Bradley G. Green

An In-Depth Look at the History and Philosophy of Critical Theory from a Gospel Perspective Critical theory was born over a century ago. Created to foster social transformation, this emerging theory would soon influence universities, politics, and pop culture across the globe and spark tense debates between groups across the sociopolitical spectrum. But what exactly lies at the heart of critical theory, and how should Christians engage with this controversial perspective? To answer these questions, we must examine the history, philosophy, and ideas of the thinkers who shaped its development. This book offers a balanced and thoughtful analysis of the core principles and implications of critical theory, as well as the published works of its key philosophers and their views concerning biblical themes, including creation and reality; sin and the human dilemma; and redemption, history, and eschatology. Through his concise Christian perspective, Bradley G. Green helps readers articulate what critical theory is—a view of human nature in opposition to the gospel narrative. Analytical: Uses a dispassionate tone to examine the history and key components of critical theory Examines Critical Theory’s Major Thinkers: Walter Benjamin, Theodor W. Adorno, and Jürgen Habermas Christian Perspective: Examines topics including creation and reality; sin and the human dilemma; and redemption, history, and eschatology Thoughtful: Perfect for Christian college students, pastors, and readers interested in other works on critical theory

Arguably the most significant theologian in Church history, Augustine is nonetheless a figure of dispute in protestant circles, distrusted for his views on ecclesiology, amongst other subjects. Yet his love for the Lord and articulation of the doctrine of grace ensure that his writings remain relevant and inspiring to many Christians today. For anyone looking to begin to understand this theological giant, Bradley Green’s biography offers a clear insight into Augustine’s life and beliefs. In the words of the patristic himself, ‘Take and Read’.

"Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thess 4:14). The epistles of the New Testament provide unparalleled insight into the realities of the life of the early church, guidance for those called to lead the church, and comfort in the face of pressing theological questions. Among those letters are 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which address questions about the expected return of Christ, the pastoral epistles of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, written to two of Paul's coworkers who were overseeing early churches, and Philemon, which concerns the relationship between a slave and his master. The Protestant Reformers of the sixteenth century also found wisdom and guidance in these letters. For example, Martin Luther reminded the Christians of his day that Paul had encouraged believers "not to sorrow over the dead as others who have no hope, but to comfort each other with God's Word as having a certain hope of life and of the resurrection of the dead." In this volume of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture, Lee Gatiss and Bradley Green guide readers through a diversity of early modern commentary on the epistles of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Readers will hear from familiar voices and discover lesser-known figures from a variety of theological traditions, including Lutherans, Reformed, Radicals, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics. Drawing upon a variety of resources—including commentaries, sermons, treatises, and confessions—much of which appears here for the first time in English, this volume provides resources for contemporary preachers, enables scholars to better understand the depth and breadth of Reformation commentary, and seeks to bring guidance and comfort in the midst of today's challenges.

From a close study of key Old and New Testament texts and interaction with historical and contemporary theologians, Bradley Green shows how different aspects of the Christian life are each God-elicited, real and necessary. Reaffirming the best Reformed voices, this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume provides a biblical theology of the nature, role and place of works, obedience and faithfulness in the new covenant. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.

A key issue in Christianity is the nature of works or obedience or faithfulness in the Christian life. While evangelicals can generally agree that one enters into a covenant relationship with God by grace (even solely by grace) apart from works, there is often much more disagreement over how to construe the nature of works, or obedience, inside this covenantal relationship. From a close study of key Old and New Testament texts, Bradley Green shows that in the new covenant, works or obedience will be a God-elicited, real and necessary part of Christian life.

History demonstrates that wherever the cross is planted, the academy follows. But history alone cannot demonstrate why this is—and must be—the case. Green engages theology and philosophy to prove that the Christian vision of God, mankind, and the world provides the necessary precondition for and enduring foundation of meaningful intellectual life. The Gospel and the Mind, deeply rooted in Augustinian and Reformed thought, shows that core principles of the West’s Christian inheritance—such as creation and the importance of history, the centrality of a telos to all things, and the logos and the value of words—form the matrix of any promising and sustainable intellectual life. More than a lament of the state of the evangelical mind or even an argument for the primacy of a Christian worldview, The Gospel and the Mind is a paradigm-shifting declaration that the life of the mind starts at the cross.

The best of evangelical Christian theology has always paid attention to the key thinkers, issues and doctrinal developments in the history of the church. What God has done in the past is key to understanding who we are and how we are to live. The purpose of this volume is threefold: to introduce a selection of key early and medieval theologians; to strengthen the faith of evangelical Christians by helping them to understand the riches of the church's theological reflection; and to help them learn how to think theologically. These essays offer insightful analysis of and commentary on each theologian, along with some critical assessment of how evangelicals should view and appropriate his insights. The contributors' intention is the cultivation of minds 'fired by the grace of our creator and saviour' (Augustine), so that we might think well and rightly about our good and great God and live in his light.