Theological Times – about the author

James Farris is Professor emeritus at Knox College, University of Toronto, where he taught History and Philosophy of Religion for twenty-five years. This vocation followed graduate studies in Canada, Scotland, Switzerland and the United States. At an earlier period, as an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada he fulfilled a ten-year teaching mission in Guyana and Jamaica, an experience strongly shaped by ecumenical and interfaith engagements. Following his retirement from teaching Farris served in several interim pastoral ministries, which included a two-year return to Guyana.

James Farris lives with his wife Jean in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Photo of James Farris
James Farris (credit: Cheryl Farris-Manning)

Theological Times – about the book

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In Theological Times, James Farris offers a summary introduction to leading elements of nineteenth- and twentieth-century theology, situating Christian thought and ethical reflection in the context of contemporary developments in philosophy, science and world events. He does so from a personal perspective, recalling a lifetime of study and teaching shaped in ecumenical settings and interfaith encounter. In doing so he defends openness to the ongoing development of religious understanding and practice. He speaks often in contradiction of the outlook of fundamentalists. Farris challenges his readers to join him in serious engagement with the great issues and debates of the past, and calls the church to re-emphasize such engagements in the formation of its leaders.