The Logic of the Spirit: Human Development in Theological Perspective

Those . . . prepared to grapple with science, social science, andChristian theology, will find [this book] important,thought-provoking, and rewarding. ?Sharon Daloz Parks, Whidbey Institute In this deep and enlightening discussion, psychologist, andtheologian James E. Loder demonstrates how a theologicalperspective enlarges our understanding of how humans grow anddevelop from birth through the life span. Loder examines theintimate relationship between human nature and the divine andprovides moving case studies, bringing the work of psychologistsFreud, Erikson, and Piaget to that of seminal Christian theologiansKierkegaard, Barth, Torrance, and Pannenberg. Loder acknowledges that psychological stage theories enable us tounderstand the logic of humans' evolving relationship with theworld and with God. At the same time, he demonstrates that thedivine spirit has a logic of its own, which is not bound by stages.Seminarians, theologians, ministers, and pastoral counselors willbenefit from this rich, thought-provoking guide. James E. Loder is the Mary D. Synnott Professor of the Philosophyof Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary and authorof The Transforming Moment and coauthor of The Knight's Move.