... there is a pleasing aesthetic to both books [Tradition and Imagination and Discipleship and Imagination], from their well-written prose to their jacket illustrations ... These two imaginative volumes make a strong case for celebrating the evolving of Christian traditions. * The Heythrop Journal *
Both books reflect a wide-ranging engagement with a host of sources, some surprising and unexpected, which demonstrate that the tradition of the scholar priest itself is alive and continues to evolve in imaginative patterns. * The Heythrop Journal *
Fascinating and thought-provoking. * Theological Book Review *
Brown has undertaken a Herculean task in both Tradition and Imagination and Discipleship and Imagination and rendered wonderful results. His encouragement of the Church to engage fully in ever-developing imaginative traditions is a worthy call and one to be applauded. These volumes are highly recommended. * Literature & Theology *
We can be sure that this book and its sequel will play a hugely significant role in the debates of the decades ahead. * Theology *
This is a major achievement, the fruit of long and extraordinarily varied study, written with Brown's characteristic clarity, opening doors into all sorts of fresh insights. * Theology *
Quite magnificent. * James Barr, previously Professor of Hebrew, Oxford University, now Professor of the Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University. *
Together they [the two volumes - of which this is the first] constitute an achievement unmatched by any British theologian for a long time. The range of erudition (biblical, historical, philosophical; in art, poetry and fiction) is remarkable ... it is likely to make a considerable impact in changing for the better the way in which the nature of doctrinal theology is conceived. * Maurice Wiles, Emeritus Professor of Divinity, University of Oxford. *
Brown's scholarship is massive without ever becoming tedious, and the range of subjects covered - art, philosophy, literature, and the history and writings of three major world religions - is awesome. * Anthony Freeman, Times Higher Education Supplement *
No one could read these two books [Tradition and Imagination and Discipleship and Imagination] without being grateful to Brown for his many rich insights and the challenge laid down by his refusal to embrace exclusively any one approach. * Anthony Freeman, Times Higher Education Supplement *
Brown's hard critical eye forces us all to reconsider how firm the basis of our position really is, but the deftness with which he moves his argument and the breadth of his erudition are hugely fruitful for our understanding of the biblical witness, the continuing self-revelation of God, the tradition, the imagination, the arts and truth. * Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
