The The Vision of God: The Christian Doctrine of the Summum Bonum

The Vision of God by Kenneth E. Kirk is a major work on moral theology that emphasizes the priority of worship in ethical thought. It draws inspiration from the ascetic tradition of Christianity and places the visio Dei at the center of its argument, arguing that worship offers the opportunity to discover and acknowledge something more valuable than the self, which contains the key to moral instruction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

The Vision of God, a groundbreaking work in moral theology, emerged as the inaugural volume among Kenneth E. Kirk's three major contributions to the field. Drawing profound inspiration from the ascetic tradition of Christianity, Kirk fervently advocated for the centrality of worship in ethical contemplation. Beginning with the sixth beatitude, he positioned the visio Dei as the focal point throughout, aligning himself with a eudaimonistic tradition that spans from the early Christian scholars Irenaeus and Aquinas to the Shorter Catechism. In his profound exploration, Kirk unveiled the profound truth that worship holds the key to unlocking the essence of moral instruction. He demonstrated that through the act of worship, individuals have the unique opportunity to discover and recognize something infinitely more valuable than their own selves, thus embarking on a transformative journey of moral growth and enlightenment.

While Kirk published an expanded and comprehensive edition of The Vision of God in 1931, he acknowledged in the preface to the shorter text presented here that what remains closely approximates, though it is not quite identical to, the original lectures as delivered during the 1928 Bampton Lectures. Consequently, the reader holds in their hands the very essence of Kirk's thesis, a thought-provoking concept that continues to ignite debate and inspire scholars to this day.

The Vision of God stands as a testament to Kirk's profound understanding of the human condition and his unwavering commitment to promoting moral excellence. Through his meticulous exploration of worship as the cornerstone of ethical thought, Kirk offered a visionary perspective that has resonated with generations of thinkers and practitioners. His work serves as a reminder of the profound interconnectedness between spirituality, ethics, and personal growth, and its potential to shape a more compassionate and just world.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 146 x 223 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227179529