The Nature of Confession: Evangelicals & Postliberals in Conversation

by Timothy R. Phillips (Editor), George A. Lindbeck (Editor), Dennis L. Okholm (Editor)

In this groundbreaking book, creative evangelical and postliberal thinkers explore exactly how they agree and disagree along a range of issues, from epistemology and theological method to doctrinal concerns.

Genres: Theology, Christian

298 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays by evangelicals as well as advocates of postliberal theology commenting on and critiquing postliberal or narrative theology. The book is remarkably even-handed with the evangelical critics of postliberal theology able to find good reason for continued dialogue between the two perspectives. This is not; however, the sort of book one would want to begin with in exploring the ins and outs of narrative theology. On that count, one would be better served by reading Lindbeck's "The Nature of Doctrine" or one of William Placher's many articles.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best introduction to post-liberalism, especially for those coming from an evangelical background. Like much of the post-liberal works, this book is highly technical and extremely philosophical (analytical). Exceptional response to many of the initial objections resulting from the post-liberal model.

I do have to mention that at one point Alister McGrath suggests that post-liberalism can devolve into what is described by deconstructive philosopher Rolland Barthes, "there is nothing outside the text." For someone interested in Continental philosophy, this misquote was a turn-off, to the point that it is the first thing I think of when I think of this book, and one of the first I think of when I think of McGrath. Its unfortunate, but its the truth. If it was an obscure quote, that's more understandable. But the quote is a subsection on the Wikipedia article. A quick search of Google is really all that was needed

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is difficult to give this book a flat numerical rating. Many students of theology will have no reason to read this book. Those that do, however, will likely find that it fits a niche quite well. The two critiques, leveled by Alister McGrath and Miroslav Volf, were frank and powerful. Yet, responses by postliberals showed real promise for a blend of evangelical and postliberal theology. This rare sort of theological dialogue showed both sides willing to question, reconsider, and learn.