Christ the Stranger

‘Myers' book exhibits many of the traits he describes in the theology of Rowan Williams: an attentiveness and care that makes the familiar strange, a sparse but rich prose that bears re-reading, a seeking always for historical foundations and resources. In fact, this elegant book is a complex intellectual biography that convincingly roots its hero in a series of engagements - the centrality of MacKinnon, Wittgenstein and Hegel in Williams' thought is revealed - but those engagements are then shown to occur within an on-going practice of and reflection on the life of prayer. Throughout the complex paths of Williams' theology are introduced with clarity and verve.' - Lewis O. Ayres, Durham University, UK -- Lewis O. Ayres ‘An accessible, interesting, and persuasive account of this difficult yet important modern theologian.' - Alister McGrath, King's College London, UK. -- Alister McGrath Listed in the 'new titles just published' section of the Church Times. ... what this book does is to trace Williams' theological development and set out the main themes of his work in a concise and accurate way. -- Church of England Newspaper This is really a very good book. Like the writings of its subject, it is at once engagingly readable and densely complex. -- Medi Ann Volpe, Durham University (UK) * Modern Theology * In his book Christ the Stranger Benjamin Myers offers an account of the intellectual sources of the former archbishop of Canterbury’s Theological vision. Myers organizes the book into fourteen vignettes, each illuminating a different aspect of Williams’ thought. While this structure allows for quite a diversified account, one theme emerges as central: Williams’ ‘negative’ theology rooted in Christ … There are more elements to Myers’ book—Eliot, Hegel, Freud and others play a role in Williams’ development. Such a varied account raises a few questions regarding the synthesis of Williams’ vision … These questions suggest the value of entering further into Williams’ work, and Myers has provided a helpful introduction. -- Matthew Thollander * Anglican and Episcopal History *