The T & T Clark Blog

'The Big Questions'

Newly minted professor (and T&T Clark author) Francesca Stavrakopoulou was on the BBC's 'The Big Questions', broadcast yesterday. Iplayer link here for those in the UK. The programme debated the existence of God. I haven't watched all of it, because my internet is a bit slow for such things at work (and, errr, because I'm at work). But the bit I did watch disappointed me a little because the theist arguments I heard seemed very simple, and to come from a wholly uneducated perspective. This was particularly the case when they were talking about an uncaused cause, or an unmoved mover, which even Nicky Campbell seemed to know something about - God (if he exists - I don't know cos I didn't watch the whole show) bless wikipedia. People clearly hadn't really grasped their Aquinas, and had I been there I'd have recommended that they consult several T&T Clark publications for help... notably our Aquinas Reader's Guide.

It was whilst some chap with the poetically significant name Adam, described as a 'Muslim Thinker', was getting himself tangled up that Francesca chipped in with the point that looking at creation as a single event doesn't entirely fit with the biblical account... which suggests an ongoing process of creation. One might even say 'Creation, Un-creation, Re-creation' (as Joe Blenkinsopp eloquently outlines in his book by this title). Of course, the biblical account does suggest an ongoing process of creation, a process of constant creation... (in addition of course to a 'beginning point') in which humanity has a part to play. This notion is present throughout the biblical text, and certainly in Christian theology. Sadly no-one on the theist front bench in 'The Big Questions' (at least not in the bit I watched) seemed to know this and some of them might need to read this, whereas certainly all of them could have done with a copy of this. They were all far more concerned with saying that the big bang doesn't disprove God. Of course, the Big Bang doesn't... so I'm not sure why they were all so preoccupied with it, but it seemed set to remain the battle ground de choix.

I gave up, as did my internet connection... when the old altruism debate (sometimes people are lovely for no apparent reason = God) was wheeled out in the most basic of terms. Of course there is rich fruit here and it is within this line of enquiry that I find my own belief, but sadly it wasn't put across well by the theist front bench.

Anyway, it was all good fun... and nice to have these debates on the telly I suppose. The best thing of all, however, is the way the programme is desribed on iplayer:

'Nicky Campbell debates evidence for the existence of God in Warrington'

I've never been to Warrington, so I wouldn't know.

A Brief History of Theology

I am delighted to announce the publication of A Brief History of Theology by Derek Johnston. The book is published under the Continuum imprint and provides a concise introduction to theology for the uninitiated. Whilst readers of this blog are unlikely to have need of it themselves, it should prove perfect fodder for the very start of undergraduate reading lists [over the summer before going up to university] or first term/semester light reading.

It is also an excellent book to recommend to A-level/High school students considering taking Religious Studies or Theology as a degree or for general readers interested in knowing a bit more about theology.

It, no doubt, would make a charming Christmas Present priced at less than a tenner.

 UK Customers click here|US Customers click here

Ontology and Providence in Creation

I am particularly excited to announce the publication of Mark Robson's Ontology and Providence in Creation: Taking Ex Nihilo Seriously, a new addition to our spirited new philosophy of religion list.

Robson's concern is to overturn the Leibnizean argument of creation - which can be traced back to Plato - that God's understanding encompassed a host of possible worlds, only one of which He actualised. Robson's contention is that this understanding of creation does not take seriously the idea of ex nihilo and that, rather than considering possible worlds, we should understand possibility as indeterminate. He then develops this argument and explores how it impacts on the problem of evil.

Those scholars who have read the manuscript prior to publication have greeted it with terrific enthusaism:

'Robson draws on a wide range of material in an illuminating way. Ambitious, constructive, confidently and clearly held together, this book displays real independence of thought.' Ann Loades CBE, Professor Emerita of Divinity, University of Durham, UK

'This is a bold book which offers a genuine and original contribution to both philosophical and theological debates. The ease, confidence and lucidity with which Robson discusses the philosophical and theological doctrines of a wide range of authors is very impressive.' Maria Rosa Antognazza, Reader in Philosophy of Religion, King's College London, UK

'Robson has made great progress on a central but neglected area of philosophy of religion. In a way, it is surprising that this kind of book has not been written before. Robson's work is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy of theism and creation.' Charles Taliaferro, Professor of Philosophy, St Olaf College, Minnesota, USA

'[Robson contends] that there are good philosophical reasons for believing that, prior to their actual existence, concepts and the possibilities inherent in them have no determinate meaning. So even God must respond to what actually emerges. It is an idea that could radically alter the way in which we think of God, creation and evil.' David Brown FBA, Professor of Theology, Aesthetics and Culture, University of St Andrews, UK

Ontology and Providence in Creation will be published on 1st August in the UK and 1st October in the US.