Knowledge of the Self-Revealing God in the Thought of Thomas Forsyth Torrance

This work examines Thomas Forsyth Torrances concern for the modern re-entrenchment of dualism as it has negatively affected the Christian faith and the realist knowledge of God in Christ. Additionally an analysis is made of Torrances program to faithfully restore theological thinking theological science and true objectivity out of the Christocentric-Trinitarian self-disclosure of God via the modern return to critical realist epistemology in the physical sciences (e.g. Einstein Polanyi). The study concludes with a critical examination of the adequacy and completeness of Torrances endeavor (the problem of residual dualism) in the light of his own theological and redemptive concerns. John Morrisons book brings to light the contribution of the most important English language Protestant theologian of this century. Unlike others who have attempted to present Torrances oeuvre by means of one or other of his guiding principles Morrison draws them together into a coherent whole. Morrisons command of the ideas and spirit of Torrance is masterful. The splendid interrelations and potencies of Torrances writing are unfolded in this highly competent work. Kurt Richardson Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary John Morrison has given the theological world a discerning analysis of the theology of one of the seminal thinkers of our time. T. F. Torrances theology is so broad and deep in its scope that it is difficult to master but Dr. Morrison has done an outstanding job of plumbing the depths of this great Scottish theologian.... This scholarly comprehensive study is a major contribution toward helping us understand the theology of the great Edinburgh theologian. I. John Hesselink Albertus C. Van Raalte Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology Western Theological Seminary Though Torrance has been hailed by some as one of the most substantial figures in recent Western intellectual history he has also been called one of the most neglected (Alisdair I. C. Heron). Morrisons new book seeks to correct this imbalance. This is a thorough examination of T. F. Torrances theological writings; it is an erudite work that lays bare the very core of Torrances thought places it in context traces its sources and seeks to determine its implications for contemporary theology. Balanced as it is between homage and critical analysis this book should prove indispensable for anyone who is interested in Torrance or in the ever-enduring and ever-changing dialectic between faith and reason. Carlos M. N. Eire Professor of History and Religious Studies Yale University This is a careful accurate thorough and illuminating presentation of T. F. Torrances thought together with various positive and negative assessments of his thought. It will be useful to anyone interested in systematic theology (and philosophical theology) because serious questions are raised and analyzed. This book definitely represents competent scholarship. The author wrestles with Torrances position presents his own critique of Torrance with a constructive proposal which if he is correct would lead in the direction Torrance has set for himself - toward a unified theology grounded in Christ and thus in the immanent Trinity. He makes his points well and does not shrink from difficult questions. All in all Dr. Morrison writes convincingly. Paul D. Molnar Professor of Systematic Theology St. Johns University New York John Douglas Morrison was born in Billings Montana. He holds a B.A. from the University of Montana an M.Div. and a Th.M. from Western Seminary and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia (Philosophical Theology). He has published journal articles on Kierkegaard Calvin Barth and Torrance. He teaches theology and philosophy at Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Lynchburg Virginia.