Not Every Spirit: A Dogmatics of Christian Disbelief [Paperback]

Christopher Morse (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1994

To believe in God is not to believe everything. To trust everything without awareness of what is untrustworthy is not genuine faith in God. In a biblical understanding of faith in God, then, what is the role of the call not to believe every spirit? What disbeliefs does faithfulness require? Are there some things that Christian faith refuses to believe? If so, how do we come to recognize what they are? "The presence of faithful disbelief in the church," Professor Morse suggests, "gives the church's teaching and practice its timeliness in every cultural situation." Part One of his book therefore explores the notion of Christian faith as disbelief and how the task of "testing the spirits" develops and comes to be understood within Christianity as a theological discipline called dogmatics. Part two focuses on uncovering disbeliefs of the Christian faith concerning the Word of God, the being of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, creation, salvation, humanity, the church, and the life to come. Here, then, is a fresh and timely dogmatic text that will take its place as a standard work on Christian teachings. "Professor Morse's meticulous scholarship in this book convinces Christians to examine not only what they believe but also to give attention to what they are called to disbelieve. In today's world of turmoil, distrust, and violence, Morse's work challenges Christians to reflect seriously on what they are to believe and what they are to do." —Delores S. Williams, Union Seminary, NY Christopher Morse holds the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair in Theology and Ethics at Union Seminary, New York, and is the author of The Logic of Promise in Moltmann's Theology.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Professor Morse's meticulous scholarship in this book convinces Christians to examine not only what they believe but also to give attention to what they are called to disbelieve. In today's world of turmoil, distrust, and violence, Morse's work challenges Christians to reflect seriously on what they are to believe and what they are to do." —Delores S. Williams, Union Seminary, NY

(Delores S. Williams )

"I would recommend Morse to students who have no doubts about their faith and to students whose faith is constituted by their objections to it.-- James J. Buckley, Loyola College, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, January 1998 (from the first edition) (Religious Studies Review )

'Written during postliberalism's height and first published a decade prior to current philosophies and theologies of "the event", Morse's Not Every Spirit expertly delivers a concise, yet comprehensive, Christian dogmatics predicated on the notion of grace as event. For Morse, the Gospel is not a narrative in search of supplementation by human performance; it is something that happens, first and foremost. Accordingly, this book functions as a call to the church to stop acting and start witnessing -- and for systematic theologians to put away the scripts and pick up the seismographs. It has fundamentally changed the way I think about, and do, Christian theology.' -- Trevor Eppehimer, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Hood Theological Seminary. (Trevor Eppehimer )

'I have used several different introductory theology texts for teaching my basic courses, and Morse's book is by a good margin the most thoughtful and provocative. Although regularly invoking (in a way that feels neither authoritarian nor antiquarian) an impressive range of traditional voices, what is most impressive about this text is the way in which Morse manages to communicate a powerful and contemporary theological vision of his own without failing to give the reader a sense of the broad range of possible approaches to any given theological problem.' -- Paul DeHart, Associate Professor of Theology, Vanderbilt University Divinity School.

(Paul DeHart )

'Someone once said that most thinkers are either "clumpers" or "splitters", people who can think imaginatively and paint in bold strokes, or people who can think very precisely and analyze. Christopher Morse is among those unusual people who can do both. He understands the grand sweep of the gospel, of God's love poured out on a creation that groans in travail, and he knows how to help Christians think rigorously about what they believe -- and what they disbelieve. Not every spirit is Christ's Spirit; sometimes the Church must say "no." It is part of Morse's gift to place such nay-saying in the service of God's truth.' -- Joseph L. Mangina, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Wycliffe College, Toronto.

(Joseph L. Mangina )

'There is no introduction to Christian doctrine that does a better job of equipping students to ask the questions that the church needs to ask about its faith and practice. By understanding doctrine as a reflection of what Christians refuse to believe about God, Christ, and the world around them, Christopher Morse offers a genuinely novel approach to systematic theology that is deeply rooted in Scripture and the life of the church. Neither trendy nor traditionalist, this book exemplifies a generous orthodoxy that provides unparalleled resources for disciplined yet charitable dialogue across even the most seemingly intractable confessional divisions.' -- Ian A. McFarland, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

(Ian A. McFarland )

'This is the finest one-volume dogmatics available in English today' -- Kendall Soulen, Professor of Systematic Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary.

