A Lifetime in the Church and the University by Anthony C. Thiselton

by Anthony C. Thiselton

These recollections of a life-time in the Church and in different universities give rise to a diverse series of anecdotes, which provide, first, some entertaining humor, second, a glimpse into both academic and church life, and third my attempted contributions to Christian theology. Teaching in five British universities, belonging to such church national bodies as fifteen years on the Church of England General Synod, twenty-eight years serving on the Doctrine Commission, and many years on other Church committees, as well as secular national bodies . . . has left a reservoir of diverse memories that some have thought worth sharing. At the beginning there is more about the providence of God and my own mistakes than anything else. These chapters begin with a relatively high ratio of entertainment, but become increasingly theological in the later chapters. Towards the end, my story concerns teaching in America, Korea, and elsewhere. Although the Church of England and British universities often provide a focus, my overseas doctoral graduates assure me that the story would be of international interest. Those who have read one of my twenty books (and three more to come) may also have a special interest in it.

Genres: Biography

Paperback

First published December 15, 2014

About the author

Anthony Charles Thiselton is emeritus professor of Christian theology at the University of Nottingham and a fellow of the British Academy. His recent publications include Approaching Philosophy of Religion, Discovering Romans, Systematic Theology, The Holy Spirit, and The Last Things.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few of Thiselton’s texts on hermeneutics. This book describes his seminary life and early challenges in ministry. It reads like a laugh-riot. Evidently, he knew every evangelical Anglican of importance in the last 50 years.

The book can be read in one or two sittings. It is a warm Sabbath read. While most of us won’t have the experience of Wodehouse’s England, we can probably identify with Thiselton when he would go to a new church or college, expecting to have quality music in worship, only to be demanded to play “Shine, Jesus Shine.”

The book ends with his various committees on controversies in the Church of England regarding healing and women in the ministry. I do wish he would have said more on homosexuality. Then again, he might not have been on any of those study groups.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far more entertaining than I was expecting - particularly if you know Prof Thiselton.