A Theology of Nonsense - Softcover

Gabelman, Josephine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1625645538 ISBN 13: 9781625645531

Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2016

Synopsis

There is within all theological utterances something of the ridiculous, perhaps more so in Christianity, given its proclivity for the paradoxical and the childlike. Yet, few theologians are willing to discuss that consent to the Christian doctrine often requires a faith that goes beyond reason or does not exclusively identify with it. There seems to be a fear that the association of theology with the absurd will give fuel to the skeptic's refrain: "you can't seriously believe in all that nonsense" This book considers the legitimacy of the skeptic's objection and rather than trying to explain away points of logical contradiction, the author explores the possibility that an idea can be contrary to rationality and also true and meaningful. The study involves the systematic analysis of central stylistic features of literary nonsense using Lewis Carroll's famous Alice stories as exemplar. The project culminates in the setting up of a nonsense theology by considering the practical and evangelical ramifications of associating Christian faith with nonsense literature; and conversely, the value of relating theological principles to the study of literary nonsense. Ultimately, the research suggests that faith is always a risk and that a strictly rational apologetic misrepresents the nature of Christian truth.

About this title

About the Author:

Josephine Gabelman teaches Philosophy and Religion at Eastbourne College, East Sussex. She received her doctorate from the University of St Andrews after completing a degree in Theology at the University of Cambridge, Peterhouse.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1625645538
• ISBN 13: 9781625645531
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 238