Eberhard Jüngel is one of the world's most creative Christian thinkers. This is his first explicit examination of the relationship between theology and politics; between the church and state or; as he himself puts it; of 'the political existence of the Christian'. This examination takes the form of a critical theological analysis of the Barmen Theological Declaration - the courageous statement of faith produced in Germany in 1934 in the face of the rise of National Socialism. Jüngel explores in particular the fifth thesis; which concerns the state's God-given responsibility to safeguard justice and peace. One of the significant characteristics of this book is its concern to integrate the serious; academic commitment of theology in the service of truth with its necessary existential relationship to the pulpit. Without a coherent grasp of this the church degenerates into a 'characterless club for the cultivation of religion' while academic theology is reduced to a form of spineless irrelevance which shirks its responsibilities to the real world. Jüngel's concern is to offer a theology in which rigorous theological commitment and the spiritual life of the church are intergrated.This refreshing book makes significant contributions to the debate concerning the question of natural theology and divine decree; the Lutheran doctrine of the two regiments (kingdoms); the theological grounds of human rights; the ethics of the use of force by the state; the implications for just war theory of the nuclear capability and a whole range of other vital contemporary issues.
#77604 in Books Buddy Levy 2009-07-28 2009-07-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.18 x 1.00 x 5.49l; .81 #File Name: 0553384716448 pagesConquistador Hernan Cortes King Montezuma and the Last Stand of the Aztecs
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A very good book about a very sad historyBy JTThis is a very worthwhile read about the fall of the Aztecs and the consequences of European exploration of the New World. It provides an honest portrayal of Cortes which is rich is detail and scope. Although I knew the ending from high school history; Levy writes with a narrative style that creates suspense; as we follow Cortes from his first steps on the shore; his first encounter with the locals; and the final conflict. It makes you think how we came to be where we are today and the countless stories of conquest that are retold as history by the victors.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Amazing Historical AccountBy Paul R RyanAs an avid reader of history and expedition; this is at this point one of the best books I have ever read. It had me loving; hating and in awe of one of history's two greatest players. Just a fantastic book. The author is amazing in his ability to keep the reader spellbound throughout this story.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Hard to put down. Sure makes me feel for the Aztecs.By Daniel NesbittGreat book. Easy to read. Gives the history of Cortes shortly before his arrival to his conquest of the Aztec empire. Now I want to know what happened before and after. The way it's written makes it hard to put down. I haven't read anything else about this history so I can't compare it. But I loved it.