Paradox and Contradiction in Theology

This book explores and expounds upon questions of paradox and contradiction in theology with an emphasis on recent contributions from analytic philosophical theology. It addresses questions such as: What is the place of paradox in theology? Where might different systems of logic (e.g., paraconsistent ones) find a place in theological discourse (e.g., Christology)? What are proper responses to the presence of contradiction(s) in one's theological theories? Are appeals to analogical language enough to make sense of paradox? Bringing together an impressive line-up of theologians and philosophers, the volume offers a range of fresh perspectives on a central topic. It is valuable reading for scholars of theology and philosophy of religion. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments List of Contributors Introduction: At the Limit of Comprehension 1. The Problem of Paradox in Analytic Christology: Some After-Dinner Reflections 2. True Contradictions in Theology 3. What Is the Aim of (Contradictory) Christology? 4. Ten Objections to Contradictory Theology 5. Contradictory Christ without Contradictory Christology 6. Seeming Is Believing?: An Exploration of Doxastic Responses to the Christological Paradox 7. Dialectical Jesus 8. Karl Barth on the Mixed Blessing of Paradoxical Theology 9. Suffering and Flourishing: Ecclesiastes 10. Analogy without Evisceration: Analogical Interpretation as a Solution to Theological Paradox 11. Mystery at the Spandrels 12. Depicting Doctrine: Theological Paradox and Conceptual Iconography Index