Biblical Natural Law: A Theocentric and Teleological Approach
| AUTHOR | Levering, Matthew |
| PUBLISHER | OUP Oxford (06/02/2008) |
| PRODUCT TYPE | Hardcover (Hardcover) |
Description
Natural law theory is controversial today because it presumes that there is a stable 'human nature' that is subject to a 'law.' How do we know that 'human nature' is stable and not ever-evolving? How can we expect 'law' not to constrict human freedom and potential? Furthermore if there is a 'law, ' there must be a lawgiver. Matthew Levering argues that natural law theory makes sense only within a broader worldview, and that the Bible sketches both such a persuasive worldview and an account of natural law that offers an exciting portrait of the moral life. To establish the relevance of biblical readings to the wider philosophical debate on natural law, this study offers an overview of modern natural law theories from Cicero to Nietzsche, which reverse the biblical portrait by placing human beings at the center of the moral universe. Whereas the biblical portrait of natural law is other-directed, ordered to self-giving love, the modern accounts turn inward upon the self. Drawing on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, Levering employs theological and philosophical investigation to achieve a contemporary doctrine of natural law that accords with the biblical witness to a loving Creator who draws human beings to share in the divine life.
This book provides both an introduction to natural law theory and a compelling challenge to re-think current biblical scholarship on the topic.
This book provides both an introduction to natural law theory and a compelling challenge to re-think current biblical scholarship on the topic.
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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13:
9780199535293
ISBN-10:
0199535299
Binding:
Hardback or Cased Book (Unsewn / Adhesive Bound)
Content Language:
English
More Product Details
Page Count:
270
Carton Quantity:
24
Product Dimensions:
5.70 x 0.90 x 8.60 inches
Weight:
1.00 pound(s)
Feature Codes:
Bibliography,
Index,
Dust Cover,
Table of Contents
Country of Origin:
US
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Religion | Christian Theology - Ethics & Moral Teaching
Religion | Religious
Religion | Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Dewey Decimal:
241.2
Library of Congress Control Number:
2007043999
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
publisher marketing
Natural law theory is controversial today because it presumes that there is a stable 'human nature' that is subject to a 'law.' How do we know that 'human nature' is stable and not ever-evolving? How can we expect 'law' not to constrict human freedom and potential? Furthermore if there is a 'law, ' there must be a lawgiver. Matthew Levering argues that natural law theory makes sense only within a broader worldview, and that the Bible sketches both such a persuasive worldview and an account of natural law that offers an exciting portrait of the moral life. To establish the relevance of biblical readings to the wider philosophical debate on natural law, this study offers an overview of modern natural law theories from Cicero to Nietzsche, which reverse the biblical portrait by placing human beings at the center of the moral universe. Whereas the biblical portrait of natural law is other-directed, ordered to self-giving love, the modern accounts turn inward upon the self. Drawing on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, Levering employs theological and philosophical investigation to achieve a contemporary doctrine of natural law that accords with the biblical witness to a loving Creator who draws human beings to share in the divine life.
This book provides both an introduction to natural law theory and a compelling challenge to re-think current biblical scholarship on the topic.
This book provides both an introduction to natural law theory and a compelling challenge to re-think current biblical scholarship on the topic.
Show More
Author:
Levering, Matthew
Matthew Levering (PhD, Boston College) is the James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary, University of Saint Mary of the Lake, in Mundelein, Illinois. He previously taught at the University of Dayton. Levering is the author of numerous books, including "Engaging the Doctrine of Revelation", "Proofs of God", "The Theology of Augustine, "and "Ezra & Nehemiah" in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible series, and is the coauthor of "Holy People, Holy Land". He serves as coeditor of the journals "Nova et Vetera" and the "International Journal of Systematic Theology" and has served as chair of the board of the Academy of Catholic Theology since 2007.
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