Transforming Liberalism

"James Luther Adams, one of the most beloved teachers, racontours, scholars and editors of the 20th century, wrote in small rather than full-length books. No one has mastered this vast body of material or grasped his inner coherence better than Beach, who not only edited several earlier volumes of Adam's works but has now compiled the main themes into this compelling, coherent, readable and delightfully integrated whole. It is a magnificent achievement, done with nuance, art, and accuracy. I would not be surprised to see this volume trigger a resurgence of liberalism in theology and social thought." -Max J. Stackhouse, Devries Professor of Theology and Public Life and Director of Kuyper Center for Public Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary "Adams was the most transforming figure in 20th-century Unitarian Univeralism. Having previously edited Adams's essays, Beach masterfully gives us the master himself... the smiling prophet of liberal religion." -John A. Buchrens, co-author of A Chosen Faith "Beach leads the reader on a discursive, personal journey through the mind and faith of James Luther Adams. Rich in parable and paradox. Adam's thought remains vivid, his cautions instructive and his spiritual and ethical commitment worthy of abiding emulation." -Forest Church, author of Freedom from Fear Until now, we have glimpsed Adam's vision through his parables and short writings. Here is the book that many have sought in his life-work- a systematic yet nuanced and entirely readable theology for a new religious liberalism.

Auteur

George Kimmich Beach is the editor of the three volumes of essays by James Luther Adams: The Prophethood of All Believers (Beacon Press, 1986), An Examined Faith: Social Context and Religious Commitment (Beacon Press, 1991), and The Essential James Luther Adams: Selected Essays and Addresses (Skinner House Books, 1998), Beach has published essays on Adams in The American Journal of Theology and Philosophy, Faith and Freedom (Great Britain) and The Unitarian Universalist Christian. His video, "JLA at Home," features Adams discussing his life and work with laypersons from Arlington, Virginia in 1988.