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Paul Tillich: a theology for the 21st century
Pomeroy gives the reader a clear view of the Systematic Theology of Paul Tillich, perhaps the greatest theologian of the 20th century. Tillich's theology addresses a wide range of theological issues beginning with the nature of God and ending with the nature of Eternal Life. Using the latest in social science analysis, Tillich identifies specific conditions confronted by individuals and nations, addressing each from a Bible-based theological standpoint. At the end of each chapter Pomeroy illustrates the issues at hand with real life stories or reflections from leading scientists, theologians and social scientists. This is then followed by discussion questions.The book is a welcome relief for theologians and lay people alike as it has depth without all those written words. For a mainline church study group it is a primer.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 3, 2024
Proximally and for the most part, the book is a highly condensed presentation (summation and interpretation) of Tillich’s book Systematic Theology. It is clearly written and the ideas, although sometimes lacking in detailed analysis, are clearly articulated. In my view, it best serves as a guidebook for reading Tillich’s major work.
Although advertised as an introduction to Tillich’s theology, it requires some pre-knowledge of Tillich’s religious philosophy, which is existential – but not progressive in nature – and the book seems to gloss over the “existential” elements in favor of the inclusion of psychology, historicity, and anthropology.
It is sold as offering a theology for the 21st century, and indeed, some of the thoughts regarding the organized church and religion, relate directly to the recent rise in religious/Christian nationalism in the US, which in Tillich’s terms represent the dangers of the “secularizing” and “demonizing” of the Christian faith.
Pomeroy is an interesting author who lives a rich and varied existence: pastor, forest ranger, Job Corps Director, and worker for the Peace Corps. He began seminary training at the late age of 55 – impressive!
My only complaint is his blatant dismissal of the Jesus Seminar, when in fact I believe Tillich would find their work – all of whom are Christians – yet one more way that faith and love, through language and interpretation, contribute to the deepening of a living and thriving Christian faith.
I highly recommend this book for those interested in Tillich. In addition, I also recommend the self-published studies on Tillich written by Jeremy Yunt - Love, Gravity, and God and Faithful to Nature. These three texts work in tandem to offer an interesting “secondary” inroad to Tillich’s original works.
Dr. James M. Magrini
Former: Philosophy & Religious Studies College of Dupage
NCIS
Although advertised as an introduction to Tillich’s theology, it requires some pre-knowledge of Tillich’s religious philosophy, which is existential – but not progressive in nature – and the book seems to gloss over the “existential” elements in favor of the inclusion of psychology, historicity, and anthropology.
It is sold as offering a theology for the 21st century, and indeed, some of the thoughts regarding the organized church and religion, relate directly to the recent rise in religious/Christian nationalism in the US, which in Tillich’s terms represent the dangers of the “secularizing” and “demonizing” of the Christian faith.
Pomeroy is an interesting author who lives a rich and varied existence: pastor, forest ranger, Job Corps Director, and worker for the Peace Corps. He began seminary training at the late age of 55 – impressive!
My only complaint is his blatant dismissal of the Jesus Seminar, when in fact I believe Tillich would find their work – all of whom are Christians – yet one more way that faith and love, through language and interpretation, contribute to the deepening of a living and thriving Christian faith.
I highly recommend this book for those interested in Tillich. In addition, I also recommend the self-published studies on Tillich written by Jeremy Yunt - Love, Gravity, and God and Faithful to Nature. These three texts work in tandem to offer an interesting “secondary” inroad to Tillich’s original works.
Dr. James M. Magrini
Former: Philosophy & Religious Studies College of Dupage
NCIS
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews