Christ and Controversy

Synopsis: What may happen when Christians take doctrine seriously? One possible answer is that the shape of churchly life "on the ground" can be significantly altered. This pioneering study is both an account of the doctrine of the person of Christ as it has been expounded by the theologians of historic English and Welsh Nonconformity, and an attempt to show that while many Nonconformists held classical orthodox views of the doctrine between 1600 and 2000, others advocated alternative understandings of Christ's person; hence the evolution of the ecclesial landscape as we have come to know it. The traditions here under review are those of Old Dissent: the Congregationalists, Baptists, Presbyterians and their Unitarian heirs; and the Calvinistic and Arminian Methodist bodies that owe their origin to the Evangelical Revival of the eighteenth century. Endorsements: "This encyclopedic but accessible survey stands as witness to the church's ongoing wrestle with an ancient question--'Who do you say that I am?' It demonstrates Professor Sell's acumen as a meticulous researcher, his contagious devotion to the nonconformist tradition, and his aptitude for bringing the dead back to life. With wit and sober-headedness, this bold and theologically informed study records many christological enthusiasms and ecclesiological consequences that this perduring question has birthed--its invitation lingers still." -Rev. Dr. Jason Goroncy Lecturer and Dean of Studies Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership Author Biography: Alan P. F. Sell is a philosopher-theologian and ecumenist. He has held academic posts in England, Canada, and Wales, ecclesiastical posts in England and Geneva, and now works full time as a researcher/author/editor, and as a Visiting Professor at home and abroad. His most recent book is Convinced, Concise, and Christian: The Thought of Huw Parri Owen.