Abstract
Three of the articles in this issue are concerned with public theology. I will keep my comments short as I have contributed one of the articles. In any case, Canon Vernon White of Westminster Abbey contextualizes and summarizes them admirably. All three of us who contribute are practising Anglicans involved in national ethics committees. Nigel Biggar and I sit on these committees explicitly as theologians. Jonathan Montgomery sits as an academic lawyer. From our different perspectives, however, we still detect areas of mutual agreement. In a later issue of Theology Grace Davie will write as a practising Anglican who is also a distinguished sociologist of religion.
Following these articles this issue has two interesting contributions to our regular features ‘New Directions’ and ‘Difficult Texts’. Ian Wallis writes on ‘New Directions in Jesus Studies’ and Beverley Jameson addresses the theme of ‘Lamentation’ in ‘Difficult Texts’. Both of these new authors offer helpful and thoughtful insights.
Finally, a special feature of this issue is the review article by the veteran New Testament scholar Larry Hurtado of Tom Wright’s huge new work Paul and the Faithfulness of God. As Larry observes, ‘we surely have Wright’s magnum opus on the apostle’.
Once again, much to enjoy.