Alister McGrath has had a tremendous impact on the renaissance of evangelical theology over the last twenty years. Regarded as one of the most widely read living theologians his theological work and writings has made an immense contribution to the vitality and dynamics of evangelical theology. This book invites evangelical theologians from various backgrounds to engage with his work and to chart a positive way forward for evangelical theology. Part One follows the theology of McGrath on justification, redemption, theology and science and post-liberal theology, whilst Part Two examines the essence, character, identity, methodology and future of evangelical theology. Contributions include Graham Tomlin, Gerald Bray, Clark Pinnock, Gabriel Fackre, William Abraham, and a response given by McGrath himself. 'This is a very significant volume, with contributions from numerous scholars who have been influenced by Dr McGrath or are his colleagues. They come from both sides of the Atlantic, and embrace many aspects of Alister's encyclopaedic knowledge and phenomenal literary output... And unlike most Festschriften this one has a fascinating characteristic; a final chapter in which Professor McGrath responds with grace and shrewdness to the points raised by the contributors. This is an important book to buy.' Canon Dr Michael Green, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. 'It is a privilege and a pleasure to commend this set of weighty and wise essays that is being published to mark Professor Alister McGrath's fiftieth birthday... God be with you, Alister, as on you go. In a somewhat different sense from that of the old-time gladiators, I and many more of my generation say: nos morituri te salutamus. May your range and your acumen not diminish, your clarity not be clouded, and your vision of evangelicalism as the true wisdom, the true catholicity, and indeed the true Christianity never blur. Hold high the torch that has been passed to you and keep the books coming. We need them.' From the foreword by J.I Packer

Essays explore how interpretations affect casuistry, and cover issues related to abortion, reproductive technologies, euthanasia, sexuality, race, gender, social justice, the environment, civil disobedience, capital punishment, and war.

It is the job of all believers, not just theologians, to serve God by discerning what is true about the crucial issues of life. Our task is to learn more about God. Our privilege is to love God passionately with our minds. Clearly then, spiritual life must have theology as one of its ingredients, but this, by itself, will not guarantee a vibrant spiritual life. Rather, evangelicals must link a theological experience and an experiential theology. Knowing and loving God are both necessary.

David Clark explains how evangelical systematic theology is structured and how this discipline assists believers in understanding God more fully and worshipping him more completely. To do so, he uses strategies of analytical philosophy to reveal the nature, purposes, methods, and limits of evangelical systematic theology. He attempts to speak both to and for evangelicals, with the goal of showing how a reasonable, articulate, and credible evangelical theology can proceed.

Other questions are raised while trying to define evangelical systematic theology: Is systematic theology a legitimate intellectual enterprise? How does theology build upon the teachings of the Bible? How can evangelical theologians in different cultures assist each other? How does theology contribute to transforming society? What does the existence of other religions mean for evangelical theology? How does systematic theology relate to other intellectual disciplines? How does it connect with the life of the church? What are the purposes and the final goal of systematic theology? The answers to these questions are not ends in themselves, but assist believers in attaining the goal of knowing and loving God.

Asserting that evangelical systematic theology is the science by which evangelical believers learn of God, Clark claims that the insights of apparently contradictory viewpoints can and should be drawn together. He works past the false dilemmas, imprecision, overstatement, inferences, and generalizations that often cloud theological discussion and arrives at clear definitions, precise distinctions, careful analysis, and modest conclusions.

Clark argues that evangelical systematic theology is rooted in the Bible and focused on Christ. Good theology provides vision, fosters wisdom, and nurtures covenantal relationship with God. Good theology leads to knowing and loving God.

*** *** In the inquisitive spirit of Montaigne, and with the confessional scrutiny of St. Augustine,"MILE HIGH REDEMPTION" describes in personal language the path to "conversion"-from religion to responsibility and integrity. Clark's third book is a conscientious exploration of our most cherished commitments, one which relentlessly probes the legitimacy of the very Evangelical forces which seek to define him. We are not only drawn in, we "see" Clark's changes as he grapples with the pressures and aspirations of Christian salvation. Professor Phillip Fandozzi, 23 yr director of Liberal Studies, University of MT. *** We are privy to a sustained youthful reflection on the nature of miracles, vice, friendship, idolatry, eternity, homosexuality, reverence, God, and even human salvation. *** ....Read and treasure this book.... Andrew William Smith, B.A., M.A., English *** *** Reared in an Evangelical community, Clark draws upon his unique experience---which includes an early career as a construction journeyman and business owner, followed by ten years on the bench in the judicial system, and ultimately, with PhD in hand, the fundamental commitment to the philosophical life as a philosophy professor and author currently at the University of Montana. *** *** "MILE HIGH REDEMPTION," displays the philosophical spirit at its finest. Warm and genuine, always engaging, and at times hilarious, MILE HIGH REDEMPTION brings to life the intense drama within the youthful struggle to achieve the courage to be. *** ***

Is one position on abortion always moral and another always immoral? How should Christians use Scripture to make decisions about integrity? Has God given a 'natural law' that governs all people everywhere? Answers to such questions may differ widely, even among evangelical Christians. This can be confusing and disturbing when secular and Christian worldviews collide over matters that seem to brook no compromise.