Theology, Religion & Spirituality 

In this second volume of his four-volume "exposition of evangelical theism," Dr. Carl F. H. Henry continues his confrontation of recent conjectural alternatives to evangelical Christianity. Volume II (with Volume III) deals specifically with the doctrines of revelation, which Dr. Henry believes to be the "critical center" of the crisis in modern theology. It is a concept that has been continually altered in the history of ideas; in the past two centuries especially it has been "stretched into everything, stripped into nothing, or modeled into innumerable compromises of...outrageous extremes." Dr. Henry starts with the central postulate that God reveal himself, "a very particular and specific divinity known from the beginning solely on the basis of his works and self-declaration as the one living God." He structures his discussion around fifteen theses which summarize the Judeo-Christian view of revelation. Seven of these are discussed in detail in Volume II (the remaining eight are treated in Volume III). Revelation occurs only by God's initiative, says Dr. Henry. It is given for man's benefit, but knowing God's revealed truth does not automatically mean salvation. Nor does God's revelation of himself erase the mystery of God, because he transcends his revelation. Man cannot penetrate beyond the limits of revelation, either by imagination or self-transcendence. God's revelation is uniquely personal both in form and content. God reveals himself in history not only universally, but also redemptively in unique saving acts. Dr. Henry discusses various contemporary treatments of history and tradition. He concludes with a chapter on revelation and history in evangelical perspective, focusing on the importance and limits of historical evidence and its bearing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. - from Amzon