T. F. Torrance: An Intellectual Biography [Hardcover]

Alister E. McGrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0567086836 | ISBN-13: 978-0567086839

Church of England Newspaper Book of the Year 1999The first biography of Thomas F. Torrance, widely regarded as the most important British theologian of the twentieth century.Alister McGrath traces the development of Torrance's theological thought, and provides a comprehensive account of his life and career. Particular attention is paid to the important role played by Torrance in the English-language reception of the theology of Karl Barth, and to his pioneering engagement with the relation of Christian theology and natural sciences.While making extensive reference to Torrance's published works, McGrath also draws on important unpublished writings and private papers. The book contains many unpublished photographs, together with a complete bibliography of Torrance's works.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Thomas Torrance is one of the most remarkable theological minds of the twentieth century. He has both plumbed the depths of the tradition and been a daring pioneer in making new connections between fields of knowledge and between churches. The questions he raises deserve to be at the heart of much theological work in the next millennium.'
Professor David F. Ford, University of Cambridge
'What emerges is, I think, the best available overall account of Torrance's life and theology.'
Gary D. Badcock, Modern Believing
'This is a beautifully-produced book, enhanced by numerous delightful photographs. Perhaps unwittingly, McGrath's prodigious energy has given us a portrayal of Torrance's ideas warts and all.'
Paul Helm, Reformed Theological Journal
'The influence of Torrance's penetrating and seminal thought on a host of issues ranging from atonement theory and its trinitarian basis to the relation of theology and science justifies the appellation: the most significant theologian of the late-twentieth century.'
Professor Bruce L. McCormack, Princeton Theological Seminary
'It is a great gift to the Church that one of today's most popular theologians has written the first biography of Thomas F. Torrance, the 20th century's finest British theologian. Alister McGrath's clear introduction to the work of T. F. Torrance can return to evangelicals one of their best allies.'
Gerrit Scott Dawson, The Presbyterian Layman

Reviewed in: Irish Theological Quarterly, 65 (2000)Highlights: "This is an imposing book about an imposing man-an engaging starting-point for anyone who knows little of Torrance's work."


"an unusual and challenging book! … the book leaves one with a feeling of the exciting challenge to the church at the start of this new century to have a prayerful burden to produce similar pacesetters."
- Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology, Spring 2001

"those who want a comprehensive and reliable introduction to a theologian, about whom most English evangelicals need to be better informed, will find it here."--Anvil

"Clearly written and flawlessly printed." --CTNS Bulletin

"Excellent and sure-footed."
Scottish Journal of Theology, 2009

About the Author

Alister McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University, UK, and the first Director of the newly-established Oxford Centre for Evangelism and Apologetics. He holds the Oxford degrees of Doctor of Divinity for his work on historical and systematic theology, and Doctor of Philosophy for his work on molecular biophysics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: T&T Clark Int'l (March 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0567086836
• ISBN-13: 978-0567086839
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,374,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alister E. McGrath is a historian, biochemist, and Christian theologian born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A longtime professor at Oxford University, he now holds the chair in theology, ministry, and education at the University of London. He is the author of several books on theology and history, including Christianity's Dangerous Idea, In the Beginning, and The Twilight of Atheism. He lives in Oxford, England, and lectures regularly in the United States.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginning to Know T. F. Torrance, December 15, 2001

By 

John D. White "camsterdad" (Cayce, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: T. F. Torrance: An Intellectual Biography (Hardcover)

British theologian Alister McGrath has done us all a great service in writing this beautiful biography, of, arguably, the greatest English speaking theologian ever. Thomas F. Torrance is only now becoming known to an American public (all too often stuck on German theology and theologians) and this biography of the Scottish theologian does a great service by introducing us to him. A must read for all who want to know T. F. Torrance, the man of faith, behind, all the books bearing his name as author. McGrath is to be commended. And thanked heartily for his work here.