Crucicentric, Congregational, and Catholic

This book presents a synthesis of Alan Sell's theology drawn from his voluminous publications. As Sell's doctrinal views are explored and interpreted, his indebtedness to P.T. Forsyth becomes clear. What emerges is a theology rooted in and flowing from the Cross-Resurrection event. Standing in the Separatist, Dissenting, and Nonconformist traditions, Sell advocates a wholehearted commitment to a Congregational ecclesiology, which he maintains carries the potential to break through the log-jams holding up the establishment of full ecumenical relationships across the churches. Saddened by Christianity's many sectarianisms, Sell's intentions are thoroughly catholic; while his faithfulness to the Christian tradition handed on to him is matched by a willingness to receive insights from beyond it. The result is a generous, if eclectic, expression of Christian orthodoxy. The critical phase of the book turns upon the question whether Sell's ""generous"" orthodoxy is generous enough: Do his theological conclusions actually do justice to the life and ministry of Jesus? And secondly are they credible in the contemporary world? For all Sell's commitment to apologetics does his theology actually speak to contemporary hearers?

""Alan Sell was one of English Nonconformity's keenest defenders and prolific authors. In this book, his theology receives the careful consideration and recognition it deserves. Dr. Peel's balanced but critical account offers constructive suggestions alongside exposition. It will be of interest to those within the Reformed tradition, and those beyond it, who are concerned with the needs and aspirations of Christian theology in the twenty-first century.""
Robert Pope, Vice-Principal and Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge

""Alan Sell was committed to both pulpit and academy, each informing and enriching the other. David Peel's readable exposition is painstakingly researched, includes many pithy quotations, and is always fair and balanced. Ecumenically minded with a strong Independency background, Sell remains a significant figure--although, like Peel, some readers might think his 'generous orthodoxy' is not generous enough.""
John Harrod, Formerly Principal of Hartley Victoria Methodist College Manchester, with the Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester


David Peel is a minister and theologian of the United Reformed Church. He was Principal of Northern College, Manchester (1993-2003), Director of Academic Development for the North East Oecumenical Course (2003-6), and Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church (2005-6). He is author of Reforming Theology (2002), Ministry for Mission (2003), Encountering Church (2006), and The Story of the Moderators (2012).