An overview and analysis of John Webster’s seminal contributions to Christian theology

At the time of his death, John Webster was widely hailed as one of the leading Christian theologians in the world. Over the course of three decades, he produced groundbreaking studies on the theologies of Eberhard Jüngel and Karl Barth and, especially since the turn of the millennium, numerous books and essays on various themes in Christian dogmatics. He then intended to write an encyclopedic systematic theology—a project he was unable to complete.

No substitute is possible for that lost opus, but the contributors offer this volume as an homage to Webster and an aid to those who want to learn from him. A Companion to the Theology of John Webster begins with an introductory section on Webster’s theological development, then continues into an extensive overview of Webster’s contributions to contemporary discussions of particular doctrines. An epilogue suggests how Webster’s theology might have unfolded had he lived longer and imagines the continuing influence of his work on the enterprise of Christian dogmatics. Readers hoping to understand the legacy of this great theologian, and also those eager for fresh insights into the present state and future trajectories of contemporary Protestantism, will find much to offer here.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Kevin J. Vanhoozer

1. John Webster (1955–2016) by Ivor J. Davidson

Part One: John Webster’s Theological Development

2. Theological Theology: Webster’s Theological Project by Michael Allen

3. Webster on Eberhard Jüngel by R. David Nelson

4. Webster on Karl Barth by Kenneth Oakes

5. Webster on the Theology of the University by Martin Westerholm

6. Webster’s Theological Exegesis of Christian Scripture by Matthew Levering

Part Two: John Webster on the Theological Topics

7. Scripture by Darren Sarisky

8. Reason by Michael Allen

9. The Triune God by Fred Sanders

10. The Perfection of God by Christopher R. J. Holmes

11. Creation by Justin Stratis

12. Anthropology by Michael Allen

13. Jesus Christ by Katherine Sonderegger

14. Salvation by Ivor J. Davidson

15. The Church by Joseph L. Mangina

16. Metaphysics by Tyler R. Wittman

17. Ethics by Paul T. Nimmo

Epilogue: Courses Charted but Not Taken by R. David Nelson

Bibliography of Published Works by John Webster