2 thoughts on liberal theology, its place and development

1) In my own life, I encountered liberalism after an initial orthodox upbringing. But I've found that I've neither occupied a radically liberal perspective, nor have I kept within "conservative" or "neo-orthodox" circles. My own particular theological dance is back and forth, but without going to extremes. Regarding Biblical theology, for example, I tend to think of myself as a canonical theologian, who acknowledges the historical-critical method and insights, but refuses to allow them a priori access to theology; that is reserved for the entire canon, without sifting out the "authentic" bits from the later ones. Perhaps that makes me a bit of a theological moderate; but I prefer to see myself as breaking the conventional mold of conservative vs liberal. I'm also interested in liturgical theology, which resists this bifurcation more robustly than other forms.

2) The message given by theological liberals, whether meant to or not, seems to be that because standards (theological or moral) are difficult to apply across groups and individual, we should give them up...either completely or else replace them with broad ethical mandates. While ethical standards are good (race and sex equality being two obvious examples), the question about what an individual life of holiness looks like is now up for grabs in ways it wasn't before say 1960. Theological claims also experience similar challenges. Perhaps clear guidance, while still acknowledging the limits of our experience and understanding both of each other and God, is needed. Again, this doesn't mean a closing off of debate and development, but it does mean establishing boundaries and standards for appropriate and sufficiently Christian contributions.

caveat: Please remember, I have little experience with British theological debates, at least as the work out on the ground. On the whole, I've found the blend of evangelical piety and concern for social justice much more helpful and tenable than the separation between the two that happens so often in the States. Wesley scholar Albert Outler once described the Methodist movement(s) as Evangelical Catholicism. I don't think that's a bad blend to strive for, regardless of our denominational affiliation.

A good start

Now that we can post our views, we can perhaps share our views as we read a book.

I am still wanting to develop our thinking on the contribution of liberal theology to church growth - what is it's challenge and direction for the person on the Clapham omnibus? Is is just the pursuit of the academic intellectuals? Is a liberal theological position only possible once you have engaged with faith through a more orthodox approach?

Welcome to LETRG

Welcome to LETRG ("letter g?")...unless someone would like a different name. Here's where we can post our comments, opinions, and random discussion questions. I would imagine that this is also a venue for other theologically-minded questions which might have only the slightest connection to our bookgroup.

Anyway, welcome. Perhaps we might continue our discussions from Tuesday: on different images, parables, theological conundrums which arose from St George & that dragon.