The Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology in the Twentieth Century, Second Edition

Like its companion volume from Blackwell (`The Medieval Theologians'), this text, `The Modern Theologians', edited by David Ford, provides a wonderful in-depth and broad-ranging introduction to twentieth century theology. In fact, the modern period which Ford delineates is post-World War I to the present; in many ways, the first world war provided a defining turning point for much of intellectual history, and theology was no exception. Ford admits that the selection process might be somewhat controversial - in any history or survey, the amount of material excluded is always vast - but is largely based upon those theologians who both covered the broadest range of topics and/or are currently studied in earnest by scholars, theologians and others in universities, seminaries, and religious institutions.This is a book on Christian theology, not a comparative religions text, but it does cover the main branches of Christianity, looking at modern theology based upon personality, geography, and theological approach. The first section examines the lives and work of some of the most significant theological voices to dominate the century, most of whom were European (no surprise, given the dominance of the European voices in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as well). These people include Roman Catholics and Protestants - Congar, de Lubac, Rahner, Balthasar, Schillebeeckx, and Kung on the Catholic side, Barth, Bonhoeffer, Jungel, Bultmann, tillich, Pannenberg and Moltmann on the Protestant side. The second through fourth sections look at theologies based on geography - theology from Britain, theologies of North America (arguably one of the primary centres of theology as we enter the twenty-first century), and theologies from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, essential untapped domains with strong potential, perhaps poised to surpass the traditional Western lands as the realm of creative and strong theological endeavours. Among the topics here include the cross-disciplinary aspects of theology as undertaken in Britain (theology and history, theology and philosophy, theology and culture/society), different kinds of liberation theology (Black theology, Hispanic theology, Native American, Womanist, Feminist theologies, in addition to the original Latin American), as well as contextual theologies arising from so-termed third world nations, and the newly developing realm of postliberal and postmodern theology.The final four sections look at key topics - Evangelical theology on the one hand and Orthodox theology on the other (the article on Orthodox theology was written by the now-Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams); connections between the Bible and theology, theology as it addresses relations with other religions in the world, and Judaism in particular; and the connection of theology to the natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts. The contributors to this volume themselves constitute a significant collection of major modern voices in acad

Theology aims to reveal something about God. Perhaps it succeeds, occasionally, in this enterprise. My guess, however, is that theology is more revelatory of humans (and so, indirectly, of God). The theological enterprise sheds light on the best and the worst in us. The best is a yearning, a striving, for that which is good and complete and life-giving. In doing theology, we make our intellects and hearts instruments in the service of that for which we yearn. Good theology is poetry. The worst, on the other hand, is a will-to-power, an arrogant urge to build a Babelesque Tower, invade heaven, and capture (with sophisticated words and theories) God. Movement from the best to the worst is always a theological temptation. Few theologians completely resist it.This collection of essays about the major 20th century theologians nicely illustrates both the best and the worst. The essays for the most part are wonderfully written--they provide good surveys with a minimum of arcane theological vocabulary, and they nicely place the discussed figures in relation with their times and with one another. The scope of the essays is also welcome, ranging from the Barthian rejection of neo-Protestant liberalism at the beginning of the century to David Ford's forward-looking essay on theological directions in the new millennium. Liberation theologies, feminist theologies, evangelical theologies, as well as the alternately fruitful or antagonistic relationship between theology and world religions, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the arts, are also examined. Throughout, I found myself amazed by the incredible insights of some theologians and horrified at the intellectualistic hubris of others. Maybe this is a healthy response to theology: excitement at its promise, occasional weariness with its pretensions.For both the beginning student of theology as well as more seasoned ones looking for a convenient and reliable summae, this volume is the best I've discovered. Highly recommended (even though, as with all Blackwell books, it's horribly over-priced).

Of the often confusing world of 20th century theology. 20th century theology often feels like an orchestra that's warming up before a symphony. Complete and utter chaos! Not everyone is playing the same tune, nor are they coming from the same perspective. Pluralism is the order of the day. I consider this my hitchiker's guide.It is a set of essays of professional journal quality, written experts on the respective topics they are writing on. There are sections on specific theologians (e.g Barth, Bultmann, Tillich, Moltmann, Pannenberg, Jungel, Kung, Balthasar, Rahner, etc.), specific topics (Judaism & Christian theology, evangelicalism, theology & science, hermeneutics, postliberalism, feminist theology, liberation theology, etc.). Basically, all the major people & movements you should ever know about.