Evoking Lament: A Theological Discussion

Focusses on a subject that needs to be brought to the fore of the theological agenda.

'The lament as a form of prayer is the subject of much biblical interpretation as well as discussion about its role in the prayer life of individuals and congregations. Evoking Lament is a significant step forward as it brings systematic theology into the conversation and uncovers both problems and possibilities with the church's appropriation of lament. There is no single perspective in view, but the cultural and personal dimensions of lament as Christian prayer are subjected to various theological illuminations and the issues of suffering and theodicy, inherent in the very phenomenon of lament, are dealt with in profound and engaging ways. All the essays are provocative and informative, showing once again how much theological voices have to contribute to hearing the Scriptures more clearly and more deeply.' - Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, USA.
'What is lament? What are its effects in personal and in public life? How does it shape piety and its relation to God? In this book, an international and interdisciplinary group of twelve young scholars deals with these questions. They focus on aspects such as lament as a response to pain - and as a response to evil; lament of the helpless - and of the guilty; lament of justice - and of love; lament as a radical form of the question of theodicy - and as an indirect doxology; lament for our sakes - and for God's sake. The tensions addressed here lead to provocative insights and promise an illuminating reading.' - Michael Welker, Faculty of Theology Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
'This volume demonstrates convincingly that lament merits a central place in Christian theology and worship. The various essays explore how lament is related to despair and hope, to guilt, trust, and praise, and also to the perennial and deeply biblical problem of theodicy. Such a nuanced and multi-faceted theological understanding is essential for the responsible Christian practice of lament.' - Ellen F. Davis, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC, USA
'This excellent book speaks to us with new promise about the oft forgotten practice of lament and opens up a theological conversation that is long overdue. Lamenting faithfully is a vital gift that is central to the practices of the church. The author's of this book help us to accept that gift and to understand why it may be difficult for us to do so. Lament may have been in some senses forgotten but it is imperative that it is remembered.  The book is a major contribution to theology and the practices of the church.' - John Swinton, School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, King's College, University of Aberdeen, UK.
"Theologians, most from Europe, investigate why lament is an essential theme in theological ethics and dogmatics. They cover lament and the phenomenon of suffering, the assault of lament on systematic thought, lamenting for God's sake, and lamenting in Christ. Among specific topics are the entwining of suffering and guilt in lament, Hegel and Barth as diametrically opposed brothers in the spirit of modernity, the heterogeneity of the New Testament's statements on lament and Augustine's incitement to lament from the Enarrationes in Psalmos."  -Eithne O' Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.
mention in Interpretation, July 2010
'Altogether these essays represent a powerful call to take lament seriously in the Western church. The scholarship is erudite and convincing... I recommend this book for all seminary libraries. In addition, seminary professors might find some selections herein useful for courses on prayer or evil.'