The Future of Luther's Theology

Abstract : Some historical observations need to be made about Luther in his own time before his thought can be made useful for our future. First, theology was a collaborative undertaking for Luther and his Wittenberg colleagues. Second, theology was tied to their Reformation agenda of teaching a new way of practicing Christianity in accord with the gospel. That agenda required radical changes: a conversion of religious efforts to please God into advocacy of the neighbor; expansion of the church beyond Rome into an ecumenical assembly of holy and active believers; and a theological reorganization of public life that blurred the line between theology and ethics. In these areas, adapted to the 21st century, lies the greatest utility of Luther's theology for the future.     

Science and the Future of Theology: Critical Issues

The ambivalent reputation of theology as an academic discipline is attributed to the often circular character of its procedures based on presumed authoritative sources. Recently, science too has come under the shadow of "postmodernist" critiques but, it is argued, has been able to withstand them successfully and make epistemologically warrantedclaims to be depicting reality—thereby vindicating human rationality. Evolutionary epistemological considerations also reinforce confidence in the more general deliverances of the human exploration of reasonableness through inference to the best explanation (IBE). The consequences of applying IBE, with its associated criteria, in theological investigation are considered in relation to theology as it is and as it might be. A number of issues critical for thedevelopment of a credible theology are identified. In spite of the challenging and somewhat negative view of contemporary theology to which this leads, hope is expressed that a genuinely credible "evangelical,""catholic," and liberal theology may yet emerge for the new millennium.     

The World in Theology

This article focuses on the activity of French Protestant theologian Georges Casalis as a co‐editor of the French journal Christianisme social (Social Christianity) in the turbulent period between 1965 and 1970. The journal reflected the conflicts of the times on issues such as relations with Eastern Europe, Christian–Marxist dialogue, the new impulses coming from revolutionary movements of the South, and the events of May 1968.     

The Promise of Postmodern Theology

Books reviewed in this article:
Graham Ward (ed.). The Blackwell Companion to Postmodern Theology     

解放神学的意识形态问题

解放神学有关“穷人”、“行动者”、“解放”等要义的意识形态问题 ,提示宗教不仅是人从当下境遇生发的终极追求 ,也是人 (以团契方式践履 )的现实关怀 ;作为遭受殖民统治、反对独裁与“资本”奴役 ,争取民族国家权益 ,瞩意宗教革新之特定地区特定历史阶段所形成的社会思潮 ,解放神学在与各色各样意识形态的冲突和对话之间 ,体现了基督宗教多元发展的文化—政治神学转向 ,其富有特色的释经原则、信仰理解和教会运动 ,别开生面地诠释了一些为无神论者所忽略的马克思主义立场、观点和方法 ,影响深远地透析出源于宗教政治中的马克思主义精神力量     

Ten Theses on the Future of Lutheran Theology Charisms, Contexts, and Challenges

Although Lutheran theology is a gift to the historic church, Martin Luther's own views are specifically formulated for their 16th century context. No universal or timeless theological system based upon Luther's authority should be appealed to. Then theses are here advanced that bridge the 16th and 21st centuries and challenge us to creative construction.