The Soul of God

Description:In this theological memoir, Ray Anderson takes us on his own journey from the prairie to the pulpit, and from the soul of a believer into the soul of a theologian. As a sequel to his earlier book, 'The Soul of Ministry', he shares with us the process by which his own spiritual hunger moved from uneasiness and unrest into a deeper sense of the soul of theology as exploration into the very soul of God (Part One). In Part Two, each chapter traces out the contours of a theology which sings as well as stings. After more than 40 years of ministry as pastor, teacher and theologian, Anderson presents a theological hermeneutic by which Scripture and human experience can be read on the same page. If reading this book produces astonishment and wonder at the depth and daring to which God's grace encounters and embraces us through Jesus Christ, then that itself will lead us, with awe and reverence, to behold the soul of God.Endorsements:In this deeply personal and theologically provocative book, Professor Anderson explores the Soul of God and bares his own. Stories of pastoring and being pastored are woven into his reflections on Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, Christian suffering, and a multitude of other themes. The reader is invited along on a journey with authors like Kierkegaard, Bonhoeffer, Barth, and Torrance. The doxological character of the memoirs is reinforced by the titles of the chapters, most of which are named after classic hymns. John Calvin claimed that 'there is no knowledge of God without knowledge of self, and there is no knowledge of self without knowledge of God.' Anderson has embraced both sides of this dialectic, demonstrating that theology can be both existentially and intellectually compelling.F. LeRon Shults, Professor of Theology, Bethel Theological Seminary'The Soul of God' is practically a 'greatest hits' collection of a lifetime of integrating theology and ministry. Ray Anderson has provided a fascinating tour of reflection on theological trends in the past while setting the agenda for a vigorous evangelical theology for the future. 'The Soul of God' is a unique experiment in autobiographical theology, mining riches from Anderson's experiences as a farmer, a pastor, and a professor, which cannot help but stimulate anyone seriously interested in the integration of theology and ministry, a field that Anderson has pioneered and continues to lead the way. Christian Kettler, Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Friends UniversityAbout the Contributor(s):RAY S. ANDERSON (1925-2009) was Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary where he has taught for more than thirty years. He is the author of more than twenty-five books, including, The Seasons of Hope, Marriage and Family Ministry in a Postmodern Culture, The Soul of Ministry, Ministry on the Fireline, and The Shape of Practical Theology.