Exploring God-talk: Using Language in ReligionDarton, Longman and Todd, 2004 - 143 pages "Ideal for those who want to learn more about Christian faith and ministry, including those who have taken Christian basics courses such as Alpha and Emmaus, as well as all those engaged in studying theology at certificate, diploma or degree level." "Exploring God-talk maps the contours of religious language. It surveys the variety of ways in which religious believers both speak to God and speak about God, and tries to respond to the serious criticisms that have been raised of different aspects of our 'God-talk'. Beginning with an overview of the variety of ways in which language is used in faith and religion, the book moves on to consider the functions of language in religious experience and the religious life, particularly in prayer and worship. Two chapters are devoted to a consideration of the important area of 'descriptive' God-talk, both figurative and literal. Problems relating to the meaningfulness of religious language and the interpretation of Scripture are also addressed, and the pastoral and ethical significance of God-talk explored. Illustrations are drawn throughout from both everyday speech and the Christian tradition."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
Contents
Mapping the contours of religious language | 1 |
Religious language and religious experience | 19 |
Talking to God and listening to | 24 |
Copyright | |
8 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
action activity analogy answer applied argued assertions Astley attitudes believe Bible called chapter Christian Church claims commitments communication concepts context course criticism Cupitt described discourse divine effect element evidence example EXERCISE exists Exploring expression fact faith father feel figurative function give God-talk God's Holy human images imagination imply important intention interpretation Introduction Jesus learning least listen literal lives London look Lord meaning metaphors mind models moral mystics myth nature never ordinary original Oxford Oxford University Press parable particular Phillips philosopher phrase position prayer question Ramsey reader reading reason Reflecting relationship religion religious experience religious language response revelation Scripture sense similar situation sort speak speech spiritual story talk theology things thought tion tradition true truth understanding Wittgenstein words worship write