(Kendall Soulen )

'For the many Christians who have a nearly allergic reaction to systematic theology, equating it with being authoritarian and closed-minded, this boldly subtitled A Dogmatics of Christian Disbelief can be a cure. Indeed, with faith comes many disbeliefs -- such as a mistrust of authorities and an aversion to closed-mindedness. This book clears the ground of disbeliefs in order to expose those things we do believe, and treasure. My students, many of them experienced pastors and from a wide spectrum of denominations, typically approach this book with reluctance (it's thick and about dogma!), then reach its final chapters with real gratitude for the new trails in their theological imaginations it has helped them to discover, trails first cleared by our ancestors in the faith, as well as trails as yet untraversed.' -- Kelton Cobb, Professor of Theology and Ethics, Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT.

(Kelton Cobb )

'Christopher Morse's Not Every Spirit is a most distinctive apology for Christian faith, a postmodern update of Aquinas, superbly combining the dogmatic tasks of Systematics with Ethics (the science of moral reasoning) for a changed and changing world. As a liberation theologian, committed to finding and publishing good news for the poor, I am pleased to have such a richly profound resource that recognizes Christianity's historic abuses yet allows me to explore its potential and actual role in establishing human worth and freedom on personal and collective levels, in devotional, private dimensions, and institutional, liturgical forms. One cannot help but be deepened by an encounter with the honest and honourable Spirit in Not Every Spirit. That Professor Morse's text is intellectually rigorous yet is readable and sensible makes his model method for doing theology in the twenty-first century and beyond.' -- JoAnne Marie Terrell, Associate Professor of Ethics and Theology, Chicago Theological Seminary.

(JoAnne Marie Terrell )

'The signal merit of this book, as studied as it is readable, is Morse's ability to draw readers into the innermost workings of Christian doctrines, displaying the connections and dynamics which enliven them. By engaging contemporary objections and clarifying those disbeliefs which positive Christian faith enjoins, Morse demonstrates afresh how the Christian gospel itself exposes Christian teaching to the most salutary criticism. That our faith requires theology, and that theology requires argument within, around, and for the sake of a better faithfulness -- of these truths Morse is the most expert of teachers. And I can think of no textbook that so convincingly shows how dogmatics, by pursuing that better faithfulness, thereby serves the better righteousness for which Christians both hope and labor.' -- Philip G. Ziegler, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen.

(Philip G. Ziegler )

'Every chapter... displays Morse's profound competence as a theologian.... This has already proved to be a valuable text for courses in systematic theology.' -- Charles M. Wood, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

(Charles M. Wood )

'This is a really distinctive voice in current theology with an important fresh approach. Exploring the disbeliefs that lie at the heart of Christian faith in accessible, concise, and original ways, Morse proves the truth of his own maxim that a good dogmatics is the best antidote to dogmatism about both faith and morals.' -- David H. Kelsey, Yale University Divinity School.

(David H. Kelsey )

'Not Every Spirit is an outstanding introduction to Christian Theology. Christopher Morse creatively illuminates a wide range of crucial contemporary issues. Arguing that the Christian faith entails not only beliefs, but also disbeliefs, Morse shows the theoretical and practical significance of these disbeliefs in a provocative and insightful way. The result is a theology that is both critical and affirmative. ' -- Francis Schüssler Fiorenza, Harvard University, The Divinity School.

(Francis Schüssler Fiorenza )

“Professor Morse's meticulous scholarship in this book convinces Christians to examine not only what they believe but also to give attention to what they are called to disbelieve. In today’s world of turmoil, distrust, and violence, Morse’s work challenges Christians to reflect seriously on what they are to believe and what they are to do.” —Delores S. Williams, Union Seminary, NY

(, )

'Written during postliberalism’s height and first published a decade prior to current philosophies and theologies of “the event”, Morse’s Not Every Spirit expertly delivers a concise, yet comprehensive, Christian dogmatics predicated on the notion of grace as event. For Morse, the Gospel is not a narrative in search of supplementation by human performance; it is something that happens, first and foremost. Accordingly, this book functions as a call to the church to stop acting and start witnessing – and for systematic theologians to put away the scripts and pick up the seismographs. It has fundamentally changed the way I think about, and do, Christian theology.’ – Trevor Eppehimer, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Hood Theological Seminary. (, )

'I have used several different introductory theology texts for teaching my basic courses, and Morse’s book is by a good margin the most thoughtful and provocative. Although regularly invoking (in a way that feels neither authoritarian nor antiquarian) an impressive range of traditional voices, what is most impressive about this text is the way in which Morse manages to communicate a powerful and contemporary theological vision of his own without failing to give the reader a sense of the broad range of possible approaches to any given theological problem.’ – Paul DeHart, Associate Professor of Theology, Vanderbilt University Divinity School.

