This landmark volume, the first of two, assesses the prospects and promise of Lutheran theology at the opening of a new millennium. From four continents, the thirty noted and respected contributors not only gauge how such classic themes as grace, the cross, and justification wear today but also look to key issues of ecumenism, social justice, global religious life, and the impact of contemporary science on Christian belief.

This book brings together an impressive group of leading scholars in the sciences of complexity, and a few workers on the interface of science and religion, to explore the wider implications of complexity studies. It includes an introduction to complexity studies and explores the concept of information in physics and biology and various philosophical and religious perspectives. Chapter authors include Paul Davies, Greg Chaitin, Charles Bennett, Werner Loewenstein, Paul Dembski, Ian Stewart, Stuart Kauffman, Harold Morowitz, Arthur Peacocke, and Niels H. Gregersen.

Many scientists regard mass and energy as the primary currency of nature. In recent years, however, the concept of information has gained importance. Why? In this book, eminent scientists, philosophers and theologians chart various aspects of information, from quantum information to biological and digital information, in order to understand how nature works. Beginning with a historical treatment of the topic, the book also examines physical and biological approaches to information, and its philosophical, theological and ethical implications.

One of the remarkable developments in the contemporary study of Paul is the dramatic interest in his thought amongst European philosophers. This collection of leading scholars makes accessible a discussion often elusive to those not already conversant in the categories of European philosophy. The book includes reflections on what the church can learn from the philosophers and provides insights into Paul's thought and work that matters to citizens of the world - believers and non-believers alike.

The concept of a divine design has traditionally been based on the assumption of a world order. If there is order in creation, this proves there is a God: if disorder, then no God. Or so it has been assumed by design proponents as well as their critics. This volume questions the picture. The sciences of complexity show how nature abounds with fluid and semi-stable patterns which are essential for the emergence and further propagation of evolutionary order. Order and disorder seem to wander together. The fact that fundamental physics, chemistry and mathematics appear as if tuned for the emergence and harbouring of life, for the support and channelling of the evolutionary processes of creation and selection, continues to trigger religious awe and reflection. It is also argued that a Christian theology has the potential of affirming instability and transient orders as part of the "grandeur" of creation. Authors of the essays in this work include prominent voices from the secular, the Protestant, the Catholic and the Orthodox traditions.