Contemporary Theology: An Introduction: Classical, Evangelical, Philosophical, and Global Perspectives

by Kirk R. MacGregor

Accessible and comprehensive, Contemporary An Introduction by professor and author Kirk R. MacGregor provides a chronological survey of the major thinkers and schools of thought in modern theology in a manner that is both approachable and intriguing. Unique among introductions to contemporary theology, MacGregor Contemporary An Introduction is noteworthy for making complex thought understandable and for tracing the landscape of modern theology in a well-organized and easy-to-follow manner.

Genres: Theology, History, Religion

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2019

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, if a bit dull throughout. Surprisingly expansive in scope, though gaps in coverage are apparent (see below), as well as are some liberties taken in generalization of issues here and there. On the whole, this is a useful base text for a course in modern church history and theology. The focus aligns primarily with academic interests in American Christianity.

I especially appreciated the inclusion of eye-opening chapters on African Christology, Chinese Eschatology, and the chapter on the arts. Chapters on Reformed Epistemology and Analytic Theology were very clear. The treatment of Princeton theology was good, if a bit lacking in a more national perspective. It’s a shame that Machen continues to be lumped in with Fundamentalists rather than a distinctive evangelical confessionalism.

I was disappointed that there was no mention of certain theologians’ (namely, Barth and Tillich) gross moral failures as a factor in giving consideration to their respective theologies/careers. The chapter on postconservative theology was a bit annoying, but that was probably because of the subject matter more than it was due to the author’s presentation. Also, why cover BioLogos without at least mentioning Answers in Genesis (the larger, more well-funded, and more influential organization) and the YEC movement? Why discuss Charles Spurgeon at length without at least mentioning personalities as significant as Cornelius Van Til, Geerhardus Vos, Abraham Kuyper, or Herman Bavinck? The discussion of biblical theology (think von Rad, Vos, etc.) was subsumed under the heading of narrative theology. There was no dedicated explanation of the documentary hypothesis.

[Matthew Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable explanation of the leading theologies of the last 175 years.

Contemporary Theology: An Introduction: Classical, Evangelical, Philosophical, and Global Perspectives came at just the right moment for me. I have been trying to grow as a pastor-theologian, doing more strategic theological reading and deeper theological thinking, but I keep feeling like I’m missing some crucial foundational knowledge.

I already have three degrees in Bible and theology, but I still often feel like I’m playing catch-up when some theological controversies pop up on the radar. So in January, just when I was planning out my reading strategy for 2019, Scot McKnight blogged about this new book by Kirk MacGregor that concisely summarized all of the prevailing theologies of the modern period. 'Yep, that's what I need" I said as I pushed "Add to Cart." I’ve been reading one chapter in a sitting several times a week (just 5-9 pages each), so it’s taken me about 3 months to work through the 38 chapters.

I had heard of the subjects of each chapter, but I wasn’t super familiar with all of them. Before reading Contemporary Theology, I couldn’t have explained the big ideas of many of the theologians of the 20th century such as Barth, Bultmann, Tillich, Moltmann, Pannenberg, Rahner, Yoder, Cone, Plantiga, and dozens more. I had been introduced to many many of them back in seminary and had to read some of their works, but today, I couldn’t have explained their thoughts to someone curious. Now having read the book, I still probably couldn’t explain those big ideas to the satisfaction of their leading proponents, but I believe that those leading proponents would be very satisfied with MacGregor’s explanations. He has a knack for capturing and restating the deep thinking of deep thinkers.

MacGregor tries to keep his opinions to himself. For the most part, he doesn’t offer his own evaluations of these diverse theologies, attempting mostly to help people grasp what the idea is, not whether or not it’s a good or right idea. At times, he can’t really help it, and his own admiration for a particular position, argument, or theologian seeps through (and sometimes his disdain for one does, too). That’s not really a weakness. In fact, I enjoyed reading between the lines to guess at what his theological proclivities are. I also thoroughly enjoyed the parts where several of my own professors showed up as key movers and shakers in the story.

I’m really glad I read Contemporary Theology. It was a refresher course (also now available as an actual video course) in theological movements that have shaped the time period in which I have lived. I’m sure I will refer back to it many times as I continue to grow bit-by-bit as a pastor-theologian. “Oh yeah, that’s what that theologian taught!” Recommended.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

MacGregor has offered a decent summary of many aspects of contemporary theology from different perspectives. There's several interesting areas of the book while there's also some that are less intriguing. On a positive note, the man writes in a succinct and clear manner; that's not easily done when summarizing G.W.F. Hegel! I also appreciate how he brings in different, lesser known areas of theology. I thought the Chinese eschatology chapter or the Latin American Pentecostal section was fascinating. Negatively, I was a little perplexed by some things he left out. For instance, MacGregor didn't mention the Conservative Resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention, the New Calvinist movement of the early 21st century, the Lordship Salvation controversy, the life and ministries of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, John Stott, John MacArthur, John Piper, Louis Giglio, or a host of other highly influential theologians and writers while going on at length about Walton and BioLogos. Some of the stuff he chose to write on has an influence over a few thousand while some he chose not to write on reaches thousands of people worldwide. For the most part, it's a helpful introduction to a lot of modern theological scopes and schools, but it's not a place to end. I'd recommend that someone read it and then read something more focused on what they'd like to study.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enter the bewildering world of contemporary Christian theology. Much that passes for "Christian" theology is in name only. This book's greatest strength is the author's ability to simplify complex teaching into bite-sized pieces and include primary and secondary sources for followup. His presentation of classic Princeton Reformed theology was fair, so I trust that his representation of the other theologies was also fair. This will be a key reference book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative look at the various schools of thought found in Academic theology today. I like that he is evenhanded and that the book is not a polemic. The chapters can basically stand alone-- so if you're in a hurry you can read just about the movements you are interested in. The way some of the movements are described, one wonders how a person of integrity can follow such ideas and claim to be any kind of believer at all.

[Lady Brainsample · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A sweeping, exhaustive book. It's good to remind oneself that there are many, many schools of thought around the world and across time, especially when it comes to matters of faith. It was also particularly satisfying to be able to identify historical forerunners to what I was taught growing up as well as what my husband was taught (he's Catholic, I grew up evangelical).

[Vladimir Ulyanov · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate the author's format, his evangelical bias comes through in negative ways. He doesn't even speak about Adolf von Harnack (who he admits is one of the most important theologians of the modern age), and leaves much to be discussed. This is by no means a broad introduction as the author seems to desire it to be.

[Joseph Barnet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for understanding modern and contemporary theology. I recommend!