Thinking prayer
Subtitle: theology and spirituality amid the crises of modernity
By: Andrew Prevot
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Notre Dame, Indiana
Language: eng
Number of pages: 432
ISBN-13: 9780268038458
Subjects: Philosophical theology; Prayer; Christianity
Description: In Thinking Prayer, Andrew Prevot presents a new, integrated approach to Christian theology and spirituality, focusing on the centrality of prayer to theology in the modern age. Prevot's clear and in-depth analysis of notable philosophical and theological thinkers&#x2019; responses to modernity through the theme of prayer charts a new spiritual path through the crises of modernity. Prevot offers critical interpretations of Martin Heidegger, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Jean-Louis Chrétien, Johann Baptist Metz, Ignacio Ellacuría, and James Cone, among others, integrating their insights into a constructive synthesis. He explains how doxological and contemplative forms of prayer help one avoid dangers associated with metaphysics, including nihilism, conceptual idolatry, and the concealment of difference. He considers the powerful impact that the prayers of oppressed peoples have on their efforts to resist socioeconomic and racialized violence. The book upholds modern aspirations to critical freedom, while arguing that such freedom can best be preserved and deepened through prayerful interactions with the infinite freedom of God. Throughout, the book uncovers the contemplative dimensions of postmodern phenomenology and liberation theology and suggests how prayer shapes liberative ways of thinking (theology) and living (spirituality) that are crucial for the future of this crisis-ridden world.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 395-422) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: The untold promise of prayer; title: Part 1. From Metaphysics to Doxology :; title: 1. Doxological impurity: Martin Heidegger; title: 2. Doxological theory: Hans Urs Von Balthasar; title: 3. Doxological subtlety: on the intersections of prayer and phenomenology; title: Part 2. Spirituality in a World of Violence :; title: 4. Poverty of spirit: Johann Baptist Metz; title: 5. Discernment of spirits: on the integrity of doxology and liberation; title: 6. Songs of the spirit: James Cone