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Image and Hope

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An study of the understanding of the soul in Christian theology, comparing the body-soul dualism in Calvin's writings with Barth's more holistic understanding.Developments in biblical studies, neur...
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  • 25 February 2016
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An study of the understanding of the soul in Christian theology, comparing the body-soul dualism in Calvin's writings with Barth's more holistic understanding.

Developments in biblical studies, neurosciences, and Christian philosophy of mind force theologians to reconsider the traditional concept of the immortal soul. At the same time, the concept itself tends to create axiological dualism between the body and the soul that in turn may lead to insufficient appreciation of the physical life in this world. A more holistic approach to the ontology of human beings is required. The aim of this study is to analyse the function of the concept of the soul in the dualistic anthropology of John Calvin and to compare it to the holistic anthropology of Karl Barth in order to answer the question of whether the transition from one to the other is possible without the loss of the functions fulfilled by the soul.
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Price: $36.95
Pages: 284
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Clarke
Publication Date: 25 February 2016
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780227176047
Format: Paperback
BISACs: RELIGION / Christian Theology / General, Christianity, Theology
REVIEWS Icon
This book is a worthwhile contribution to the understanding of both Calvin and Barth. It is also valuable for those with an interest in issues such as the relation between soul and body, the immortality of the soul, metaphysical and axiological dualism, and the image of God. Well worth reading.
— Anthony N.S. Lane, Professor of Historical Theology, London School of Theology

Viazovski explains why Christian theology risks losing its soul if it fails to understand the human soul. Carefully listening to Calvin and Barth, he opposes dualistic tendencies in theology and concludes that Jesus Christ and not the soul is the bridge to God and the ground of hope in life everlasting.
— Henk van den Belt, Professor of Reformed Theology, University of Groningen

Viazovski has written a well-conceived book. He clearly states his thesis in the opening chapter and then presses his argument throughout the entire work with compelling force. He is to be commended for writing such a lucid, well-argued book. What is more, his book is thoughtprovoking to the point of displacing old paradigms. The work is, therefore, foundational and I believe others will build upon his scholarly insights.
— Jeffrey A. Stivason, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

[Viazovski's] writing contributes to shaping contemporary Christian understanding of humanity according to Reformed theology.
— Ximian Xu
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction: Wholeness and Hope

Part I: Ontological Anthropology of John Calvin
1 The Image of God
2 The Knowledge of God
3 Immortality and the Intermediate State
4 The Resurrection and the Ultimate Hope

Part II: Transition from Calvin to Barth
5 The New Epistemology and New Ontology of Karl Barth

Part III: Ontological Anthropology of Karl Barth
6 A New Anthropological Method
7 The Relational Image of God
8 Man as Soul and Body
9 Time, Death, and Hope

Part IV: Comparison of Ontological Anthropologies of John Calvin and Karl Barth
10 Towards Wholeness and Hope

Bibliography