Unapologetic Theology

In a world informed by postmodern philosophy, it has become difficult to describe and discuss what can truly be known. Many fear that such epistimelogical issues are deletrious to the cause of Christianity, but Placher explains that this is not inherantly harmful, and that an informed Christian can actually engage in pluralistic conversation. The author does a fine job of outlining the most relevant contemporary issues faced by today's western apologetics, as well providing vocabulary for Christians as we begin to engage in dialoge with people from other faith traditions, or from those with none at all. This book continually speaks in an informed, philosophical tone, that never turns harsh or condescending, but that endeavors to make manifest mutual undertstanding and to encourage coversation rather than a self-righteous insular attitude.

Anyone familiar with Placher's work knows that he is a gifted writer, able to communicate difficult ideas with clarity and charity. This book is Placher at his finest as he provides an important overview of issues and thinkers that perplex many Christians today. For Christians worried about how theology can speak in today's philosophical context, for Christians overwhelmed by the claims of creationists and militant atheists regarding science, or Christians wondering how to engage persons from other religious tradition, this is necessary reading. You'll find it a breath of fresh air. For my money, the best thing about this book is its discussions of truth. It persuasively argues that postliberal theologians need not be viewed as relativistic or fideistic and shows how Christians can humbly and patiently hold to truth claims while genuinely respecting those who disagree.

Placher runs the gamut summarizing some of the major issues faced in contemporary theology while trying to articulate a distinctive voice for Christianity among the disciplines. In doing so, Placher tries to nuance a difference between what he labels the "postliberal" and "revisionist" camps in theology. He admits that he leans towards the postliberal camp as he tries to find a honorable "middle ground" between the `postmodern irrationalists' and those modern adherents to some Enlightenment paradigms. Some of his philosophical assessments of both camps could be considered superficial or oversimplified (especially concerning Rorty & Foucault), but for the most part, Placher succeeds in mapping out the terrain for doing theology in today's world, but I don't know if he succeeds in defining what exactly is a "genuine pluralism." This is still a book that I would recommend picking up for those who are new to the Postliberal camp and who may struggle a bit with a non-foundationalist epistemology. Placher takes this younger theology and shows that Postliberalism still has something to bring to the table.

Whether you're a philosopher, a theologian, a historian, an anthropologist--or a student looking for the world's best Cliff's Notes on postmodernism, this is your book. Placher's writing clear, engaging, and accessible as he provides you with an overview of everything you need to know about Rawls, Habermas, Foucault, Putnam, and any number of other interesting features on the current intellectual scene. His focus is on the implications of contemporary currents in intellectual and cultural life for Christian faith, but even those from other traditions, and those Christians who do not share his "postliberal" perspective, will find this an extremely valuable resource.

William Placher is a gifted writer and theologian. Today, when it almost seems "wrong" to talk about Christianity in our pluralistic culture, Placher serves as a guiding voice. A must-read for any serious Christian.