Esse & Evangel: Metaphysical Order in Evangelical Doctrine - Paperback

by Larry Rinehart (Author)

ESSE & EVANGEL argues for the necessity of traditional metaphysical understanding for the defense and communication of Christian Faith under postmodern cultural conditions. Following a Preface which summarizes its structure, the book first states its central argument in a brief summary, than considers two kinds of objections to its proposal: postmodern philosophical objections, and historical Lutheran theological ones. A traditional metaphysical perspective is then outlined, under the rubric of philosophia perennis, on the basis of which the modernist-postmodernist objections are rebutted, and the Lutheran ones adapted as limiting principles for evangelical metaphysical speculation. A view of 'evangelical metaphysics' is then developed, and its implications for Word, Sacrament, and theological method are investigated.

Author Biography

Larry Rinehart holds the BA in chemistry (Gettysburg, 1968) and studied at Princeton Theological Seminary before withdrawing to pursue independent study. He was employed as a chemist and technical manager in the textile industry, retiring in 2008 as Director of Research & Development. He currently operates a small organic farmstead with his wife Donna, while following a vocation as lay theologian and Christian philosopher in the Lutheran church (LCMC).