Catholic and Lutheran thought are differently structured, embodying divergent conceptions of self and God. Roman/Lutheran ecumenism, culminating in the 1999 "Joint Declaration," attempts to reconcile incompatible systems based on different philosophical presuppositions. Drawing on a wealth of material, the author considers these structural questions within a historical context. Kierkegaard is shown, in a complex model, to hold together strengths which historically have been exemplified by the two traditions. This is an important work in systematic theology which considers questions quite...

Feminism represents a radical challenge to Christianity. Having developed its doctrine and its scriptures in a world in which women were considered subordinate, the Christian religion is now confronted with a deeply held ethical belief that women should be treated as equals.

Dr Hampson argues that this ethical challenge confronts the church over the issues of priesthood and ordination, language and imagery, and hermeneutics and theology. In each of these areas, she claims, the Christian religion cannot by definition come to terms with the equality of women. Feminism however...