Mormonism at the Crossroads of Philosophy and Theology

Book excerpt: Book Description: Few scholars have made an impact on contemporary Mormon thought and theology like BYU Professor of Philosophy David L. Paulsen. Recently retired after nearly 40 years of teaching and mentoring, Paulsen has produced an imposing catalog of influential books and articles on Mormon teachings. More significant than his impressive scholarly oeuvre, however, has been his personal influence on generations of students, many of whom he inspired to become teachers and mentors themselves, and contributors to an increasingly interesting and relevant religious conversation. In addition, as one of the first serious LDS interlocutors with Orthodox Christian scholars, Paulsen has established professional and personal relationships with a wide array of non-LDS academics engaged in a serious and respectful dialogue regarding Mormonism and Christianity. This volume is a collection of essays representative of Paulsen's wide-ranging professional and personal influence, collected in honor of his many achievements and published on the occasion of his retirement. Each of the authors (a majority of whom are not LDS) has been impacted by Paulsen's scholarship and friendship in important ways, and have authored essays reflective of this dynamic. In addition, the essays are significant contributions to Mormon thought in and of themselves, covering diverse areas of inquiry from Mormon atheology to the possibility of an Evangelical Mormonism; from Liberation Theology to Mormon conceptions of divine embodiment; from Mormon approaches to transcendence to Mormonism's confrontation with evil and suffering, and many more. Praise for Mormonism at the Crossroads of Philosophy and Theology "There is no better measure of the growing importance of Mormon thought in contemporary religious debate than this volume of essays for David Paulsen. In a large part thanks to him, scholars from all over the map are discussing the questions Mormonism raises about the nature of God and the purpose of life. These essays let us in on a discussion in progress." - Richard Lyman Bushman, author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. "This book makes it clear that there can be no real ecumenism without the riches of the Mormon mind. . . . These original and insightful essays chart a new course for Christian intellectual life." - Peter A. Huff, Besl Family Chair of Ethics, Religion and Society, Xavier University, and author of Vatican II and The Voice of Vatican II "this volume of smart, incisive essays advances the case for taking Mormonism seriously within the philosophy of religion-an accomplishment that all generations of Mormon thinkers should be proud of." - Patrick Q. Mason, Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies, Claremont Graduate University "These essays accomplish a rare thing-bringing light rather than heat to an on-going conversation." - Terryl L. Givens, author of People of Paradox: A History of Mormon Culture "A must have for those interested in the Philosophy of Mormonism." - Kirk Caudle, The Mormon Book Review. "There might be reasons today to give the alternatives to [traditional Christian] beliefs another look. If there are such reasons, then this book . . . is a good place to start." - Stephen Webb, author of Jesus Christ, Eternal God Contributors: Jacob Baker (Also Editor) Carl Mosser Brian Birch Paul Owen Craig Blomberg Donald Musser Joseph Price Stephen Davis Clark Pinnock John Sanders James Faulconer Robert Millet Lyndsey Nay John Welch Francis Beckwith Blake Ostler Douglas Davies Dennis Potter James McLachlan Daniel Barron