Metatheology: The Foundations of Divinity

by Oliver Crisp

This work examines some of the most pressing problems facing contemporary systematic theology. Crisp provides an overview of the contemporary landscape in the area of theological methodology and assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach surveyed. This positive contribution to the field offers a clear and concise assessment of the methodologies on offer for students and scholars alike. It lays the groundwork for a vision of a common theological project across varied theological approaches. These include the importance of metaphysics and divine revelation, and the key doctrines of the Christian faith such as the Trinity and Incarnation. Crisp also sets out a constructive proposal for addressing the question of how we understand the relationship between the different levels of theological authority. This leads to a powerful sketch of a programme in systematic theology that is both respectful to the Christian tradition, as well as constructive in nature.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology

204 pages, Hardcover

Published February 19, 2026

Reviews

[James Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish chapter 5 were more robust and engaged with a stronger version of scriptural sufficiency, especially what we find in the confessions and the Reformed orthodox. There is a sense in which Crisp assumes a contemporary account of sufficiency read through the lens of New Calvinists — such as JMac, R. C. Sproul, etc. — who pack more doctrines into what is essential for “salvation,” instead of adopting a more modest, historically accurate account.

I mean, Crisp even goes so far as to take a view less robust than Rome’s. It just seemed unfitting.

Again, do not let this distract or discourage you. I am just a raging theological conservative. Other than that, this book was excellent — even the somewhat weird parts wherein he engages with theological feminists and their Christological heresies. It just seems like it would be better if we ignored them, but I still found the chapter insightful. The chapter on the Trinity and the mysterium model was also solid.

Finally, I can’t help but feel like Crisp takes historic views and just relabels them lol. For example, in his chapter on a realist account of theology and conceptual models, and so forth, he advances what we could rightly understand as the Thomistic doctrine of analogy. Building from that simpliciter model would be better and would prove to have greater historical continuity, rather than relabeling his view and championing it as something different.

Again, don’t let this discourage you. It’s a very good read.