The vocation of theology : inquiry, dialogue, adoration / edited by Rex D. Matthews.

"The chapters in this volume arose out of events that marked the centennial of the Candler School of Theology during the 2014-15 academic year. The essays are all written by Candler faculty members, who contributed their insights and expertise throughout the year under the theme 'The Candler Centennial in Story and Prophecy'"--Page vii.

Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction: The vocation of theology : inquiry, dialogue, adoration / Don E. Saliers -- Imagining the future / Carl R. Holladay -- God's gymnasium / Thomas G. Long -- Congratulations! ... not so fast! / Brent A. Strawn -- Since we are surrounded / Luther E. Smith Jr. -- Reforming theological education : the story of women at Candler / Carol A. Newsom -- Close to the heart of humankind / Steven M. Tipton -- Meeting the theological challenges of the new century / Luke Timothy Johnson -- "Great birds of the kingdom" : theological imagination and secularization / Ted A. Smith -- Affirmation and accountability : ethical dimensions of "that blessed image" / Ellen Ott Marshall -- To whom can we go? / Thomas G. Long -- Understanding and hope in a time of climate change : a conversation with the Bible / Carol A. Newsom -- "Fish of every kind" : the Kingdom of God and global pluralism / Jehu J. Hanciles -- On-the-job courage / Teresa L. Fry Brown.

"What does it mean to be a theologian? When Emory University's Candler School of Theology was established in 1914, the school's founders had little notion of the remarkable events ahead: two world wars, the Holocaust, cold war under the threat of nuclear destruction, the collapse of colonialism, and technological revolution. In response, theology was inadequate to the task of understanding and interpreting these world-changing circumstances in light of the Good News. As Candler entered its second century in 2014-2015, its faculty and students sought to anticipate some of the major theological challenges of the era to better prepare for the task of speaking God's truth in the midst of rapidly changing circumstances. The issues taken up during the year of Candler's centennial celebration were not trivial or parochial; they cut to the core of Christian identity and witness: theological imagination and secularization, the image of God in contemporary society, creation and care of the earth, and the kingdom of God and global pluralism."--Page 4 of cover.