Introducing Theological Method
Overview
Sound theological method is a necessary prerequisite for good theological work. This accessible introduction surveys contemporary theological methodology by presenting leading thinkers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries as models. Figures covered include Karl Barth, Frank Clooney, James Cone, Avery Dulles, Millard Erickson, Jeannine Hill Fletcher, Hans Frei, Stanley Grenz, Gustavo Gutiérrez, Stanley Hauerwas, Elizabeth Johnson, Paul Knitter, George Lindbeck, Bernard Lonergan, Wolfhart Pannenberg, Clark Pinnock, Karl Rahner, John Thatanamil, Paul Tillich, Hans urs Von Balthasar, Kevin Vanhoozer, Delores Williams, and John Howard Yoder. Introducing Theological Method presents the strengths and weaknesses in each of the major options. Rather than favoring one specific position, it helps students of theology think critically so they can understand and develop their own theological method.
Key Features
- Introduces readers to the wide variety of theological systems existing today
- Evaluates various approaches to theology in terms of their strengths and weaknesses
- Encourages readers to think critically about how they develop their own theological method
Contents
- Introduction: The Context of Modern Theology
- The Work of Theology
- Neo-orthodox and Ressourcement Theologies
- Theologies of Correlation
- Postliberal Theologies
- Evangelical Theologies
- Political Theologies
- Feminist Theologies
- Conclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?
Praise for the Print Edition
To understand modern theology we must first appreciate where its authors are coming from and how they view their task. Veeneman offers us a wide-ranging and sympathetic study of theologians from a variety of traditions and schools of thought, allowing the reader to make independent judgments. She describes the current theological scene without prescribing what choices we should prefer, making this an ideal introduction to the subject for students coming from many different perspectives. Nobody can relate equally well to every modern theologian, but this book will help us evaluate the approaches of those with whom we disagree as well as deepen our understanding of our own mentors. It is to be highly commended!
—Gerald Bray, Research Professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
Introducing Theological Method is a paradigmatic book for students of theology as it sketches with skill the context and method of the most important theological voices of the last century. Moreover, it does not tell students how to do theology but shows how great thinkers do theology, leaving the student with a diversity of approaches and the challenge to discover what will be best for that student.
—Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
This introduction will generate helpful encounters with important modern theologians and movements--some who are well known, others who have been neglected. The variety of their approaches will challenge and enrich those of us who seek to be biblically faithful, ecumenically traditional, gratefully evangelical, and globally engaged theologians.
—Daniel J. Treier, Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College Graduate School
Product Details
- Title: Introducing Theological Method: A Survey of Contemporary Theologians and Approaches
- Author: Mary M. Veeneman
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Publication Date: 20177
- Pages: 208
- Resource Type: Introduction
- Topic: Systematic Theology