William Placher

William C. Placher (1948-2008) was Charles D. and Elizabeth S. LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and the author of such classic works as A History of Christian Theology and Jesus the Savior.

Unapologetic Theology

A Christian Voice in a Pluralistic Conversation

In Unapologetic Theology, William Placher examines religion and the search for truth in a pluralistic society. Among the issues he considers are science and its relation to belief, dialogue among various religions, and the theological method.

Struggling with Scripture

Challen ging the traditional meaning of Scripture is not easy, even in the face of issues that call into question those traditional interpretations. In these reflections, Walter Brueggemann says that the Bible, as the live word of the living God, will not submit to the accounts we prefer to give it. The Bible's inherent, central evangelical proclamation has greater and more permanent authority than our inescapably provisional interpretations. William Placher notes that taking the B...

Jesus the Savior

The Meaning of Jesus Christ for Christian Faith

In contrast to the perspective taken in many popular books on the historical Jesus, the Christian tradition does not offer a boring, safe Jesus who can be studied from a distance and needs only to be placed in his historical context. Instead, William Placher argues that Jesus is one who radically challenges the way we understand the world and how we live our lives. In Jesus the Savior, Placher focuses on the Christ of faith: how does he save us? What does it mean to follow him? The ...

The Domestication of Transcendence

How Modern Thinking about God Went Wrong

William Placher looks at "classical" Christian theology (Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, Martin Luther) and contrasts it with the Christian discourse about God that evolved in the seventeenth century. In particular, he deals with the notion of transcendence that gained prominence in this era and its impact on modern theology and modern thinking today. He persuasively argues that useful lessons can be drawn from premodern thinking about God, especially when viewed within the context of c...

Narratives of a Vulnerable God

Christ, Theology, and Scripture

This insightful study of how Jesus reflects God will be interesting and accessible not only to scholars but to pastors and church members. Well-known author William Placher shows that the God revealed in Jesus Christ is portrayed in the biblical narratives as a God willing to risk vulnerability in order to fully love creation.

Belonging to God

A Commentary on "A Brief Statement of Faith"

This section-by-section, line-by-line commentary reflects on the meaning of "A Brief Statement of Faith" and its relevance for today. It will help Presbyterians think about who they are and what they believe, and will interest others concerned with the relationship between the Christian tradition and contemporary issues.

Readings in the History of Christian Theology, Volume 1, Revised Edition

From Its Beginnings to the Eve of the Reformation

William C. Placher and Derek R. Nelson compile significant passages written by the most important Christian thinkers, from the early church through the Middle Ages, and up to the beginning of the sixteenth century. Illustrating the major theologians, controversies, and schools of thought, Readings in the History of Christian Theology is an essential companion to the study of church history and historical theology. Excerpts are preceded by the editors' introductions, allowing the bo...

A History of Christian Theology, Second Edition

An Introduction

A modern classic, A History of Christian Theology offers a concise yet complete chronicle of the whole of Christian theology, from its background in the history of Israel to the liberation and postliberal theologies of recent years. This updated thirtieth anniversary includes expanded treatments of theological developments at the end of the twentieth century, and preliminary trajectories for theology in the twenty-first century. It also includes updated bibliographies and revised...

Readings in the History of Christian Theology, Volume 2, Revised Edition

From the Reformation to the Present

William Placher and Derek Nelson compile significant passages written by the most important Christian thinkers, from the Reformers of the sixteenth century through the major participants in the contemporary theological conversation. Illustrating the major theologians, controversies, and schools of thought, Readings in the History of Christian Theology is an essential companion to the study of church history and historical theology. Excerpts are preceded by the editors' introductions...

Mark

A Theological Commentary on the Bible

The volumes in Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible from Westminster John Knox Press offer a fresh and invigorating approach to all the books of the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies and the Christian tradition, noted scholars focus less on traditional historical and literary angles in favor of a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the texts. This series is an invaluable resource for those who want to probe beyond ...

The Triune God

An Essay in Postliberal Theology

In this original, contemporary doctrine of the Trinity, William Placher places the history of theology in dialogue with postmodern philosophy and yields a provocative postliberal interpretation. Placher deftly connects a radical view of God's transcendence with a narrative Christology. His resulting thesis is twofold: first, the doctrine of the Trinity is not a way of explaining the inner nature of God but a way of preserving God's mystery; and second, the Trinity should be presented...

Essentials of Christian Theology

This splendid introductory textbook for Christian theology presents two essays by leading scholars on each of the major theological questions. William Placher provides an excellent discussion of the history and current state of each doctrine while the essays explore the key elements and contemporary issues relating to these important theological concepts.

Unapologetic Theology

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Struggling with Scripture

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Jesus the Savior

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The Domestication of Transcendence

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Narratives of a Vulnerable God

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Belonging to God

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Readings in the History of Christian Theology, Volume 1, Revised Edition

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A History of Christian Theology, Second Edition

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Readings in the History of Christian Theology, Volume 2, Revised Edition

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Mark

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The Triune God

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Essentials of Christian Theology

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