The Truth Seeking Heart: Austin Farrer And His Writings

by Austin Farrer, Ann Loades (Editor), Robert MacSwain (Editor)

Austin Farrer was part of the extraordinary mid-20th century group of 'Oxford Christians', which also included C S Lewis, J R R Tolkien, Charles Williams and Dorothy Sayers. Described as 'the one genius that the Church of England produced' in the last century and 'author of incomparably the most interesting theological books ever to come out of Oxford', his great legacy is that his considerable learning expressed itself as practical spiritual direction. He believed that after all the argument, analysis and sifting of evidence, the purpose of theology was to show how to live and how to love. He died in 1968 and his many books are now out of print. Here is a thematically arranged anthology of his most influential writings with an extended introduction that assesses his contribution to Anglican life and through today.

Genres: Theology

236 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2006

About the author

Austin Marsden Farrer was a theologian and philosopher whom many consider to be an outstanding figure of 20th century Anglicanism. He served as Fellow and Chaplain of Trinity College, Oxford, 1935–1960.

He was the progenitor of the eponymous "Farrer hypothesis" suggesting that the Gospel of Mark was written prior to, and influenced, those of Matthew and Luke, in contradistinction to the "Q" theory of textual analysis more widely held outside Britain.

Reviews

[Dave McGaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is DENSE! But I powered through it and figured even if I got 25% out of it, it would be insightful and thought provoking and indeed it was. Austin Farrer does a wonderful job of framing our theology and putting to words the mystery and senses of our faith.

[Don Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense, challenging, mind & spirit expanding. Loved it!

[Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is full of gems of scriptural, theological, and philosophical reflection. I expect to return to it often.

[Nick Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin Farrer is fabulous - his mixture of godliness, trustworthy intelligence (ie you trust their approach even if you disagree with their conclusions) and sanity is surprisingly rare. The book is a collection of essays, gobbets and sermons that make a good stab at showing his scope. And he's Anglican, and he's funny - what's not to like.