God in History: Shapes of Freedom

The value of this book is not to be found only in its important constructive theological proposals. Almost as important as these is his persuasive and illuminating reading of Hegel and his ability to show Hegels significance for the address of major contemporary theological issues.... Those who desire a solid and intellectually exciting introduction to Hegels significance for contemporary theological issues could do no better than spend some time with this book. Gordon D. Kaufman, Mallinckrodt Professor of Divinity Emeritus, Harvard Divinity SchoolIn this book, Hodgson uses Hegels dialectical triadic logic to define what he calls the triune figuration. His Trinity is God the One (rather than the Father), Love to and in the world (rather than the Son), and Freedom in history (rather than the Spirit).... Jesus in history is the Christian symbol of this historicized God. History is viewed not as a line of evolution nor a circle of recurrence but an open spiral. Robert Paul Roth, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MinnesotaI am convinced that Hodgsons position is developing a deeply thoughtout and valuable attempt to tackle a major aporia in contemporary theology. Rather than a history of salvation, Hodgson prefers a history of freedom.... Maurice Wiles, Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus, Christ Church, Oxford University