Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith - by Robert Macswain & Kelli Joyce

About the Book

Leading contemporary Episcopal theologians, both established figures and emerging voices, share the foundation of theology from their unique perspectives.

Book Synopsis

Leading contemporary Episcopal theologians, both established figures and emerging voices, reflect on the vocation of theology from their unique perspectives.

The Episcopal Church has a deep, rich, diverse, and sophisticated theological heritage going back for centuries. However, for various reasons many members of the Church are unaware of this heritage in its complex fullness, and are likewise unfamiliar with those Episcopalians whose professional vocation it is to study, teach, and write about the doctrines of the Christian faith. This book introduces 15 of these contemporary scholars by inviting them to share how they became a theologian, how they understand the ongoing theological enterprise, and their personal vision for the vital place of theology in the life and mission of the Episcopal Church.

The outstanding contributors are a mix of academics, thought leaders and PhD students from prestigious institutions around the country including: Anthony Baker, James Farwell, Jason Fout, Francisco Garcia, Olufemi Gonsalves, Thomas Holtzen, Kelli Joyce, Maxine King, Scott MacDougall, Robert MacSwain, Joy Ann McDougall, Kara Slade, Katherine Sonderegger, Kathryn Tanner, and Sameer Yadav. Foreword by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and afterword by Matthew Ichihashi Potts.

Review Quotes

"As Anglicanism rapidly reorganizes-both ecclesially and theologically-the authors present catalytic essays that helpfully frame theological reflection as a practice of wisdom, knowledge, and faith. These themes are negotiated through critical and creative reflections on tradition, community, social location, liturgy, identity, and vocation. This compendium gathers many of the leading lights of theology within The Episcopal Church. I cannot imagine a more important contribution for leaders and emerging leaders in the Episcopal Church to read, mark, and learn from as we make our way."

"Drawing together seasoned voices as well as exciting younger scholars, this book offers both hope and challenge to Episcopalians-hope in the quality, faithfulness, and distinctiveness of contemporary theology done by Episcopalians, and challenge to The Episcopal Church's neglect of this fundamental discourse of the faith. It is essential reading for understanding theology today in The Episcopal Church."

"I've frequently lamented the state of theology in The Episcopal Church, but this volume was a balm to my soul and an occasion to lift up my head in hopeful gratitude. The winsome, personal essays gathered here showcase the broad diversity and creative fidelity of Episcopal theologians and their approaches to the task. Each of these theologians-from well-established senior scholars to graduate students still cutting their teeth-writes with a sense that theology is a discipline that personally and existentially implicates its practitioners in God's gift of Godself in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May their tribe increase."

"In gathering this gem of an essay collection, Rob MacSwain and Kelli Joyce offer a wonderful gift to The Episcopal Church. Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith weaves together many strands of profound theological reflection from scholar-practitioners who separately and collectively herald a promising new chapter in the development of an Episcopal theological identity. Where this volume's contributions begin to lay such a foundation, more should surely follow! Take and read."

"This is a timely collection of thoughtful essays by Episcopal theologians that should spark a robust and creative conversation on theological formation in The Episcopal Church. The essays in this volume are not detached academic exercises; rather, they are grounded in pastoral realities and in the moral and social challenges faced by local communities and their people. The rich diversity of personal narratives and theological themes explored in this volume is striking. What results is a theological vision that is as diverse as the number of contributors yet deeply rooted in Anglican spirituality. This collection itself reflects the characteristic nature of Anglican theological tradition lived out by these theologians in the contemporary time. This is a must read for bishops, church leaders and really anyone who is concerned with theological formation in The Episcopal Church."

"As Anglicanism rapidly reorganizes--both ecclesially and theologically--the authors present catalytic essays that helpfully frame theological reflection as a practice of wisdom, knowledge, and faith. These themes are negotiated through critical and creative reflections on tradition, community, social location, liturgy, identity, and vocation. This compendium gathers many of the leading lights of theology within The Episcopal Church. I cannot imagine a more important contribution for leaders and emerging leaders in the Episcopal Church to read, mark, and learn from as we make our way."

-- "The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr., Rector, Christ Church Cranbrook"

"Drawing together seasoned voices as well as exciting younger scholars, this book offers both hope and challenge to Episcopalians--hope in the quality, faithfulness, and distinctiveness of contemporary theology done by Episcopalians, and challenge to The Episcopal Church's neglect of this fundamental discourse of the faith. It is essential reading for understanding theology today in The Episcopal Church."

-- "The Rev. Dr. Ross Kane, Associate Professor of Theology, Ethics, and Culture at Virginia Theological Seminary and host of the Love Your Neighbor podcast"

"I've frequently lamented the state of theology in The Episcopal Church, but this volume was a balm to my soul and an occasion to lift up my head in hopeful gratitude. The winsome, personal essays gathered here showcase the broad diversity and creative fidelity of Episcopal theologians and their approaches to the task. Each of these theologians--from well-established senior scholars to graduate students still cutting their teeth--writes with a sense that theology is a discipline that personally and existentially implicates its practitioners in God's gift of Godself in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May their tribe increase."

-- "Dr. Eugene R. Schlesinger, Santa Clara University and author of Ruptured Bodies: A Theology of the Church Divided"

"In gathering this gem of an essay collection, Rob MacSwain and Kelli Joyce offer a wonderful gift to The Episcopal Church. Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith weaves together many strands of profound theological reflection from scholar-practitioners who separately and collectively herald a promising new chapter in the development of an Episcopal theological identity. Where this volume's contributions begin to lay such a foundation, more should surely follow! Take and read."

-- "The Rev. Dr. Kirsten Guidero, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of The Episcopal Church"

"This is a timely collection of thoughtful essays by Episcopal theologians that should spark a robust and creative conversation on theological formation in The Episcopal Church. The essays in this volume are not detached academic exercises; rather, they are grounded in pastoral realities and in the moral and social challenges faced by local communities and their people. The rich diversity of personal narratives and theological themes explored in this volume is striking. What results is a theological vision that is as diverse as the number of contributors yet deeply rooted in Anglican spirituality. This collection itself reflects the characteristic nature of Anglican theological tradition lived out by these theologians in the contemporary time. This is a must read for bishops, church leaders and really anyone who is concerned with theological formation in The Episcopal Church."

-- "The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and Chair of the House of Bishops Committee on Theology"