Analytic Theology: New Essays in the Philosophy of Theology

Philosophy in the English-speaking world is dominated by analytic approaches to its problems and projects; but theology has been dominated by alternative approaches. Many would say that the current state in theology is not mere historical accident, but is, rather, how things ought to be. On the other hand, many others would say precisely the opposite: that theology as a discipline has been beguiled and taken captive by 'continental' approaches, and that the effects on the discipline have been largely deleterious. The methodological divide between systematic theologians and analytic philosophers of religion is ripe for exploration. The present volume represents an attempt to begin a much-needed interdisciplinary conversation about the value of analytic philosophical approaches to theological topics. Most of the essays herein are sympathetic toward the enterprise the editors are calling analytic theology; but, with an eye toward balance, the volume also includes essays and an introduction that try to offer more critical perspectives on analytic theology.

Table of Contents:
Introduction, Michael Rea I: In Defense of Analytic Theology 1. On Analytic Theology, Oliver D. Crisp 2. Systematic Theology as Analytic Theology, William J. Abraham 3. Theology as a Bull Session, Randal Rauser II: Historical Perspectives 4. A Conception of Faith in the Greek Fathers, John Lamont 5. "As Kant has Shown...": Analytic (and Synthetic) Theology in the Critical Philosophy, Andrew Chignell 6. Schleiermacher 's Theological Anti-Realism, Andrew Dole 7. How Philosophical Theology Became Possible Within the Analytic Tradition of Philosophy, Nicholas Wolterstorff III: On the Data for Theology: Scripture, Reason, and Experience 8. Scripture as the Word of God, Thomas McCall 9. On Believing that the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired, Thomas M. Crisp 10. The Contribution of Religious Experience to Dogmatic Theology, Michael Sudduth 11. Science and Religion in Constructive Engagement, Michael J. Murray IV: Analytic Approaches Reconsidered 12. The Problem of Evil, Eleonore Stump 13. Hermeneutics and Holiness, Merold Westphal 14. Dark Contemplation and Epistemic Transformation: The Analytic Theologian Re-meets Teresa of Ávila, Sarah Coakley  

Review :
an excellent collection of essays, and one that analytic theologians and philosophers of religion will no doubt highly value ... highly recommended. The editors of this volume have elicted new essays from an impressive list of contributors, including both long established figures in philosophy and theology and other relatively new... these are good essays well worth reading,