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20Th-Century Theology: God and the World in a Transitional Age

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Title: 20Th-Century Theology: God and the World in a Transitional Age
by Stanley J. Grenz, Roger E. Olson
ISBN: 0-8308-1525-2
Publisher: Intervarsity Press
Pub. Date: January, 1997
Format: Paperback
Volumes: 1
List Price(USD): $24.00
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Average Customer Rating: 4.5 (6 reviews)

Customer Reviews

Rating: 4
Summary: Dare I say, an enjoyable read?
Comment: This book is the ideal first port of call for any with an interest in contemporary theology. Grenz and Olson place the last century's theological ponderings in their historical context, highlighting the relationships between the leading theologians of the century, and helpfully locating their theologies on a spectrum between the poles of God's immanence or transcendence. All this is skillfully done, woven into a text which includes accurate exposition and even-handed criticism. There is also a good deal of biographical detail which adds colour and (in places) even romance to the subject!

The book begins with an illuminating discussion of the Enlightenment and the problems it threw up for theology. The birth of comtemporary theology is then charted through the work of Schleiermacher in the nineteenth century, to a tried and trusted (?) canon of modern figures, ranging from dogmaticians such as Barth and Tillich, through liberation and feminist theologians, to more 'post-modern' types in the section on Narrative Theology. Very comprehensive for a relatively slim volume. I was engrossed throughout, and my passion for modern theology was kindled by this excellent book.

Of course, any book such as this has to be selective in its material, and some major figures are either ommited or glossed over. There is a considerable Protestant bias with only two Catholic theologians being considered (Rahner and Kung) and not a word about Eastern Orthodox theology, which is becoming a fashionable study in theological circles. By way of other Catholics, both Von Balthasar and Schillebeecks would have been worthy of inclusion. I also feel that a chapter specifically discussing the phenomena of so-called Post-liberal theology would be helpful: in particular the work of George Lindbeck, which has been revolutionary over the last twenty years.

In terms of style, my only criticisms would be that there are occassions when more explanation would be desirable, and that Grenz and Olson's criticisms can (albeit rarely) become a little pedantic. All in all a highly recommended, dare I say enjoyable, read.

Rating: 4
Summary: Excellent Introduction to the Story of Modern Theology
Comment: I have just used this book as the set text for the 'contemporary theology' module of a theology degree, and I found it an excellent introduction to the basics of recent theological thought. It is certainly accessible for the average undergraduate, and is more easy-going than, say, David Ford's heavy volume 'Modern Theologians'. Although the writers are evangelicals, they generally treat those of other stock fairly even-handedly, and they cover all the main points and never fail to offer poignant criticisms. It becomes a little pedantic at times, particularly some of the obligatory words of praise offered to some of the more objectionable theologians such as Rudolf Bultmann. Such flattery seems rather insincere. There are also one or two points that could have been explained a bit more clearly, instead of being glossed over. On the whole though I couldn't recommend a better intro to contemporary theology. Incidentally, if you are reading modern theologians for the first time, I recommend Wolfhart Pannenberg and Karl Rahner. They were the ones who most impressed me, anyhow, and I think they both brought out important elements of the gospel.

Rating: 5
Summary: comprehensive and accurate
Comment: This book provides a comprehensive review on various theological thoughts and movements in the past centuries. Although the authors are evangelists themselves, I think their comments on other schools of thoughts are accurate and fair. The authors use the co-presence of transcendence and immanence of God as a central line in theology, and argue that many theological thoughts are shifted to either side from the central line. I agree with this. One minor problem is that this book may be too difficult for layman. Especially in Chapter 2, their treatment on Kant and Hegel is not clear enough. Readers are required to have a basic background on philosophy and theology in order to understand this book.

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