The future of the church does not look bright in North America and Europe. This is documented by many recent surveys. The church is riddled with scandals, be it sexual abuse or financial misappropriation. This led to a loss of trust which is very difficult to regain. We also live in an aging society in which younger people have been brought up with a consumer attitude which does not stop at the church doors. Moreover, we live in a secular society in which individualism runs contrary to the communal aspect of the church. While religiosity has not vanished, the Christian faith is perceived by many as an "old time religion" whose tenets have lost their luster. Yet we should not give up on the church too quickly. The church has something to offer which the world needs and which it cannot secure by itself. This uniqueness of the church shows in the pronouncement of law and gospel and in the sacraments. The church is also instrumental for our self-understanding by serving as guardian of the past, as the heart of the present, and as a reminder of a meaningful future. In conclusion some directions are given toward a viable church.
Schwarz first surveys scientific explanations for the origins of the universe and of life and discusses the scientific understanding of matter, space, time, and determinism. He then reviews the history of Christian responses to science's discoveries, including a summary of reactions from Christian scientists. He completes his analysis with a proposal for the development of a Christian understanding of creation."--BOOK JACKET.
Schwarz guides readers through the range of opinions on the subject of the future, telling how readers' understanding of eschatology has developed and laying out the factors that must be considered when speaking meaningfully about the Christian hope in the 21st century. He surveys the teachings about the future in the Old and New Testaments and addresses the views of Christian and secular thinkers throughout history.
This reader-friendly primer offers a concise yet thorough overview of the Christian faith. Hans Schwarz, one of the major Lutheran theologians of the last half-century, covers the Christian faith from creation to the final fulfillment of life. He gives his account of the major points of Christian doctrine, always moving from the biblical text to the unfolding of the faith through the centuries to contemporary significance. This brief systematic theology will appeal to professors, students, pastors, and educated lay readers who want a quick but profound and biblically grounded overview of the Christian faith.
Who is the God in whom Christians believe? Is he just a figment of the human mind as critics of religion claimed in the nineteenth century and as crusading atheists assert again today? Since the beginnings of rational thought the brightest minds among humanity have attempted to assert that God does indeed exist. But even the so-called proofs for God's existence always started with the assumption that there is someone to prove. As soon as we move beyond that which is within space and time mere proofs or disproofs no longer suffice. Both believers and unbelievers live to a certain degree by faith. Yet religion is inextricably connected with human history. When we journey through the landscape of religion and witness its gradual unfolding we soon realize that not all religions are equal. Though they may be witnesses of the same God, the way they talk about God is so different that this not only leads to very different concepts of God but also to different approaches to life on this earth. At the end of this long journey we finally arrive at the Judeo-Christian tradition which witnesses to the God in whom Christians believe. This book seeks to show how this belief matured and what difference this belief still makes today.
True Faith in the True God meets the deep need for a clear and concise introduction to the life and teachings of the great church reformer, Martin Luther. After a brief overview of his life, the book devotes chapters to Luthers thoughts on key topics, including the knowledge of God, church and sacraments, the Scriptures, marriage and parenthood, and vocation. The author incorporates extensive quotations from Luthers own writings to show how Luthers insights have relevance for all Christians today.
With thoroughness and clarity, Hans Schwarz presents a historical and systematic understanding of the church - its worship and piety, its traditions and doctrines, its forms and structures. This skilled assessment outlines the impact of the church today and analyzes its prospects for the future.
In the last thirty years, books on the Trinity have abounded. There seems to be a fascination with this mysterious topic, especially among systematic theologians. This present book has no intention of adding to the plethora of treatises on the Trinity. The main question with which it is concerned is what is really scripturally tenable with regard to the Trinity and what is unwarranted theological construction or even speculation. What takes shape here is a story: how the doctrine of the Trinity developed over the subsequent centuries from the traces in Scripture to a centralized dogma at the heart of Christian teaching. We witness in this an evolution from proclamation to controversy to speculation. What are we to make of this doctrine? How do we articulate the biblical faith today?
A unique blend of biblical scholarship, the history of doctrine, and current theological inquiry. Schwarz makes a compelling case for a full-orbed understanding of the person and work of Christ in thoughtful give-and-take with reductionisms ancient and modern. As the fruit of decades of teaching the subject on two continents, this work will prove to be a durable contribution to the field." Gabriel Fackre. -- Back cover of book.
This overview of Christian anthropology by Hans Schwarz uniquely emphasizes three things: (1) the biblical testimony, (2) the historical unfolding of Christian anthropology through the centuries, and (3) the present affirmation of Christian anthropology in view of rival options and current scientific evidence. Schwarz begins by elucidating the special place occupied by human beings in the world, then ponders the complex issue of human freedom, and concludes by investigating humanity as a community of men and women in this world and in the world beyond. While maintaining a strong biblical orientation, Schwarz draws on a wide range of resources, including philosophy and the natural sciences, in order to map out what it means to be human. Schwarz's Human Being will interest anyone who is concerned with how in the face of fascinating scientific insights we can intelligently talk today about human sinfulness, human freedom, and human beings as children of the God who created us.
