Relational Theology: A Contemporary Intro
I’m happy to announce the release of what I think is a much-needed and long-overdue book: Relational Theology: a Contemporary Introduction!
As a co-editor (with Brint Montgomery and Karen Winslow), I have a biased opinion of the worth of this little gem. But I think most would agree that an easy-to-read introduction to how relational theology addresses the major issue of life is could be very helpful.
The roster of essay writers for this book is impressive. And the subjects they address are vast. Here’s a look at the table of contents:
0. What is Relational Theology? 
Thomas Jay Oord
I. Doctrines of Theology in Relational Perspective
John Wesley and Relational Theology – Barry L. Callen
The “Way” of Triune Love – K. Steve McCormick
The Person and Work of Christ – R. Larry Shelton
Relational Theology and the Holy Spirit – Amos Yong
Participation in God – Charles J. Conniry, Jr.
Relational Love – Thomas J. Oord
The Image of God – Samuel M. Powell
The Freedom Inherent in Relational Theology – Brint Montgomery
Faith in Relations – Wm. Curtis Holtzen
Sin in Relational Perspective – Michael Lodahl
A Relational Understanding of Atonement – Derek Flood
A Relational View of Salvation and Sanctification – Timothy J. Crutcher
II. Biblical Witness in Relational Perspective
Cooperative Covenant Partners in the Bible – Karen Strand Winslow
The Authority of the Bible – Dwight Swanson
The Revelation and Inspiration of Scripture – Dennis Bratcher
“God with Us”: Reading Scripture (Relationally) as the Church – Richard P. Thompson
III. The Christian Life in Relational Perspective
Relational Theology and Ecclesiology – Philip R. Hamner
Prayer and our Relationship with God – Libby Tedder
Relational Theology and the Means of Grace – Dean G. Blevins
The Medium is the Message: Preaching and Relational Theology – T. Scott Daniels
Worship as Relational Renewal and Redemption of the World – Brent D. Peterson
Spiritual Formation & Relational Theology – Douglas S. Hardy
Pastoral Ministry – Jeren Rowell
IV. Ethics and Justice in Relational Perspective
Ethics as Relational – Kevin Twain Lowery
The Cross or Caesar? A Postcolonial Query – Gabriel Salguero
Social Justice and Relational Theology – Brian K. Postlewait
Relational Dimensions of Feminist Theology – Diane Leclerc
Jewish-Christian Dialogue – Marty Alan Michelson
The God of Love and the Multiplicity of Religious Traditions – Mark H. Mann
Initial Creation and Relational Theology – Karen Strand Winslow
God’s Relation to Nature – Sharon R. Harvey
Explore the Book!
I’m sure my co-editors join me in thanking Point Loma Press (and Mark Mann) for taking on this book. Wipf and Stock prints the book, but Point Loma Press is the primary publisher of record.
To get an idea of the book’s content, check its Amazon page. Feel free to look inside and read a chapter or two.
As of this writing (12/3/12), however, the book is still too new to be available on Amazon.com. You’ll have to buy it direct from the printer. Fortunately, it’s on sale at the printer’s website as a way to generate interest in the book.
Of course, I’m hoping you decide to get a copy or two. Maybe this will make a good Christmas gift for someone (or for yourself)!
Here’s to hoping this book proves helpful to many!
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Comments
You would not believe the theologies I encounter in my work (Hospice). People draw from bits and pieces of what they have heard and come up with a theology where that is trithestic. The see God as angry, throwing lightening bolts and “smiting” people with illness while Jesus pleads for mercy. They do not even stop to think the Jesus IS God. the more resources to relational theology the better.
Thanks for adding to the body of work for us all.
Oooh, I’m SUPER interested! Do you know if there’ll be a Kindle version once it appears on Amazon? (I prefer ebooks to paper.)
Is there any possible way the publisher could get this in a pdf file or other similar electronic file? I live overseas and can’t wait on snail mail. I would love a copy for a friend and for myself before Christmas.
Thanks for all of your kind words!
Randall – Kindle version is due out in the spring. Ben – I’ll contact you via email.
Wow! What a lineup of topics. This will be much appreciated, I’m sure. Now you’ve created a problem for me. I usually give a book to a good pastor friend of mine each year – this started with your “Theology of Love”. I had one all picked out for this coming year. He may just have to settle for two.
I like the way you think, Bev!
Thanks, Tom,
I read the introduction and first two chapters at Amazon. I had to add it to my wish list. I also need it in Kindle format. If one is working in foreign cross-cultural ministry, you just can’t carry your library with you … unless it is a Kindle edition – or something similar.