Anthropology: Seeking Light and Beauty

Drawing on the wisdom and teaching experience of highly respected theologians, the Engaging Theology series builds a firm foundation for graduate study and other ministry formation programs. Each of the six volumes - Scripture, Jesus, God, Discipleship, Anthropology, and Church - is concerned with retrieving, carefully evaluating, and constructively interpreting the Christian tradition. Comprehensive in scope and accessibly written, these volumes, used together or independently, will stimulate rich theological reflection and discussion. More important, the series will create and sustain the passion of the next generation of theologians and church leaders.

What does it mean to be human in the twenty-first century? Susan Ross explores this question through the lens of human desires: for God, freedom, knowledge, love, and pleasure, but also for power, consumer goods, self- gratification, and money. Beginning with biblical narratives of human desires, she goes on to consider how ancient, medieval, and modern thinkers have wrestled with the various ways that human beings have sought fulfillment in the world and in God.

The twenty-first century brings new questions and continuing challenges: In a world of increasing complexity and fragmentation, can we still talk about the ?self How have feminism and new thinking about sexuality changed the ways we think about ourselves? How do we maintain our humanity in the face of monstrous human evil? What do the findings of science say about our uniqueness as human beings?

"Anthropology: Seeking Light and Beauty" offers a path through the many conflicting views of humanity, suggesting a fuller way of living as we try to follow the example of Jesus.

"Susan A. Ross is a professor and chair of the theology department at Loyola University Chicago. She is a vice-president and member of the Board of Editors of Concilium, the international theological journal. She is the author of"Extravagant Affections: A Feminist Sacramental Theology "(1998) and" For the Beauty of the Earth: Women, Sacramentality, and Justice "(2006)."