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The Possibility of Theology
Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Possibility of Theology
Millard J. Erickson explores the feasibility of doing theology by analyzing the shift from modernism to postmodernism. Modernism, which prevailed until the late twentieth century, emphasized human rationality, scientific certainty, and the existence of objective truth that corresponds to reality. Conversely, postmodernism rejects these foundations, arguing that all knowledge is conditioned by one's cultural context, meaning is created by the interpreter rather than the text, and "metanarratives" or universal theories should be viewed with suspicion.
While Erickson appreciates the postmodern insight that context influences understanding, he critiques the movement for logical inconsistencies, noting that proponents often fail to apply their theories of relativity to their own assertions. He argues that a complete rejection of logic is self-refuting because arguing against logic requires using it. Regarding the nature of Christian doctrine, Erickson reviews various definitions—including doctrine as experience, action, or linguistic rules—but concludes that doctrine is primarily cognitive, meaning it conveys truth statements about reality.
To move forward, the author proposes a "postperspectivist" approach. This method acknowledges that theologians have biases but actively works to reduce subjectivity through intellectual self-examination and engagement with differing viewpoints. Erickson advocates for "neofoundationalism," a structural view of knowledge that establishes starting points without claiming the absolute indubitability of classical modernism, and maintains a correspondence view of truth. Finally, he describes theology as an essential church activity occurring on three levels: the practicing believer's implicit faith, the teacher's conscious reflection, and the theoretician's rigorous analysis.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer
Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw
https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730
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By Edison WuDeep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Possibility of Theology
Millard J. Erickson explores the feasibility of doing theology by analyzing the shift from modernism to postmodernism. Modernism, which prevailed until the late twentieth century, emphasized human rationality, scientific certainty, and the existence of objective truth that corresponds to reality. Conversely, postmodernism rejects these foundations, arguing that all knowledge is conditioned by one's cultural context, meaning is created by the interpreter rather than the text, and "metanarratives" or universal theories should be viewed with suspicion.
While Erickson appreciates the postmodern insight that context influences understanding, he critiques the movement for logical inconsistencies, noting that proponents often fail to apply their theories of relativity to their own assertions. He argues that a complete rejection of logic is self-refuting because arguing against logic requires using it. Regarding the nature of Christian doctrine, Erickson reviews various definitions—including doctrine as experience, action, or linguistic rules—but concludes that doctrine is primarily cognitive, meaning it conveys truth statements about reality.
To move forward, the author proposes a "postperspectivist" approach. This method acknowledges that theologians have biases but actively works to reduce subjectivity through intellectual self-examination and engagement with differing viewpoints. Erickson advocates for "neofoundationalism," a structural view of knowledge that establishes starting points without claiming the absolute indubitability of classical modernism, and maintains a correspondence view of truth. Finally, he describes theology as an essential church activity occurring on three levels: the practicing believer's implicit faith, the teacher's conscious reflection, and the theoretician's rigorous analysis.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer
Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw
https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730