A Theology of Conversation - by Stephen Okey (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Sometimes described as "a theologian's theologian," David Tracy's scholarship has impacted countless thinkers around the globe. The complexity of his thought, however, has often made engaging his work into a daunting challenge. Combining analysis of the most influential features of Tracy's theology (theological method, the religious classic, public theology) with a retrieval of his more overlooked interests (Christology, God), Stephen Okey presents the essential themes of Tracy's career in accessible and insightful prose.

Review Quotes

"Okey has done an admirable job with this text, presenting major themes of the contemporary theology of Tracy and the chronological development of those themes."Catholic Library World

"Okey is a sure guide to the complex and demanding work of one of America's most original theologians. Tracy's sophisticated project of theological conversation is much needed in our age of shallow, closed thinking and polarization."Vincent J. Miller, Gudorf Chair in Catholic Theology and Culture, University of Dayton

"Stephen Okey's lucid, and insightful introduction to David Tracy's `theology as conversation' is a welcome antidote to what passes for theological discourse in our fractured attempts to speak about God, self, and world in a situation of religious pluralism. His presentation of Tracy's project in conversation with other interlocutors emulates the very model of theology as `conversation' that Tracy presents. I highly recommend it!"Mary Ann Hinsdale, IHM, Boston College

"This book is an outstanding introduction to David Tracy's thought. The chronological approach to the development of each of the six themes is very helpful. The writing is clear, concise, and completely accessible. It contains a useful bibliography of works both by and about Tracy."Catholic Book Review

"Given that David Tracy is, without question, one of the most important theologians in the contemporary period, one wonders why there are not more accessible introductions to this `theologian's theologian.' Stephen Okey's work wonderfully fills that urgent need! He covers all the major themes of Tracy's work thus far, pitching them perfectly for the reader to want to plunge into a more careful study of Tracy's work itself. This is no small feat and an incredible service for all the `publics' of theology. Kudos!"Dr. Julius-Kei Kato, King's College, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

"The breadth and depth of David Tracy's theological scholarship and understanding is breathtaking for those who want to grasp the complexity of contemporary culture and its religious dimensions. Stephen Okey's A Theology of Conversation provides a clear and solidly researched guide through the many developments in Tracy's work. By focusing both on the prominent themes in Tracy's theology, as well as the chronological development of those themes throughout the entire corpus of Tracy's writings, Okey has admirably given all of us a guide to David Tracy's thinking and introduced his work to the next generation of those who want to understand what theology is all about."John McCarthy, Loyola University Chicago

"With his deft introduction to David Tracy's wide-ranging work, Stephen Okey has chosen just the right point of entry. For Tracy is a theological and cultural conversationalist par excellence, willing to dialogue with all who share his `obsession' with the hidden, impossible, and loving God. Okey's insightful analysis of Tracy's focal concerns provides a clear map to the contributions of one of the most interesting and important theologians of our time."Anthony J. Godzieba, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Villanova University