Theology after Liberalism

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Jason A. Springs

"Hans Frei, one of the most influential American theologians of the twentieth century, is generally considered a founder of postliberal theology. Frei never set forth his thinking systematically, and he has been criticized for being inconsistent, contradictory, and insufficiently rigorous. Jason Springs seeks here to offer a reevaluation of Frei's work. Arguing that Hans Frei's theology cannot be understood without a meticulous consideration of the complex equilibrium of his theological and philosophical interests and influences, Springs vindicates Frei's Christologically motivated engagement with Ludwig Wittgenstein, Clifford Geertz, and Erich Auerbach, as well as his use of ordinary language philosophy and non-foundational philosophical insights, while illuminating his orientational indebtedness to Karl Barth's theology. Moreover, by placing Frei's work in critical conversation with developments in pragmatist thought and cultural theory since his death, this re-reading aims to resolve many of the misunderstandings that vex his theological legacy. What emerges from Toward a Generous Orthodoxy is a sharpened account of the Christologically anchored, interdisciplinary, and conversational character of Frei's theology, one he came to describe as a "generous orthodoxy"-modeling a way for academic theological voices to take seriously both their vocation to the Christian church and their roles as interlocutors in academic discourse." -- Publisher's description.

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Rosino Gibellini

Since its first formulation in the mid-1950s, modern African theology has contributed a richness of insights to western understandings of Christianity. Paths of African Theology presents original essays by many of Africa's best-known theologians, who explore in depth their areas of concentration and the roads they have pursued. Included are both Catholic and Protestant theologians from east, west, and south. Also included is an annotated bibliography of resources on African theology, indicating their specific relevance and theological orientation.

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Val Webb

An introduction to feminist theology. Calling on the principles of liberation theology and process theology, Val Webb explores the assumptions about women that still influence us today, offering new insights on how feminism and feminist theology can be transforming for the church and for the world.

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Emmanuel Martey

"Two major strands of theology have developed in Africa - inculturation and liberation - each in response to different needs. Emmanuel Martey's African Theology provides a clear, scholarly examination of these two basic approaches, solidly based on Martey's understanding of contemporary theology and his first-hand knowledge of Africa."--BOOK JACKET. "Martey first examines the historical background of each of these theological developments, especially relating to cultural and political movements enveloping the continent in the 1970s. In sub-Saharan Africa, struggles for independence from colonizers have resulted in inculturation theology. The defining aspect of this theology is that it pushes its roots firmly in African culture and traditions. In South Africa, on the other hand, Black Africans struggling against the oppressive systems of apartheid have turned to liberation theology."--BOOK JACKET. "Martey shows how the real hope for African theology lies in the dialectical encounter between these two approaches and in their potential for convergence. "The two foci (of liberation and inculturation)," Martey says, "are not contradictory, but complement each other." African Theology concludes by challenging African theologians to weld together the praxis of inculturation with that of liberation, in order to achieve an integrative vision for the continent."--BOOK JACKET.