Additional information
by David R. Peel (Author)
This book presents a synthesis of Alan Sell's theology drawn from his voluminous publications. As Sell's doctrinal views are explored and interpreted, his indebtedness to P. T. Forsyth becomes clear. What emerges is a theology rooted in and flowing from the Cross-Resurrection event. Standing in the Separatist, Dissenting, and Nonconformist traditions, Sell advocates a wholehearted commitment to a Congregational ecclesiology, which he maintains carries the potential to break through the log-jams holding up the establishment of full ecumenical relationships across the churches. Saddened by Christianity's many sectarianisms, Sell's intentions are thoroughly catholic; while his faithfulness to the Christian tradition handed on to him is matched by a willingness to receive insights from beyond it. The result is a generous, if eclectic, expression of Christian orthodoxy. The critical phase of the book turns upon the question whether Sell's "generous" orthodoxy is generous enough: Do his theological conclusions actually do justice to the life and ministry of Jesus? And secondly are they credible in the contemporary world? For all Sell's commitment to apologetics does his theology actually speak to contemporary hearers?
Author Biography
David Peel is a minister and theologian of the United Reformed Church. He was Principal of Northern College, Manchester (1993-2003), Director of Academic Development for the North East Oecumenical Course (2003-6), and Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church (2005-6). He is author of Reforming Theology (2002), Ministry for Mission (2003), Encountering Church (2006), and The Story of the Moderators (2012).
