Word-Spirit Communal Revelationalism: The Brethren-Evangelical Theological Epistemology of Dr. J. Allen Miller (1866–1935)
Ebook
This work first examines the theological streams of influence that constitute Brethren theology--Anabaptism and Radical Pietism--with particular focus given to key thinkers and leaders. It then explores the nuances of what came to be American Fundamentalism and Protestant Liberalism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which provide important context to the thought of J. Allen Miller (1866-1935), a central Ashland Brethren theologian of that period. Miller's theology demonstrates sympathy with both poles of the theological spectrum but remains distinct as a thoughtful mediation between these two extremes. Miller's theological approach, termed "Word-Spirit Communal Revelationalism," consists in his particular theological epistemology and biblical hermeneutics. When Miller's theological witness moves into conversation with American evangelicalism, it proves helpful for the Ashland Brethren as they engage with the contemporary American evangelical landscape. His witness assists Brethren and other American evangelicals in offering a corrective to several pathologies or distortions identified within American evangelicalism. His theological method assists the larger American evangelical movement with tools for mediation over against polarization.
“Barnhart’s critical analysis of the thought of J. Allen Miller,
the leading theologian of the Brethren Church during the first
third of the twentieth century, reveals Miller’s unique but
faithful explication of Brethren thought. Miller’s theological
methodology modeled a third, mediating way amid the polarized
theological terrain of classical liberalism and fundamentalism that
also offers insights for traversing our own polarized landscape in
the twenty-first century.”
—Dale R. Stoffer, Ashland Theological Seminary, emeritus
“American religious history often takes its most surprising turns
in the stories of smaller denominations, which both echo larger
themes and complicate prevailing dichotomies. Such is the case with
the Ashland Brethren, whose European ancestors harmonized
Anabaptism and Radical Pietism . . . . Through his
examination of Miller’s Word-Spirit synergy and
conservative-progressive dialectic, Brethren theologian Jason
Barnhart may offer contemporary readers a ‘blessed middle way’
between twenty-first century polarities.”
—Christopher Gehrz, Bethel University, Minnesota
“This work is Barnhart’s expression of Brethren history and
theology for a new generation. Besides its usefulness to the
Brethren tradition, this book sheds light on Anabaptism and
Evangelicalism at a time when both movements are receiving
increasing attention and critique. The epistemology of Word and
Spirit in Christian community should be appealing to anyone who
wants to move beyond traditional polarities to embrace the full
resources of the Christian faith.”
—Brenda B. Colijn, Ashland Theological Seminary, emerita
- Title: Word-Spirit Communal Revelationalism: The Brethren-Evangelical Theological Epistemology of Dr. J. Allen Miller (1866–1935)
- Author: Jason S. Barnhart
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666729030, 9781666729023, 9781666733426, 1666729035, 1666729027, 1666733423
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666729030
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-12-22T07:30:28Z
Jason Barnhart is Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. He is the co-author of A Brethren Witness for the 21st Century and editor of A Brethren Way.