Twentieth-century Christian theology has moved decisively yet sporadically in a number of contradictory directions. The sporadic character of theology is most deeply felt in terms of theological method. As theological scholarship widened to include a global scope of cultures and traditions to which the academy and churches were previously indifferent, theology took on a vastly more pluralistic tone. Participation within the academy has grown to include newcomers who were historically marginalized, and theologians have come to adopt widely different hermeneutical positions on how theological inquiry should proceed. Of course, much of this new diversity has been inherently refreshing and exhilarating. For others, diversity brings with it a distraction from the central theological task of inquiring into the nature and attributes of God and the means of God’s revelation. As forms of New Testament criticism broadened to diagnose ever new kinds of textual difficulties, the biblical exegesis on which theology had previously depended migrated away from theology. This situation has left historical, practical and systematic theologians bereft of biblical scholars with whom to discuss biblical theology. A heightened attention to language in philosophy and an increasing egalitarian impulse in world politics have also made significant impacts on twentieth century, its presuppositions, procedures and principles. - Paul Allen, Theological Method: A Guide for the Perplexed
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:25:19 +0000