All Things New

Description

For both Maximus the Confessor c. 580-662 and Jürgen Moltmann b. 1926 understanding what it means to be human springs from a contemplative vision of God. This comparative study explores surprising parallels between the theological anthropology of the seventh-century Byzantine monk and the contemporary German Lutheran. Bingaman shows that in their Trinitarian and christological reflection both Maximus and Moltmann root their understanding of the human calling, in contrast to many modern theologies that tend to devise an account of human being first, and then try to find ways in which Christ and the Trinity are somehow relevant to this human being. In this constructive work, Bingaman demonstrates the intrinsic connection between Maximus’s and Moltmann’s views of human beings, Christ and the Trinity, the church, and the human calling in creation. Illustrating the richness of these ancient and postmodern theologies in conversation, ‘All Things New’ lays out future trajectories in theological anthropology, patristic ressourcement, ecologically attuned theology and spirituality, and Orthodox-Lutheran dialogue. Brock Bingaman is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Religious Studies Programme Director at Wesleyan College, Macon, Georgia. His publications include ‘The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality’ 2012, co-edited with Bradley Nassif, and numerous chapters in books and articles in journals on Christian spirituality, ecology, comparative theology, and Christian- Muslim relations. ‘In this important book, Brock Bingaman brings Maximus the Confessor and Jürgen Moltmann into constructive dialogue. Without in any way trying to disguise the very different idioms in which they think, Bingaman shows how both Maximus and Moltmann base their reflections on the human calling and destiny in the doctrine of the Trinity and the Paschal mystery of Christ. It is a rich and stimulating work.’ Andrew Louth, Professor Emeritus of Patristic and Byzantine Studies, Durham University.