I recently gave a lecture titled “Discipleship in a Secular Age: Toward Missional Community” at Harding University’s annual lectureship, which focused this year on “Culture and the Crucified Christ: Studies in 1 and 2 Corinthians.” My present ambition is to repurpose the research and reflection that went into preparation for that lecture in order toContinue reading “Discipleship: A Theological Problem (Toward a Theology of Discipleship 1)”
Category Archives: Theology
Theological Interpretation in an Anti-Theological Tradition
In response to my post about the future of Churches of Christ as a theological question, a friend texted me this pithy observation: “For us theology = hermeneutics = exegesis.” To which I responded, “Tell me about it. I’m a PhD candidate in systematics writing on hermeneutics.” And that is very much the point. ForContinue reading “Theological Interpretation in an Anti-Theological Tradition”
The Future of Churches of Christ
The future of Churches of Christ is a theological question, full stop. I’m struck anew by how unconventional, even peculiar, this claim is for the tradition. And that is why it is necessary to assert unequivocally that what happens next will be a response to our vision and experience of who God is. It willContinue reading “The Future of Churches of Christ”
Worldview in Grenz and Franke’s Postfoundationalist, Postmodern Method
A Missional Method for Constructive Theology (Part 9) The next two parts of the series consider what significant evangelical theological methods with underdeveloped conceptions of worldview stand to gain by working with a missiological understanding of worldview. I consider the use of worldview in Grenz and Franke’s Beyond Foundationalism and in Vanhoozer’s The Drama of Doctrine.Continue reading “Worldview in Grenz and Franke’s Postfoundationalist, Postmodern Method”
Ricoeur on Biblical Interpretation and Resurrection Hope
Some excerpts from two essays. I highlight the thread of “new creation” that ties them together. From Paul Ricoeur, “Toward a Hermeneutic of the Idea of Revelation”: “What is finally to be understood in a text is not the author or his presumed intention, nor is it the immanent structure or structures of the text,Continue reading “Ricoeur on Biblical Interpretation and Resurrection Hope”
Worldview in the Missiological Language Game
A Missional Method for Constructive Theology (Part 8) If anything, my survey of the contours of worldview has only established the dizzying ubiquity and ambiguity of the term. A clarified conceptualization remains to be seen, though perhaps what should be clarified is more evident. Moreover, it is evident that what should be clarified depends onContinue reading “Worldview in the Missiological Language Game”
Worldview in Anthropology
A Missional Method for Constructive Theology (Part 7.5) Within the social sciences too, worldview enjoys a diverse history.[1. Despite the oddly reductive portrayal of Sander Griffioen, “The Worldview Approach to Social Theory,” in Stained Glass: Worldviews and Social Science, ed. Paul A. Marshall, Sander Griffioen, and Richard J. Mouw, Christian Studies Today (Lanham, MD: UniversityContinue reading “Worldview in Anthropology”
Worldview in Theology
A Missional Method for Constructive Theology (Part 7.4) Since the early 1980s, there has been a flurry of publication on “the Christian worldview.” This has reflected the lack of clarity about the relationship between philosophy and worldview, adding to the confusion the contested relationship between philosophy and theology. Often, worldview is conflated with the articulationContinue reading “Worldview in Theology”
Worldview in Biblical Studies
A Missional Method for Constructive Theology (Part 7.3) Dilthey is also a major worldview protagonist in biblical studies, though for a different reason. Dilthey was the hermeneutical heir of Friedrich Schleiermacher, and together they are the epoch-makers of modern biblical hermeneutics.[1. See, e.g., Anthony C. Thiselton, Hermeneutics: An Introduction (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009), ch. 8.]Continue reading “Worldview in Biblical Studies”
Worldview in Philosophy
A Missional Method for Constructive Theology (Part 7.2) The word worldview (Weltanschauung) first appeared in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) and quickly developed in different directions.[1. See David K. Naugle, Worldview: The History of a Concept, Kindle ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002), for the best overview of the concept available. The following accounts of Husserl,Continue reading “Worldview in Philosophy”
Scripture & Mission 