The Pattern of God: David Jenkins’ Theology in Church and Public Space

In this compelling theological study, Richard Truss offers a long-overdue appreciation of David Jenkins-bishop, academic, public theologian, and provocateur. The Pattern of God explores Jenkins’ dynamic Christology, his unapologetic engagement with politics and social justice, and his enduring belief that theology must speak to the real world.

From the miners’ strike to televised controversy, Jenkins brought theology into the public square with courage and clarity. Truss traces Jenkins’ theological journey from Oxford’s Bampton Lectures to his radical tenure at the World Council of Churches and his outspoken leadership as Bishop of Durham. At the heart of Jenkins’ thought lies a recurring pattern: the personal, incarnate, and transformative presence of God-＂transcendence in the midst.＂

This book is not a biography but a theological retrieval, showing how Jenkins’ open, questioning faith-rooted in tradition yet radically engaged with contemporary issues-offers a vital methodology for today’s Church and society. Whether confronting power, reimagining providence, or challenging the Church’s tribalism, Jenkins remains a disturber of complacency and a voice for theological courage.

A must-read for theologians, clergy, and anyone seeking a faith that is both intellectually rigorous and socially engaged.