Overview

"""A mere metaphor"", ""only symbolic"", ""just a myth"" - these tell-tale phrases reveal how figurative language has been cheapened and devalued in our modern and postmodern culture. In this text, Paul Avis argues the contrary: that in fact metaphor, symbol and myth, are the key to a ""real"" knowledge of God and the sacred. Avis examines what he calls an alternative tradition, stemming from the Romantic poets William Blake and John Keats, drawing on the thought of John Henry Newman, and experience in both modern philosophy and science. The text draws on a number of non-theological disciplines, from literature to philosophy, to show us that God is appropriately likened to an artist or poet and that the greatest truths are expressed in an imaginative form. Anyone wishing to further their understanding of God, belief and the imagination will find this an inspirational read."

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9780415215022

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... the case for the importance of the imagination is made here in a clear and attractive fashion... Recommended for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. <br>-Paul Lakeland, Religious Studies Review <br> This is a book of scholarship and integrity. A unique combination of theology and literary methodology. <br>-R. William Franklin, Berkeley Divinity School at Yale <br> God and the Creative Imagination is an extremely well written and carefully researched study of the place of metaphor, symbol and myth in religion and theology. I read this with considerable enjoyment. <br>-Robert Hannaford, Canterbury Christ Church College <br> Among contemporary theological voices, that of Paul Avis is always wide-ranging, constructive and sane, combining scholarship with a nuanced feel for tradition. <br>-Rowan Williams, Bishop of Monmouth, 6/99 <br>

'A clearly written book which is full of intriguing insights ... Avis has clearly read widely, listened carefully and thought deeply.' - Heythrop Journal ' engaging and thought provoking' 'Avis's style is fresh, precise and accessible' 'this affirmation of the creative imagination as crucial to understanding of God in religion and theology is full of good thingd, and can be warmly commended' - John Saxbee, Church Times 'offers not only sustained argument for his own views but also an excellent survey of the relevant terrain' - David Brown, The Expository Times ' Avis ia a marvellous collector of quaotations and prepares very helpful bibliographies. This work is a treasuary for those interested in the relationship between imagiantion and Christian belief' - Mark Oakley, Theology 'This is careful analysis, robust defence and a plea for a fresh was of seeing things.' - Jim Jones, Epworth Review

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Paul Avis

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