The Power of God and the Gods of Power [Paperback]

Daniel L. Migliore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 21, 2008

What is the power of God? Revered professor Daniel Migliore here shows how different it is from the powers that surround us. First demonstrating the ways the triune God's power is at work in the world, providing meaning and form to the Christian life, he concludes with a chapter looking at the power of God in the witness of both Christianity and Islam. From the Preface: I have tried to offer a clear, readable, and provocative book for beginners in theology rather than for professional theologians. My aim has been to show what is distinctive about the power of God according to the biblical witness, and how this understanding of God s power profoundly affects how we live and how we exercise power both as individuals and as communities and nations. Daniel L. Migliore, August, 2007. Excerpt: The gospel of prosperity is a small cottage industry in America. If only you believe hard enough, or live a decent life, you will be duly rewarded. The use of God is evident not only in Elmer Gantry like ministries and in many business enterprises, but also in the political arena. When the name of God is invoked to provide a religious halo to a burst of nationalism, or a political campaign, or a new business venture, God is being used. God is used by the politician or the political party that drums up financial support by peppering its advertisements with religious-sounding slogans. God is used by the television preacher who promises healing for an infirmity if the viewer will only say a little prayer and send in a cash contribution. In these and countless other ways, God is taken captive by us. God is compelled to serve our personal wishes or our social and economic interests or projects. Our captive God is given our allegiance if he gives us what we want, if we are guaranteed happiness now or in the hereafter, if we are assured that God is on our side and upholds the values we espouse. Such a God is useful to us in establishing and maintaining what we consider to be the good, happy, and successful life. The captive God is our supreme genie, our personal or national champion who blesses us and does our bidding. Table of Contents: Preface 1. The Question of God's Power 2. Images of God's Power in American Culture 3. The Biblical Witness to God's Power 4. The Power of God in the Theology and Life of the Church 5. The Power of God Who Freely Loves 6. The Reshaping of Power in Christian Life 7. Toward a Christian-Muslim Dialogue on the Power of God Notes For Further Reading

Editorial Reviews

Review

With his trademark clarity and passion, Migliore calls Christian disciples to reassess our understanding of the power of God. Artfully weaving stories, historic and biblical references, and keen theological insights, he presents a compelling critique of our grasp of the gods of power. I anticipate sharing this text and its helpful study questions with my congregation, just as I recommend it to others. --Carrie N. Mitchell, First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, New York

Migliore's lucid and lively study of the nature of God s power is as accessible as it is illuminating. Rooted in Scripture, conversant with classical and contemporary theology, full of engaging illustrations, and keenly attentive to questions arising from the everyday experiences of power and powerlessness, this challenging and timely work will be widely used in both the church and the academy. --Adam Neder, Assistant Professor, Department of Theology and Philosophy, Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington

In distinction from some who turn to philosophical schemes alone for new understandings of power, Migliore recovers the reading of the scriptures and doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Cross as witnesses to the power of the one God. These witnesses subvert the gods of power that many of us in church and society take to be in charge. Helpful questions conclude each chapter to aid the reader and discussion groups. --Robert Cathey, Associate Professor of Theology, McCormick Theological Seminary

About the Author

Daniel L. Migliore is Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and the author of the best-selling text Faith Seeking Understanding.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; First edition (January 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664231640
• ISBN-13: 978-0664231644
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,288,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great primer- with excellent conclusion!, September 7, 2008

By 

Thomas W. Blair "Pastor- Second Presbyterian" (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Power of God and the Gods of Power (Paperback)

solid reformed theology-

ending with the best intro to Christian-Muslim dialogue I've ever read!