Revitalizing Theological Epistemology

Description:A rather acrimonious divorce is underway between evangelical theology and foundationalism--especially among younger evangelical protégés less directly connected with the modernist-fundamentalist controversy than are their professors. These primarily younger evangelical thinkers are almost certainly reading and engaging more of Derrida than Descartes; more interested in doing theology and philosophy for the church than for the academy; more in tune with Wesley’s than Warfield’s theology; more interested in applying the Bible than defending it; more concerned with the hermeneutics of Gadamer and Ricoeur than (Arno) Gabelein and (A.T.) Robertson; more occupied with the philosophical method of Heidegger than Hegel; more moved by the epistemology of Kierkegaard and Barth than by Kant and Bultmann; and finally, more comfortable with postmodern than modern culture. Such major moves are undoubtedly altering the face of evangelical theology--or more accurately, theology done by evangelicals: even more particularly for this study, theological epistemology written by evangelicals. In Revitalizing Theological Epistemology Steven B. Sherman addresses questions about what evangelical theology ought to be doing in light of the changing cultural situation. Should the Christian faith continue to be presented and defended mainly according to Enlightenment principles when growing criticism of modern thought is affecting virtually every discipline? Is this critique merely a matter of the latest societal trend, or is this a much larger phenomenon virtually encompassing the West? Ought evangelicalism and its intellectual leaders to ''wait it out'' or should they ''re-vision'' their theology? And if something does require reconsideration, exactly what is it, and what might this re-examination entail? This book is about contemporary evangelical approaches to the knowledge of God, considering--and suggesting--ways Christian philosophers and theologians envision and make use of theological knowledge in the postmodern context.Endorsements:''In this insightful book, Steven Sherman explores issues that are at the heart of current debates about the foundationalist epistemology that has long held sway in evangelical theology. He does so, not only with philosophical and theological savvy, but also with a deep commitment to the truth of the Gospel.''--Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary''Significant changes are taking place today in Evangelical theology, especially in the area of theological epistemology. This book represents a very important contribution for helping us understand the emerging shape of the Evangelical theological voice. Steven B. Sherman provides the reader with an excellent overview of recent developments in chronicling the rise of post-conservative evangelical theology. He helpfully uses the intellectual journey of Clark Pinnock to illustrate shifts in thinking that are occurring, and then provides an in-depth analysis of the rise of foundationalism and its subsequent critique by recent scholars. His constructive proposal for reframing theological epistemology draws creatively on the work of missiologist Lesslie Newbigin. This is a solid piece of scholarship and a substantive contribution to the literature on the Evangelical movement.''--Craig Van Gelder, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN''Revitalizing Theological Epistemology grapples courageously and innovatively with core issues that confront evangelical thought and practice today. Using the writings of Clark Pinnock and Lesslie Newbigin as evaluative lenses, Sherman traces the emergence and essence of a postconservative theological epistemology, considering important factors leading reformist evangelicals toward a more holistic, communal approach to the knowledge of God. Sherman’s focused analysis and assessment concludes with a modest proposal for developing a revitalizing theological epistemology. I recommend it for the study of contemporary theology and