Eccentricity in Anthropology

Eccentricity in Anthropology brings into conversation a constructive, critical interpretation of David Kelsey’s Eccentric Existence with a central--yet often overlooked--debate in theological anthropology: the substantive-relational imago Dei. Milford’s work explores new insights into human identity and dignity. In particular he demonstrates the value of an alternate constructive of humanity in the image of God. This construction utilizes an interpretation of Kelsey’s anthropological formula so as to describe human identity as part of the created order in terms of its myriad features, which are externally rooted. Eccentricity in Anthropology demonstrates that an alternate approach to this debate is possible, and that one can combine important aspects of both substantive and relational thinking. As such, Milford’s work is an important contribution to studies in the doctrine of the imago Dei. Taking Eccentric Existence’s invitation to act as a springboard for further debate seriously, it presents one possible fruitful use of Kelsey’s work to address theological anthropological questions. In a very real sense, this book is both a discussion in systematic theology and at the same time a work in contemporary historical theology.''David Kelsey’s Eccentric Existence (2009) is a complicated, multilayered proposal to understand the Christian view of human being. It is not easy to grasp its structure and its content at first glance. Therefore I highly appreciate the effort of Stephen Milford to provide the reader with an elementary aid to find one’s bearings in Kelsey’s magnum opus. This gigantic oil tanker needs such a tugboat or a pilot to reach safely its harbor of destination.''--Rinse H. Reeling Brouwer, Miskotte/Breukelman Chair for Theological Hermeneutics, History of Christian Doctrine, Protestant Theological University''David Kelsey’s Eccentric Existence has been called one of the most significant theological contributions in a quarter of a century and it certainly is in the area of theological anthropology. Nevertheless, his magnum opus is not very accessible because of its sheer size and the particular style of theological reasoning. Dr. Stephen Milford provides an introduction to, analysis, and a critical appreciation of this unique theological anthropology. He thoroughly examines its background in postliberal theology and skillfully analyzes the complex use of the crucial terms of Kelsey’s central anthropological formula. . . . Milford has done all those interested in theological anthropology and postliberal theology a great service. Most importantly, in helping us understand our humanity as eccentric existence, Milford helps us come to a deeper understanding of ourselves as centered in the life of the Triune God.''--Benno van den Toren, Professor of Intercultural Theology, Protestant Theological UniversityStephen Milford is an accredited minister with the Baptist Union of Great Britian. He obtained his master’s degrees from Trinity College Dublin and Oxford University. He spent two years reading at King’s College London before completing his PhD with the Protestant Theological University in the Netherlands. He is currently an Extraordinary Researcher in the Faculty of Theology at North-West University, South Africa. He resides in Oxford with his wife and daughters.