(, )

'Someone once said that most thinkers are either “clumpers” or “splitters”, people who can think imaginatively and paint in bold strokes, or people who can think very precisely and analyze. Christopher Morse is among those unusual people who can do both. He understands the grand sweep of the gospel, of God’s love poured out on a creation that groans in travail, and he knows how to help Christians think rigorously about what they believe – and what they disbelieve. Not every spirit is Christ’s Spirit; sometimes the Church must say “no.” It is part of Morse’s gift to place such nay-saying in the service of God’s truth.’ – Joseph L. Mangina, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Wycliffe College, Toronto.

(, )

'There is no introduction to Christian doctrine that does a better job of equipping students to ask the questions that the church needs to ask about its faith and practice. By understanding doctrine as a reflection of what Christians refuse to believe about God, Christ, and the world around them, Christopher Morse offers a genuinely novel approach to systematic theology that is deeply rooted in Scripture and the life of the church. Neither trendy nor traditionalist, this book exemplifies a generous orthodoxy that provides unparalleled resources for disciplined yet charitable dialogue across even the most seemingly intractable confessional divisions.’ – Ian A. McFarland, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

(, )

'This is the finest one-volume dogmatics available in English today’ – Kendall Soulen, Professor of Systematic Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary.

(, )

'For the many Christians who have a nearly allergic reaction to systematic theology, equating it with being authoritarian and closed-minded, this boldly subtitled A Dogmatics of Christian Disbelief can be a cure. Indeed, with faith comes many disbeliefs – such as a mistrust of authorities and an aversion to closed-mindedness. This book clears the ground of disbeliefs in order to expose those things we do believe, and treasure. My students, many of them experienced pastors and from a wide spectrum of denominations, typically approach this book with reluctance (it’s thick and about dogma!), then reach its final chapters with real gratitude for the new trails in their theological imaginations it has helped them to discover, trails first cleared by our ancestors in the faith, as well as trails as yet untraversed.’ – Kelton Cobb, Professor of Theology and Ethics, Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT.

(, )

'Christopher Morse’s Not Every Spirit is a most distinctive apology for Christian faith, a postmodern update of Aquinas, superbly combining the dogmatic tasks of Systematics with Ethics (the science of moral reasoning) for a changed and changing world. As a liberation theologian, committed to finding and publishing good news for the poor, I am pleased to have such a richly profound resource that recognizes Christianity’s historic abuses yet allows me to explore its potential and actual role in establishing human worth and freedom on personal and collective levels, in devotional, private dimensions, and institutional, liturgical forms. One cannot help but be deepened by an encounter with the honest and honourable Spirit in Not Every Spirit. That Professor Morse’s text is intellectually rigorous yet is readable and sensible makes his model method for doing theology in the twenty-first century and beyond.’ – JoAnne Marie Terrell, Associate Professor of Ethics and Theology, Chicago Theological Seminary.

(, )

'The signal merit of this book, as studied as it is readable, is Morse’s ability to draw readers into the innermost workings of Christian doctrines, displaying the connections and dynamics which enliven them. By engaging contemporary objections and clarifying those disbeliefs which positive Christian faith enjoins, Morse demonstrates afresh how the Christian gospel itself exposes Christian teaching to the most salutary criticism. That our faith requires theology, and that theology requires argument within, around, and for the sake of a better faithfulness – of these truths Morse is the most expert of teachers. And I can think of no textbook that so convincingly shows how dogmatics, by pursuing that better faithfulness, thereby serves the better righteousness for which Christians both hope and labor.’ – Philip G. Ziegler, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen.

