Transforming Postliberal Theology: George Lindbeck, Pragmatism and Scripture

New
Paperback
2005
$39.54

Transforming Postliberal Theology responds to George Lindbeck's seminal proposal for postliberalism in The Nature of Doctrine: Religion and Theology in a Postliberal Age (1984). Occasioned by new studies in the religious roots of pragmatic philosophy, Pecknold argues that postliberalism represents 'a new pragmatism' that rediscovers its theological and semiotic roots in Scripture. Testing this hypothesis, Pecknold assesses the book Lindbeck wrote, and the book critics read, to ask if there are good, immanent reasons for long-standing criticisms to remain. Pecknold proposes that problems readers have with postliberalism can be resolved through deeper engagements with Lindbeck's pragmatism. Arguing that Augustine stands at the roots of a kind of 'scriptural pragmatism' appropriate to postliberalism, Pecknold shows that Christian theology has incarnational and trinitarian resources for the 'theo-semiotic' repair of entire traditions of inquiry without capitulating to pragmatic tendencies towards relativism, or postliberal tendencies towards sectarianism. Displaying the theo-semiotic influence of Augustine on Peter Ochs' rabbinic pragmatism, and in turn Ochs' influence upon Lindbeck, Pecknold reveals significant theo-political implications for the scriptural relationship between the Church and Israel, and through this relationship, rediscovers the scriptural mandate for the Church's responsibility for the suffering other. Transforming Postliberal Theology signals a rediscovery and development of postliberalism for a new generation of theologians and other thinkers who recognize the centrality of the Bible for the reformation of thought and action in the church and in the world.

Synopsis

Transforming Postliberal Theology responds to George Lindbeck's seminal proposal for postliberalism in The Nature of Doctrine: Religion and Theology in a Postliberal Age (1984). Occasioned by new studies in the religious roots of pragmatic philosophy, Pecknold argues that postliberalism represents 'a new pragmatism' that rediscovers its theological and semiotic roots in Scripture. Testing this hypothesis, Pecknold assesses the book Lindbeck wrote, and the book critics read, to ask if there are good, immanent reasons for long-standing criticisms to remain. Pecknold proposes that problems readers have with postliberalism can be resolved through deeper engagements with Lindbeck's pragmatism. Arguing that Augustine stands at the roots of a kind of 'scriptural pragmatism' appropriate to postliberalism, Pecknold shows that Christian theology has incarnational and trinitarian resources for the 'theo-semiotic' repair of entire traditions of inquiry without capitulating to pragmatic tendencies towards relativism, or postliberal tendencies towards sectarianism. Displaying the theo-semiotic influence of Augustine on Peter Ochs' rabbinic pragmatism, and in turn Ochs' influence upon Lindbeck, Pecknold reveals significant theo-political implications for the scriptural relationship between the Church and Israel, and through this relationship, rediscovers the scriptural mandate for the Church's responsibility for the suffering other. Transforming Postliberal Theology signals a rediscovery and development of postliberalism for a new generation of theologians and other thinkers who recognize the centrality of the Bible for the reformation of thought and action in the church and in the world.

$39.54

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 182
Publisher: T.& T.Clark Ltd
Published: 13 Oct 2005
ISBN 10: 0567030342
ISBN 13: 9780567030344

Media Reviews

'Postliberalism represents the leading edge of Christian theology today. George Lindbeck's is the most influential founding voice in postliberalism. And Chad Pecknold has composed the most important recent work on Lindbeck's postliberalism.... Pecknold's remarkable work should be required reading for all who are influenced by or interested in the postliberal turn.' Peter Ochs, University of Virginia; 'An important and fascinating issue for Christian theology is how postliberalism, which has been such a fruitful movement in the late twentieth century, is to develop in the twenty-first century. Pecknold offers a rich, perceptive discussion of George Lindbeck and the debates surrounding his thought, and then constructively goes beyond Lindbeck in dialogue with CS Peirce, recent Jewish thought, and above all Augustine of Hippo. The result is a strong, convincing proposal for a 'scriptural pragmatism' that can engage deeply with scripture, tradition, the church, other scriptural faiths, and pressing public issues.' David F. Ford, University of Cambridge; 'A fresh and persuasive approach to the controversies generated by postliberal theological projects. In short, it makes an original and important contribution to current theology and deserves a wide hearing.' David H. Kelsey, Weigle Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT, USA

Author Bio

Dr. C.C. Pecknold is Assistant Professor, Historical and Systematic Theology, at The Catholic University of America School of Theology and Religious Studies, Washington DC, USA.