The Future of Liberal Theology Routledge Revivals Series

This title was first published in 2002: Two hundred years after the publication of Schleiermacher's epoch-making Speeches, The Future of Liberal Theology presents a comprehensive and critical re-assessment of the past, present and future of the liberal tradition in Christian theology. In dialogue with the different forms of liberalism emerging from the Enlightenment, each of which is carefully defined, distinguished international theologians draw on a range of perspectives which represent the diversity of liberal theology. Discussing the criticisms of liberalism offered in the twentieth century, and engaging with contemporary theological debate which is often deeply hostile to liberalism, the conclusions offered for liberal theology range from the deeply pessimistic to the thoroughly optimistic. Students, clergy, and theological educators more broadly will value this critical reflection on the current state of theology and suggestions for its future course, together with the serious engagement with issues in theological education, which this book presents.

Contents: Types of Liberal Theology: Introduction: the past, present and future of Liberal Theology, Mark D. Chapman; What has London (or Oxford or Cambridge) to do with Augsburg? The enduring significance of the German Liberal tradition in Christian theology, Friedrich Wilhelm Graf; The importance of Liberal Theology, Keith Ward; 'But who am I?' The question of the theologian rather than the question to the theologian, David A. Pailin; The revival of Liberal modernism, Paul Badham; Reconsidering pluralism: the diversity of ethical goals, Steve Else; Liberal Theology and Education: Liberal theology and transformative pedagogy, Peter C. Hodgson; Liberal Theology and transformative pedagogy: a response to Peter Hodgson, Elaine Graham; The experience of theological education:maintaining a ’Liberal’ agenda in a post-Liberal age, Clive Marsh; Addressing the Critics: Karl Barth and Liberal Theology, Timothy Gorringe; Shape-shifting disturbances as Divine Presence, Rita Nakashima Brock; Postmodern theology: the apotheosis or scourge of Liberalism? Gavin Hyman; A liberal helping of Postliberalism please, Paul D. Murray; Conclusion: An Outsider's View: The problems of a liberal religion: a sociologist’s view, Steve Bruce; Index.

Mark D. Chapman