(, )

'Every chapter… displays Morse’s profound competence as a theologian…. This has already proved to be a valuable text for courses in systematic theology.’ – Charles M. Wood, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

(, )

'This is a really distinctive voice in current theology with an important fresh approach. Exploring the disbeliefs that lie at the heart of Christian faith in accessible, concise, and original ways, Morse proves the truth of his own maxim that a good dogmatics is the best antidote to dogmatism about both faith and morals.’ – David H. Kelsey, Yale University Divinity School.

(, )

'Not Every Spirit is an outstanding introduction to Christian Theology. Christopher Morse creatively illuminates a wide range of crucial contemporary issues. Arguing that the Christian faith entails not only beliefs, but also disbeliefs, Morse shows the theoretical and practical significance of these disbeliefs in a provocative and insightful way. The result is a theology that is both critical and affirmative. ' – Francis Schüssler Fiorenza, Harvard University, The Divinity School.

(, ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

"I have used several different introductory theology texts for teaching my basic courses, and Morse's book is by a good margin the most thoughtful and provocative." -- Paul DeHart, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Vanderbilt University Divinity School --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Continuum; 1st edition (February 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563380870
• ISBN-13: 978-1563380877
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,556,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What to believe, what to disbelieve..., May 23, 2003

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Not Every Spirit: A Dogmatics of Christian Disbelief (Paperback)

One of the important elements of my theological education, and something that most every religious and non-religious person knows implicitly without realising explicitly, is that to believe anything carries with it the corollary that one does not believe the opposite. To believe that God exists, for example, precludes the belief that there is no God. To believe in one God precludes the belief in many gods and in no God. And so on...

`To believe in God is not to believe everything. To trust everything without awareness of what is trustworthy is not the faith in God to which one is called by the gospel.'

Christopher Morse, in his book `Not Every Spirit: A Dogmatics of Christian Disbelief', examines various elements of Christian faith and theology by approaching what it means not to believe certain things. Approaching theology as a practice of faithful disbelief, he examines the relationship of faith, theology, church, scholarship, and every-day life.

`The earliest Christians were persecuted not for what they professed to believe, but for their disbeliefs. Their refusal to worship at the imperial shrines is what identified them to the governing authorities.... Only Caesar preeminently could be Lord. The loyalty oath, the pledge of allegiance, throughout the empire was expressed in the words 'Kyrios Kaisar' (Caesar is Lord).... The confession 'Jesus Christ is Lord' represented a subversive claim. Entailed in the faith that Jesus was Lord was the disbelief of Caesar as Lord. The disbelief is what gave the confession concrete meaning and timeliness in that social context.'

In separating the wheat from the chaff (to use a biblical image), one can collect the wheat or the chaff, and through either process the two are separated. By taking a 'negative' approach, Morse enables the theological explorer a unique way of constructing a positive, meaningful theological framework.

Morse examines the topics of the Word of God, the Being of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Creation, Salvation, Humanity, the Church, and the Life to Come, each in turn systematically, and for each in turn proposing disbeliefs that will help make the structure of Christian beliefs more solid. Taking the first item (the Word of God) as example, Morse proposes the following:

`Christian faith as affirmed in the doctrine of the Word of God refuses to believe:

- all spirits or teachings that either deny God's otherness, or that interpret God's otherness as noncommunicative.

- any claim that God from the beginning has withheld from the church truth that is essential to saving faith.

- any claim that God's Word can be confined and is not now free to speak wherever and as God chooses.'

...and many more -- in this particular example, Morse comes up with 17 proposed disbeliefs, and examines each in turn to better enable the reader/student to gain a firmer grasp on what positive beliefs mean.

Morse's book was used as a recommended text for the systematic theology course at my seminary, and a great many students used it as their primary secondary theology source. It incorporates a wide range of contemporary issues and historical ideas that impact theology, and presents them in a systematic approach.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Basics of the Christian Faith, February 7, 2001

By 

M. A. Oget "grittymar" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not Every Spirit: A Dogmatics of Christian Disbelief (Paperback)

This is one of those books that could start real, honest dialogue between those Christians who are the buckles of the Bible Belt, and those Christians who believe in God in Her infinite Wisdom. Morse, working with a Thomist (read Aquinas)model, outlines those things which he believes to be central to Christianity, outside of which things there is no Christianity. You may think he draws the boundary too far out, or too narrowly, but he is clear, concise, and a challenging read. What do you refuse to disbelieve?