Faith, Form, and Fashion by Paul Helm
This is a detailed examination of the theological innovations of Kevin Vanhoozer and John Franke. Each proposes that doctrinal and systematic theology should be re-cast in the light of postmodernity. No longer can Christian theology be foundational, or have a stable metaphysical and epistemological framework. Vanhoozer advocates a theo-dramatic reconstruction of Christian doctrine, replacing the timeless propositions of the purely cerebral theology of the Reformed tradition in favor of a theology that does justice to the polyphony of multiple biblical genres. Franke holds that theology is part of a three-way conversation between Scripture, tradition, and culture, with an uncertain outcome. This study shows that each of these proposals is based on misunderstanding and exaggeration, and that the case against foundationalism is unclear and unpersuasive. It is argued that Vanhoozer's appeal to revelation as divine speech-acts is not as radical as he thinks, and his epistemology is weak. In the hands of postmodernity, Christian theology abandons its exactness and the standards of care that are a notable feature of doctrinal constrictions. The book will be of importance to those with interest in Reformed theology or Christian theology more generally. It provides a clear assessment of the impact of the postmodern mindset on theology.
"Helm has done a service to thinking Christians in an age of post-postmodernist gullibility" -Rev. E. T, Kirkland, English Churchman, No. 7936, Fridays, 13th & 20th November 2015 "...the greatest contribution of this text is Helm's robust detailing of the history, method and principles of CRT for contemporary theology. ...it would be a useful primer for any graduate or seminary student who is interested in Reformed theology." -Vanessa Williams, Theology 119.1 2016 "This volume provides helpful summaries of crt and offers general lines of response to postmodern thought. To that extent, it may be helpful to those who identify with [Classical Reformed Theology]." -John R. Franke, Journal of Reformed Theology, Volume 11, Issue 3, 2017
Paul Helm is a Teaching Fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, Canada. He held the Chair of the History and Philosophy at King's College, London, 1993-2000. He is the author of several books, including 'John Calvin's Ideas' (2004) and 'Eternal God' (2nd edition 2010).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780227174920 |
| ISBN 10 | 0227174925 |
| Title | Faith, Form, and Fashion |
| Author | Paul Helm |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | James Clarke & Co Ltd |
| Year published | 2014-12-25 |
| Number of pages | 286 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |