Theological Anthropology: A Guide for the Perplexed

This is a guide to the most challenging issues that face anyone studying theological anthropology. This work will serve to guide the reader through the most challenging issues that face anyone attempting to deal with the subject of theological anthropology. Consequently, it will address the complexities surrounding such questions as: What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be a 'person'? What constitutes a human person? What does it mean to affirm that humans are free beings? And, what is gender? Each chapter will address one of these fundamental questions with the same basic methodology. It will first explain both why the question under consideration is important for theological anthropology and why it is also a contentious issue within the field. After this, each chapter will survey and concisely explain the main options that have been generated for resolving that particular question. Finally, each chapter will present to the reader one way of working through the complexity. These closing sections will be presented more as case studies in how to work through the problems and arrive at a conclusion than as definitive answers. Nonetheless, they will strive to present a convincing way of answering the questions raised by each chapter. "Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.