Balm in Gilead: A Theological Dialogue with Marilynne Robinson (Wheaton Theology Conference Series) - Softcover

"Marilynne Robinson's work is saturated in theology--not only in that it is pervaded by engagement with Christian belief in general but in that it is shaped by years of deep engagement with the texts of the Protestant (especially Calvinist) tradition. We have waited a long time for a collection like this. It is certain to be a rich source of interest and delight."--Jeremy Begbie, Thomas A. Langford Distinguished Professor of Theology, Duke University

"Marilynne Robinson is perhaps the most vital of living American novelists. This collection contains essay after thoughtful essay exploring various facets of her complex and beautiful body of work. After reading them you feel that you have watched the assembling of a delightful portrait of this most theologically resonant of our writers."--Alan Jacobs, distinguished professor of humanities, honors program, Baylor University

"The religious themes and insights in Marilynne Robinson's novels and essays--especially her striking fondness for Calvin--have won her a devoted Christian following. Until now, however, there has been little explicit engagement with her work by theologians. In this volume, an impressive range of thinkers opens up a conversation with the novelist about the Christian life, the Reformed tradition, and the American experience."--David Heim, executive editor, Christian Century

"This collection of thoughtful and erudite essays is a welcome addition to the growing interest in (and admiration of) one of the church's--and culture's--preeminent voices of the last thirty years. For readers who are familiar with Robinson's writing, this collection will provide much-welcomed insight into the theological depth of her essays and novels. For those unfamiliar with her work, this volume provides a lively and accessible theological introduction to one of the major creative thinkers of our time. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the conversations and currents happening at the deepest levels between the church and culture today."--Michael Bruner, author of A Subversive Gospel: Flannery O'Connor and the Reimagining of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth

"Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Marilynne Robinson is one of the most eminent public intellectuals in America today, and her writing offers probing meditations on the Christian faith. Based on the 2018 Wheaton Theology Conference, this volume brings together the thoughts of leading theologians, historians, literary scholars, and church leaders who engaged in theological dialogue with Robinson's work--and with the author herself"--