Content and Method in Christian Theology: A Case Study of the Thought of Nels Ferr? [Paperback]

An exploration of how methodological approaches can affect theological conclusions, using the Swedish-American theologian Nels Ferr? as a case in point.

For three decades, he flashed like a meteor across the theological horizon, and then vanished. So writes Alan P.F. Sell of Nels F.S. Ferr? (1908-1971), a mid-twentieth-century theologian whose work is little remembered, despite his constructive and often provocative contributions to theological debates that endure today. While Professor Sell speculates upon the reasons for this inattention, his primary concern is to show that Ferr?'s works raise timeless questions about the relations between content and method in theology. How far do the personal convictions of theologians influence their theological method? May methodological decisions yield attenuated accounts of Christian doctrine? This in-depth analysis of Ferr?'s thought is a cautionary tale concerning the importance of the choice of starting-points for theological reflection that will prove an invaluable resource for theologians and historians of Christian thought, whilst also remaining an approachable text for those with a general interest in theology.GBSell's elegantly reasoned work give an enlightening overview of a forgotten theologian - and provides a cautionary tale to his successors....Sell's book has the virtue of intense engagement with the primary sources. There has not yet been not a more thorough reckoning with the full scope of Ferr?'s theology. Sell's broad and deep attention to Ferr?'s writings is helpful to those of us who have not so completely read his works.This is a very good book for all who should be concerned about the relation between philosophy and theology, if only to learn from Ferr?'s adventurous mistakes.Preface

1. Introduction: The Nature and Structure of this Enquiry
2. Nels Ferr?'s Career, Character, and Devotional Centre
3. The Philosophical Context and Ferr?'s Starting-Point
4. Recurrent EpistemlS/