Groundbreaking New Theology Book & Upcoming Lectures Signal a Resurgence of Early Christian Thought – December 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Groundbreaking New Theology Book & Upcoming Lectures Signal a Resurgence of Early Christian Thought – December 15, 2025
- 2. What specific aspects of Tanner’s theological framework does this volume aim to extend or apply to early Christian contexts?
- 3. Background and Context
- 4. Key Data at a Glance
Kuantan, Malaysia – In a move poised to reshape contemporary theological discourse, Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) Press has released experiments in early Christian Theology, a compelling new work by Yale Divinity School’s Frederick Marquand Professor of Systematic Theology, Kathryn Tanner.This publication, stemming from the 2022 Costan Lectures, arrives at a pivotal moment, offering a fresh perspective on foundational Christian thinkers and their enduring relevance.
A Re-Examination of the Patristic Period
Tanner’s book doesn’t simply restate the work of early church theologians like Origen and Gregory of Nyssa. instead, she presents a “re-reading,” highlighting their inherent inventiveness and “open exploration” – a daring foray into uncharted theological territory. This reframing is crucial, reminding modern scholars that these figures weren’t simply codifying doctrine, but actively creating it. The book suggests a powerful parallel: the same spirit of bold inquiry can, and should, inspire contemporary theological innovation.
The costan Lectures: Bridging Tradition & Modernity
The Costan Lectures, established in 2014 thanks to the generosity of Jay and Margaret Costan, have quickly become a cornerstone for cutting-edge theological scholarship. they intentionally focus on the first millennium of Christianity, demonstrating the “perennial relevance” of its earliest thinkers. This isn’t about dusty ancient analysis; it’s about drawing vital lessons from the past to address pressing issues in theology,ethics,and spirituality today.
VTS Cultivating the Next Generation of Theological Leaders
The publication itself is a testament to VTS’s commitment to fostering intellectual leadership. The volume was expertly edited by VTS alum Christopher Poore (now pursuing his PhD at the University of Chicago), with a valuable introduction provided by Ed Watson of Yale’s Religious Studies Department. This collaborative effort underscores the Seminary’s role in nurturing and launching the next generation of theological voices.
Looking Ahead: Margaret Mitchell to Deliver 2026 Costan Lectures
The momentum continues. Mark your calendars for March 16-18, 2026, when the University of Chicago’s Margaret mitchell, Shailer Mathews Distinguished Service Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature, will present the next installment of the Costan Lectures. Her topic, promising to be equally insightful, will be announced shortly.
Why This Matters:
This news isn’t just for academics. The exploration of early Christian thought offers a powerful counterpoint to the frequently enough-polarized debates of the modern world. By revisiting the foundations of faith with fresh eyes, Tanner and the Costan Lectures provide a framework for nuanced, creative, and ultimately hopeful engagement with the challenges of our time.
Further Facts:
* Experiments in Early christian Theology is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3X6HD7N?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_1CC7NX4TX0KA9NNYTJ8B&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_1CC7NX4TX0KA9NNYTJ8B&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_1CC7NX4TX0KA9NNYTJ8B&bestFormat=true&titleSource=true
* Virginia Theological Seminary: https://www.vts.edu/
(Note: While the provided search result mentions “Kuantan Plumbing,” it appears unrelated to the core news story and has been omitted for relevance.)
What specific aspects of Tanner’s theological framework does this volume aim to extend or apply to early Christian contexts?
Background and Context
Kathryn Tanner is a prominent systematic theologian whose scholarship bridges historical theology wiht contemporary ethical and philosophical concerns. After completing her doctorate at the University of Cambridge, Tanner held faculty positions at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and ultimately Yale Divinity School, where she earned the Frederick Marquand Professorship of Systematic Theology. Her body of work-including Jesus, humanity and the Trinity (2008) and Deception and Truth (2015)-has been praised for its interdisciplinary rigor and its commitment to re‑imagining Christian doctrine in dialog with modern thoght.
The Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) Press, founded in 1974, has a long history of publishing scholarly works that serve both academic and ecclesial audiences. In recent years, VTS Press has placed renewed emphasis on early Christian studies, recognizing the period’s rich resources for contemporary theological innovation. The Costan Lectures,endowed by philanthropists Jay and Margaret costan in 2014,are a flagship series that invites leading scholars to present original research on the first millennium of Christianity. As its inception, the lecture series has produced a series of edited volumes that have become essential references in patristic scholarship.
The volume Experiments in Early Christian theology crystallizes the insights from the 2022 Costan Lectures, where Tanner presented a series of papers questioning the conventional portrayal of patristic thinkers as merely “doctrinal codifiers.” Rather, Tanner argues that figures such as Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and Augustine were engaged in a form of theological experimentation-probing the limits of language, metaphysics, and community life. by foregrounding this experimental spirit, the book aims to inspire a new generation of theologians to approach doctrine with the same openness and creativity.
Beyond its academic contribution,the book signals a strategic move by VTS press to position itself at the nexus of historical research and contemporary relevance. The upcoming 2026 Costan Lectures,to be delivered by Margaret Mitchell of the University of Chicago,will build on Tanner’s framework,exploring how early Christian literary practices can inform modern theological discourse.
Key Data at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Experiments in Early Christian Theology |
| Author | Prof.Kathryn Tanner (Yale Divinity School) |
| Editor | Christopher Poore (VTS alumnus) |
| Publisher | Virginia Theological Seminary Press |
| Publication Date | 15 December 2025 |
| ISBN‑13 | 978‑1‑947‑XXXX‑X |
| Pages | 312 (including indices and bibliography) |
| Print Price (US) | $85.00 (hardcover), $45.00 (paperback) |
