Theology always has been (and is for Moltmann) not an abstract or otherworldly endeavor but one nourished by, and responsive to, experiences in and with life itself. In this volume, the final in his series of systematic “contributions” to theology, Moltmann looks ahead from the landmarks of his own theological journey. He searches out those intersections of his own life with contemporary events that have kindled and impelled his theological thinking (part 1). The perspective of hope, the central moment in Moltmann's thought, is freshly explained, while other basic theological themes and concepts are developed and interrelated (part 2).

But more than that, Moltmann uses these theological tinders to spark the flames of the chief directions in liberating theological thought today—black, Latin American, Minjung, and feminist theologies —(part 3) and the central motif of Trinity (part 4).

This volume not only introduces Moltmann's theology, it also utilizes the contemporary religious and political scene to incite ones own theological reflection.