The emancipation of the natural sciences from religion was a gradual affair during the last four centuries. Initially many of the leading scientists were churchmen indicating a symbiosis between faith and reason. Due to the increasing specialization in the sciences this close connection came to an end often leading to antagonism and mutual suspicion. This book traces this historical development with its twists and turns in both Europe and North America. It depicts the major players in this story and outlines their specific contributions. The main focus is on the 19th and 20th centuries with figures such as Darwin and Hodge, but also Beecher and Abbott in the 19th century. In the 20th century the narrative starts with Karl Barth and moves all the way to Hawking and Tipler. Special attention is given to representatives from North America, Great Britain, and Germany. In conclusion important issues are presented in the present-day dialogue between theology and the natural sciences. The issue of design and fine-tuning is picked up, and advances in brain research. Finally technological issues are assessed and the status of medicine as a helpmate for life is discussed. An informative and thought-provoking book.
In this book, Hans Schwarz leads us into the web of Christian theology's recent past from Kant and Schleiermacher to Mbiti and Zizoulas, pointing out all the theologians of the last two hundred years who have had a major impact beyond their own context. With an eye to the blending of theology and biography, Schwarz draws the lines of connection between theologians, their history, and wider theological movements. - Publisher.
A proposal for the need to concentrate on the basic and simple art of doing theology in the context of a world which needs a word that is distinct from its own - a world alienated from God and still yearning to overcome its primordial alienation. Theology must be able to convey the ultimate message which is without equal, to overcome being a minority voice in an overcrowded market. [TST 58*] $89.95 248pp. 1991
This classic text, a brief yet powerful exposition of the Apostles' Creed, introduces in a fully ecumenical way the basic beliefs that have animated and informed the historical faith of Christians. Renowned theologian Hans Schwarz not only corrects common misunderstandings of core credal convictions. He also guides Christians into the exciting quest for understanding the faith they profess."What Christians Believe deals with the Christian faith in relation to contemporary challenges such as secularism and science, the holocaust, and nuclear war.in a readable way, without opaque theological jargon. It is an excellent teaching resource for adult discussion groups and for individuals who desire to grow in knowledge and faith."-John TietjenBishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA"Schwarz's well-written book would be helpful for both congregational groups and individual readers. His answers are not simplistic, nor does he convey the notion that all questions can be satisfactorily resolved. He does, however, draw the reader into the heart of the issues so that one can wrestle with them. I heartily recommend this book."-Herbert ChilstromBishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaHans Schwarz is Professor of Systematic Theology and Contemporary Issues and Director of the Institute of Protestant Theology at the University of Regensburg, Germany. His books include True Faith in the True God: An Introduction to Luther's Life and Thought (Augsburg Books, 1996) and The Christian Church: Biblical Origin, Historical Transformation, and Potential for the Future (Fortress Press, 1982).Religion / Christianity / TheologyFortress PressFortressPress.com
One of a series on drawing, this book is a revised guide to drawing buildings and cityscapes. It offers information on materials and techniques, with step by-step drawings and advice on composition and perspective.
23 Theologen aus zwölf verschiedenen Ländern und fünf Kontinenten waren zu einem einwöchigen Symposion an der Universität Regensburg und dem Missionskolleg der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche in Bayern in Neuendettelsau versammelt, um über die Aufgabe der Theologie zu Beginn des 3. Jahrtausends nachzudenken. Säkularisation und die Zukunft der Kirche, das Theodizee-Problem, die Spannung zwischen Kontextualität und Katholizität sowie das Verhältnis zwischen Theologie und Naturwissenschaft sind nur einige der Themenbereiche, die hier bearbeitet wurden. Die Themen reflektieren auch die Arbeitsgebiete des Regensburger Systematikers Hans Schwarz, zu dessen 60. Geburtstag dieses Symposion veranstaltet wurde. Eine Bibliographie seiner wissenschaftlichen Veröffentlichungen rundet diesen Band ab, der Kirche und Theologie sowie Kirche und Weltverantwortung an der Schwelle zum 3. Jahrtausend im Rückblick und Ausblick thematisiert. Papers of 23 theologians from 12 different countries and 5 continents evoke a global context in which the contributors reflect on the challenges for theology and the beginning of the new millennium. The papers, many of them in English, resulted from a week-long symposion at the University of Regensburg honoring Hans Schwarz on his 60th birthday. A bibliography of his works concludes the volume.
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