The Theologically Formed Heart

The Theologically Formed Heart invites the reader to consider the role of theology in the formation of virtues and passions, and, conversely, the role of virtues and passions in understanding Scripture, theology, and living a Christian life. The essays in this volume are offered in appreciation of the teaching, scholarship, and service to the church and world of Professor of Theology David J. Gouwens. They are organized in three sections: theological reflections, Reformed theology in service to the church, and studies in the thought of Soren Kierkegaard. Four important issues are explored from multiple perspectives: the Church's coming to terms with religious pluralism in mission, inter-religious dialogue, theological education, and ecclesial life; the gospel's invitation to welcome communities of difference; Reformed aesthetics in Calvin's rhetoric and in contemporary hymnody; and Kierkegaard's contribution to theology and ecclesial practice.
The aims of the book go beyond academic confines. Through reading the different essays, a personality will emerge who illustrates a life of scholarship that yields itself gladly to the God made known in Jesus Christ. Thus, beyond imparting new information, the book may inspire its readers to their own practice of theologically forming their hearts.


""In this set of essays, Christian practices and theological reflection intersect concretely. That is where their power lies. Theology is powerful when it makes a difference in the world by helping to shape the 'hearts' of communities and individuals. These essays don't theorize about that; they exhibit it concretely in a multitude of different contexts and a rich mix of different frameworks.""
--David H. Kelsey, Luther A. Weigle Professor of Theology emeritus, Yale Divinity School, Yale University, New Haven, CT

""Christian believers thrive when nurtured by vital theology. The theological academy needs grounding in actual, concrete Christian communities to be faithful to its vocation. This perennial mutual need is all the more urgent in our increasingly secular context. Readers will find that the essays in The Theologically Formed Heart live up to the title--as the mind is engaged in rigorous thinking, the heart is inclined toward God and neighbor.""
--Charles Wiley, Coordinator, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Mission Agency, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Louisville, KY

""These essays in honor of David Gouwens are a rich feast. They include something for everyone--academic theologians, leaders of congregations, Christians in the pews, and all those who believe that the exercise of the mind is inseparable from the nurture of the heart. They provocatively discuss developments in contemporary theology, issues in Reformed theology and the life of the church, and the continuing significance of the writings of Soren Kierkegaard. This is an excellent resource for college and seminary classes and adult education in the church.""
--George Stroup, JP Green Professor of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA

""This Festschrift invites the reader into a rich conversation with great scholars, past and present. This conversation ranges widely in topic and methodologies, but is focused around the theme of critically engaging culture with theology and Scripture. Hence, scholarship is always at the service of deeply committed, self-giving Christian living. Thoroughly recommended for classroom and pulpit.""
--Merryl L. Blair, Senior Lecturer, Stirling Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia


Warner M. Bailey, Director of Presbyterian Studies at Brite Divinity School, is the author of The Self-Shaming God Who Reconciles, A Pastoral Approach to Abandonment within the Christian Canon.