The Analogy of Love: Divine and Human Love at the Center of Christian Theology

This book advances a persuasive account of Christian belief organized around the theme of love while also employing love as a constraint on theological formulation. Throughout, Gary Chartier seeks to understand divine action in ways that make it possible to affirm divine love in the face of evil. The Analogy of Love offers a stimulating model for thinking about God and the world.“Christian theology needs continually to be rethought as the world and human understanding change. This book offers a critical and constructive reorganization of theology around the central theme of the ultimacy of Love. While some (including myself) will not agree with all of its conclusions, I have no hesitation in recommending it to shoe in search of a more thoughtful and intellectually responsible way of doing theology.”—John Hick, University of Birmingham“[This book] is certainly an impressive achievement. . . . It is an exercise in patient explanation, often conversational . . . . [It] could confidently be used as a starting point for conversation with undergraduates and ministerial training courses. Despite its wide breadth of reading it does not parade its erudition and in my view it is consistently on the side of the angels.”—Tim Gorringe, University of Exeter“This is a rare treat. It is a systematic theology which makes the ‘love of God’ absolutely center-stage. Compelling, well-argued, crystal clear and deeply creative, Chartier explores the nature and character of God’s love and transforms our understanding of theology. Not since Moltmann’s Theology of Hope has a theologian offered a transformative and unifying theme around which Christian theology can explain itself. An absolute must-read.”—Ian S. Markham, Virginia Theological Seminary“The text of this remarkable book sparkles with lucid, graceful prose even as the notes reveal a deep knowledge of the Bible and philosophical theology. Immensely readable and consummately practical, it will be of the greatest interest and value to theologians and laypersons alike. It deserves a broad audience.”—Stephen R. Munzer, University of California at Los Angeles“Creatively and persuasively argued and instructive. It is amazing the difference it makes when the primacy of love is insisted on! Nearly every page of this elegantly written book contains fresh insights, any one of which makes the reading of the book worthwhile. A masterful education in systematic Christian theology. Accessible and important for scholar and neophyte alike.”—Lawrence T. Geraty, La Sierra University“. . . [A] rich, sensitive and insightful presentation of Christian believing. . . . [Chartier’s] style of presentation . . . is remarkably lucid and jargon free. . . . The style is spare, simple, direct and logical, cutting to the heart of a discussion. . . . A great deal is packed into a single volume . . . . [A]nyone seeking to begin to enquire deeply into the meaning faith could well start here. It provides a comprehensive guide to orthodox Christian belief.”—Paul Ballard, Cardiff University“Despite the impressive command of the relevant theological and philosophical literature the book exhibits, Chartier has been able, with sure judgement, to distil and present the essence of Christian faith and Christian ethics, not in the technical language of theology, but in non-technical, non-denominational, everyday speech. His sure judgment is well exemplified by what he says about the way in which we love God in and through our love for God’s good creation. Chartier has made a positive and convincing contribution to the discernment and articulation of the heart of Christianity as consisting in the love of God and of God’s good creation.”—Brian Hebblethwaite, University of Cambridge