Oxford Readings in Philosophical Theology, Volume 2: Providence, Scripture, and Resurrection

This volume assembles contemporary philosophical scholarship on three interconnected themes in Christian philosophical theology: divine providence, biblical authority, and bodily resurrection. Michael Rea curates essays that exemplify the analytical approach to traditional theological questions, demonstrating how philosophical rigor can illuminate longstanding debates about God's relationship to creation, revelation, and eschatology.

The providence section explores fundamental questions about divine action and human freedom. Contributors examine whether God's sovereign control over creation is compatible with genuine human agency, addressing classical problems of theological determinism and libertarian free will. Essays analyze different models of providence, from Molinist middle knowledge to open theism, evaluating their coherence and theological implications. The discussion engages both historical figures like Aquinas and contemporary philosophers, showing how traditional doctrines face new challenges from modern physics and action theory.

The Scripture section investigates philosophical dimensions of biblical interpretation and authority. Authors address epistemological questions about how texts can serve as divine revelation, the relationship between historical criticism and theological reading, and whether Scripture's authority requires particular theories of inspiration or inerrancy. The essays engage with hermeneutical philosophy, speech act theory, and recent work on testimony, bringing philosophical sophistication to debates often dominated by theologians and biblical scholars.

The resurrection section examines metaphysical puzzles surrounding bodily continuity and personal identity through death. Contributors debate whether numerical identity can be preserved through bodily destruction and reconstitution, exploring options from temporal gaps to continued existence in an intermediate state. Essays address the coherence of resurrection given contemporary philosophy of mind and personal identity, particularly materialist accounts that seemingly preclude post-mortem survival.

Rea's selection demonstrates analytical philosophy of religion's constructive engagement with systematic theology. Rather than merely defending theism's rationality, these essays assume a broadly Christian framework while rigorously investigating its internal coherence and philosophical implications. The volume shows how philosophical analysis can clarify theological commitments without reducing theology to philosophy. By focusing on providence, Scripture, and resurrection together, the collection highlights their systematic interconnections: God's providential purposes require reliable revelation and culminate in eschatological fulfillment. This approach offers both philosophers and theologians sophisticated resources for understanding central Christian doctrines while maintaining analytical precision.