Gospel, Church, and Ministry

Synopsis: The best writing is relevant for every age. C. S. Lewis reminded us that we must always read books from different eras, to avoid our own generation's blind spots. That is why these articles by Professor T. F. Torrance, Scotland's world famous theologian, merit reading. These particular articles focus on the topics of church and ministry in light of the gospel of Christ. They have been selected, first, because they illustrate how "TF" understood his work as an academic theologian to be the calling of an evangelist to the church and to the intellectual life of the day, and, second, because they are on the whole more accessible to the average reader. The Introduction by Jock Stein relates the different chapters to the overall work of "TF," the development of his thought, and to the events of his time. Endorsements: "This is a most readable collection of essays. . . . [T]ogether they reveal the Sitz im Leben of T. F. Torrance's thought. Developed in the context of his pastoral ministry in Scotland and later in his commitment to the international ecumenical movement, his theology should be understood as both Reformed and catholic. . . . [T]his collection will be especially valuable to a younger generation of scholars unacquainted with Torrance. . . . We are indebted to Jock Stein for his expert editorial work in gathering these materials into a single volume." --Dr. David Fergusson Professor of Divinity and Principal of New College University of Edinburgh "Many of Thomas F. Torrance's writings are out of print. Jock Stein rectifies this problem by bringing a series of Torrance essays back into print in this first of several volumes of Collected Studies by Torrance. Gospel, Church, and Ministry is an important contribution to the ongoing appropriation and assessment of Torrance's theology for new readers and those interested in his reflections on ecclesiology." --Rev. Dr. Elmer M. Colyer Professor of Historical Theology and Stanley Professor of Wesley Studies University of Dubuque Theological Seminary "Students of T. F. Torrance will be most grateful to read his memoirs and essays on pastoral ministry and theology, which rightly constitute volume one of a new and significant series. Accessible essays make clear Torrance's basic concern for the church in witness, mission, and service of Jesus Christ. Torrance was first and foremost a churchman, a minister of the gospel, who witnessed to the unity of 'Christ clothed with his gospel' and Christ clothed with human need." --Dr. Todd H. Speidell Editor, Participatio: The Journal of the Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship "If we need a concrete witness to Thomas F. Torrance's conviction that faithful theology really does directly feed faithful service then this volume of essays and addresses by Torrance himself profoundly attests to it. This collection alone exhibits much of what is needed in a 'practical theology' for the worship, witness and ordered life of the church of Jesus Christ. A welcome and valuable addition to the posthumous publication of his works." --Rev. Dr. Gary W. Deddo Senior Editor, InterVarsity Press Academic (USA) Founding President, Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship Author Biography: Thomas F. Torrance (1913-2007) was one of the most important Reformed theologians of his era. He served for twenty-seven years as Professor of Christian Dogmatics at New College, Edinburgh. Jock Stein is a retired Church of Scotland minister who manages the Handsel Press. When he served as director of the Carberry Conference Centre he had the privilege of knowing well many of the leading figures of the day, including T. F. Torrance, his former teacher.