Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

1. Eschatology, Time, and the Continuity of Grace

2. The Virtues in Time: An Eschatological Anthropology

3. Toward a Theology of Events in Time

4. Tragic Time in an Eschatological Aesthetic

5. The Aesthetics of Tradition and the Styles of Theology

6. Forever and a Day: Resurrected Time in a Heavenly Imaginary

Notes

Index

About the Author

John E. Thiel is professor of religious studies at Fairfield University. He currently serves as president of the American Theological Society and is the author of six books, including the award-winning Icons of Hope: The "Last Things" in Catholic Imagination (University of Notre Dame Press, 2013).

Reviews

"This is a fresh theology of the 'last things.' Making a persuasive case for a 'thick' eschatology, Thiel writes gracefully as he weaves together strands from a number of complex theological topics into an essay that moves both smoothly and lightly. The book is quite accessible and a pleasure to read!" —David H. Kelsey, author of Eccentric Existence "Brilliant! This work continues Thiel's development of a theology of eschatology, which he began in Icons of Hope, a major contribution to the field. In that book and this, he fully yet succinctly engages the tradition to shape a compelling and quite original view of 'last things' and how such a view can and should shape our views of time and being in time." —Julia A. Lamm, author of Schleiermacher's Plato "Those looking for a poetic approach to religion will find much by which to be edified. Thiel's treatment of hope and waiting are valuable." —America Magazine "As befits an exercise in theological aesthetics, Now and Forever is elegantly argued and those whose theology lives in symbiosis with a preaching and pastoral ministry will find many well-turned phrases with which to inform their practice."—The Heythrop Journal "As its title indicates, John E. Thiel's Now and Forever: A Theological Aesthetics of Time will be found most relevant by scholars who have closely followed the recent surge of interest in two theological topics: the relevance of aesthetics for the study of religion and the place of temporality in philosophical theology." —Journal of Religion