Crucicentric Congregational and Catholic: The Generous Orthodoxy of Alan P. F. Sell

This book presents a synthesis of Alan Sells theology drawn from his voluminous publications. As Sells 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 Christianitys many sectarianisms Sells 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 Sells 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 Sells commitment to apologetics does his theology actually speak to contemporary hearers?