Story Theology

Story Theology shows how narratives provide the central and distinctive structure and content of Christian faith. Tilley begins by showing the importance of understanding stories as carrying the substance of faith. He then analyzes and retells the central stories of Christianity—those of and about Jesus. But if these stories are to live on in the world after Jesus' time, they must be lived in and lived out by Jesus' followers. Hence, Tilley tells stories of model disciples—saints—who show how Christians are to live as Christians in and for the world, how to be disciples, members of the Body of Christ. Yet stories may be misleading and destructive as well as enlightening and freeing. So, the final chapter tells how to evaluate the truth and truthfulness of stories. Story Theology portrays Christianity as an on going variegated way of life and thought.

Terrence W. Tilley, Ph.D., chaired the department of religious studies of the University of Dayton from 1994-2003. He is the author or co-editor of eight books, most recently Inventing Catholic Tradition (Orbis), and scores of articles and reviews in philosophy of religion and theology. He is a past president of the College Theology Society, former co-chair of the Roman Catholic Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion, and served on the board of directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America. He previously taught at Georgetown University, St. Michael's College, Vermont, and Florida State University.