move beyond Pannenberg to show the enduring relevance of his work. Charitably critical and complementarily constructive, these essays fertilize the ground Pannenberg sowed in the hopes of bearing more theological fruit in the future.--James M. Arcadi, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Andrew Hollingsworth is Online Instructional Design Specialist and adjunct professor of Christian Studies at Brewton-Parker College.