Ironic Thriving
Theological Paradox and Psychological Dissonance
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:10th Feb '27
£171.99
This title is due to be published on 10th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Ironic Thriving brings theology into dialogue with psychological science, and with cognitive dissonance theory in particular, to investigate the formative impact of theological tension. The book argues that theological paradoxes concerning the human self evoke cognitive dissonance. Yet this dissonance is not a problem to be resolved. Instead, it can serve as a catalyst for spiritual flourishing. The inquiry centres on the theological anthropology of Martin Luther, whose paradoxical vision of the Christian self offers a rich framework for exploring the dynamics of inner conflict and grace. For readers in theology, the author provides a succinct and accessible account of cognitive dissonance theory, from Leon Festinger’s original formulation to contemporary refinements that focus on identity, motivation, and self-related processes. The model of ironic thriving presents a vision of human flourishing not through the pursuit of coherence and tranquillity (as common approaches suggest), but through inhabiting unresolved contradiction. The book is grounded in a method of relational integration, which keeps the distinct contributions of theology and psychology intact. The result opens new lines of inquiry into spiritual formation, the conflicted self, and the generative potential of theological paradox.
“This is inter-disciplinary theology at its best. In this book, Michael Bräutigam is first and foremost fundamentally theological, combining the sub-disciplines of theology in a way that is wise and compelling, yet sadly rare. His engagements with psychology are honest, genuine and helpful, deepening the theology rather than making it more shallow. First-rate work rooted in first-rate theology.” - Tom Greggs, FRSE, Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, USA
“Ironic Thriving is a superb study that integrates psychology and theology in novel and exciting ways. Michael Bräutigam writes with clarity and verve, making complex ideas accessible without diminishing their challenge. His treatment of the psychology of inconsistency is insightful and nuanced. I recommend this book without reservation. Read it!”- Joel Cooper, Professor of Psychology, Princeton University, USA
“Michael Bräutigam offers a compelling integration of theological paradox with cognitive dissonance theory, revealing how spiritual flourishing emerges not from resolving tensions, but from inhabiting them faithfully. Ironic Thriving provides both intellectual rigour and transformative spiritual wisdom for navigating the paradoxes of Christian existence.”- David Vaidis, Professor, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
“Through creative interaction with the relevant literature in psychology, Bräutigam develops a bold yet realistic approach towards spiritual flourishing amidst cognitive dissonance. A model for interdisciplinary engagement, this scholarly and original study deserves widespread attention amongst those working at the interface of theology and psychology.” - David Fergusson, Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, UK
ISBN: 9781041270331
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages