Theology in the Public Square: Church, Academy, and Nation

This study shows how theology lost its pivotal role, along with philosophy, within the history of the western university. Reflecting on his own extensive academic experience, Gavin D′Costa sketches out a fascinating project, whereby theology may once more become "queen of the sciences." However, this requires rethinking the role of education and challenging modernist and postmodern visions of the university. He imagines what a Christian university might deliver: a challenge to the practice of various academic disciplines, giving detailed examples regarding religious studies and physics; as well as fostering the possibility of a genuinely intellectual Christian culture. The book feeds into debates about the religious identity of denominationally founded universities, taking as a test case Roman Catholic universities within the United States, and the role of freedom, funding, research, and progress within such universities. It also forms part of a wider attempt to propose a vital public role for theology that enables it to serve the Church, and engage the university, and the wider secular and inter–religious culture in which we live. This book will be of interest to those concerned with the future of the university as well as to students and teachers of theology and religion.

Preface. 1 Theology’s Babylonian Captivity in the Modern University. 2 Babylon in the Church: United States and England. 3 Cyrus Returns: Rebuilding the Temple in Babylon. 4 Why Theologians Must Pray for Release from Exile. 5 The Engagement of Virtue: a Theological Religious Studies. 6 The Marriage of the Disciplines: Explorations on the Frontier. Epilogue: Theology: the Church at the Heart of the University Proclaiming the Word. Bibliography. Index.

Gavin D′Costa is Reader in Christian Theology and Head of Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Bristol. He also acts as an advisor to the Church of England, the Catholic Bishop′s Conference and the Vatican on issues regarding other religions. His previous publications include Theology and Religious Pluralism (Blackwell, 1986), John Hick′s Theology of Religions (1987), The Trinity and the Meeting of Religions (2000), and Sexing the Trinity (2000).

"D′Costa sets out his argument with clarity and skill … An important book, relevant not only for discussions about the future of theology in the academy but of religion in public life." ( Theology ) "This is an important book and I hope augurs more interaction between out different Christian educational traditions." ( The Gospel and Our Culture ) "A well argued book … D′Costa has an invaluable argument on the key place of theology within the life of a faith. ( Anvil ) "A stimulating read … Contains absorbing views on a wide range of current issues such as identity, secularization, ethics and politics … A timely and relevant challenge for those involved with Church or university theology in today′s religiously volatile world." ( International Journal of Public Theology )