This is an introduction to the nature and goals of God-talk from a Christian perspective. The authors start by addressing the question of what God-talk is and discuss the nature and aims of God-talk in terms of the worship of God by the church and the formation of saints within the church. This discussion contrasts the doxological and formative nature of God-talk with the disintegration of God-talk from modern life using economic and medical practices as examples.

The authors use a variety of contexts in which God-talk occurs and the authors develop their thesis in conversation with major figures - Thomas Aquinas, Ludwig Wittgenstein, John Calvin, Karl Barth - who have shaped contemporary reflection on God-talk. The narrative also analyses various metaphorical and analogous expressions, the theological basis for theological translation understood in light of God's movement toward us in the incarnation; as well as discussing the biblical literature, liturgy and theology and their contributions to the church's speech about God.

Aaron B. James is Assistant Professor of Theology, School of Biblical and Theological Studies, Cedarville University, USA.

Ryan S. Peterson is Assistant Professor of Theology, School of Biblical and Theological Studies, Cedarville University, USA.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Speech about God as Worship and Wisdom
Chapter 2: The Language of the Trinity
Chapter 3: Divine Revelation and Human Reception
Chapter 4: Working With Words About God
Chapter 5: Metaphor and Analogy
Chapter 6: Incarnation and Translation
Chapter 7: God-Talk and the Bible
Chapter 8: God-Talk and the Liturgy
Chapter 9: God-Talk and Theology
Chapter 10: God-Talk and Politics
Chapter 11: Hearing From God, Speaking of God, and Worshipping God (Speaking to God)
Conclusions

Selected Reading
Index