Constructive Theology
Encyclopedia
Constructive theology is the re-definition of what has historically been known as systematic theology
. The reason for this reevaluation stems from the idea that, in systematic theology, the theologian attempts to develop a coherent theory running through the various doctrines within the tradition (Christology
, eschatology
, pneumatology
, etc.). A potential problem underlying such study is that in constructing a system of theology, certain elements may be left out, or "forced" in order to maintain the coherence of the overall system.
In response to this realization, some theologians (Sallie McFague
, Catherine Keller
, Young-Ho Chun and Sharon V. Betcher) feel that the term "systematic" is no longer accurate in reference to theology, and prefer the language of constructive theology. While not a proponent of the language of 'constructive theology,' Karl Barth
frequently criticized the practice of systematizing theology or structuring a coherent system upon a philosophical foundation external to theology's own internal commitments.
Constructive Theology is also the title of a journal on the subject.
Systematic theology
In the context of Christianity, systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that attempts to formulate an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the Christian faith and beliefs...
. The reason for this reevaluation stems from the idea that, in systematic theology, the theologian attempts to develop a coherent theory running through the various doctrines within the tradition (Christology
Christology
Christology is the field of study within Christian theology which is primarily concerned with the nature and person of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. Primary considerations include the relationship of Jesus' nature and person with the nature...
, eschatology
Eschatology
Eschatology is a part of theology, philosophy, and futurology concerned with what are believed to be the final events in history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, commonly referred to as the end of the world or the World to Come...
, pneumatology
Pneumatology
Pneumatology is the study of spiritual beings and phenomena, especially the interactions between humans and God.Pneuma is Greek for "breath", which metaphorically describes a non-material being or influence....
, etc.). A potential problem underlying such study is that in constructing a system of theology, certain elements may be left out, or "forced" in order to maintain the coherence of the overall system.
In response to this realization, some theologians (Sallie McFague
Sallie McFague
Sallie McFague is an American feminist Christian theologian, best known for her analysis of how metaphor lies at the heart of how we may speak about God. She has applied this approach in particular to ecological issues, writing extensively on care for the earth as if it were God’s ‘body’.McFague...
, Catherine Keller
Catherine Keller (theologian)
Catherine Keller is a Process Theologian and is currently a professor of Constructive Theology at New Jersey's Drew University. Like most major voices in Process theology, she studied directly with John B...
, Young-Ho Chun and Sharon V. Betcher) feel that the term "systematic" is no longer accurate in reference to theology, and prefer the language of constructive theology. While not a proponent of the language of 'constructive theology,' Karl Barth
Karl Barth
Karl Barth was a Swiss Reformed theologian whom critics hold to be among the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th century; Pope Pius XII described him as the most important theologian since Thomas Aquinas...
frequently criticized the practice of systematizing theology or structuring a coherent system upon a philosophical foundation external to theology's own internal commitments.
Constructive Theology is also the title of a journal on the subject.
Further reading
- Constructive Theology: a Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes, eds. Serene JonesSerene JonesSerene Jones is the president of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. She was formerly the Titus Street Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School, chair of the Gender, Woman, and Sexuality Studies at Yale University ....
and Paul Lakeland - Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide Church, William R. Barr
- Christian Feminist Theology: A Constructive Interpretation, Denise L. Carmody
- Constructive Natural Theology, Newman Smyth
- An Essay on Theological Method, Gordon D. KaufmanGordon D. KaufmanDr. Gordon D. Kaufman was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Divinity at Harvard University where he taught since 1963. He lectured widely, and taught at universities across the United States , and also in India, Japan, South Africa, England, and Hong Kong...
- In Face of Mystery: A Constructive Theology, Gordon D. KaufmanGordon D. KaufmanDr. Gordon D. Kaufman was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Divinity at Harvard University where he taught since 1963. He lectured widely, and taught at universities across the United States , and also in India, Japan, South Africa, England, and Hong Kong...
- Jesus and Creativity, Gordon D. KaufmanGordon D. KaufmanDr. Gordon D. Kaufman was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Divinity at Harvard University where he taught since 1963. He lectured widely, and taught at universities across the United States , and also in India, Japan, South Africa, England, and Hong Kong...