Accountability to God

Accountability to God explores two concepts of accountability as a condition and a virtue, building a theological and general case for its views and engaging with major theologians and contemporary scholarship to propose a more positive and constructive way to think about accountability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Accountability is a term that is frequently used without much consideration given to its precise meaning. It is particularly prevalent in Christian circles, where discussions about being accountable to God are frequent, yet a clear understanding of this concept remains elusive. Accountability to God presents, develops, and analyzes two concepts of accountability as both a condition and a virtue. It further engineers these concepts to make them particularly relevant for contemplating accountability towards God and other accountability relationships that exist under God.

In the first part of the book, the author establishes a theological and general case for their particular views on accountability. In the second part, the author engages in the constructive task of developing a theology of accountability in relation to the doctrines of the Trinity, participation in Christ, the Fall, the fear of God, reconciliation, baptism, repentance, faith, and conversion. Throughout this theological development, Torrance interacts with a number of prominent theologians, including the Apostle Paul, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Karl Barth. He also extensively engages with contemporary work in analytic philosophy, systematic theology (including analytic theology), biblical studies, and psychology. By bringing a diverse range of scholarship into discussion, Accountability to God emerges as the first book to specifically focus on what it means to be accountable to God. It thus proposes a more positive, constructive, and theologically apt way to think about accountability.

In conclusion, Accountability to God offers a valuable contribution to the study of accountability by presenting a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of two key concepts. Through its engagement with theology, philosophy, and other disciplines, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of accountability, offering a valuable resource for scholars, theologians, and individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of this important concept.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198873938