Constructive theology

Constructive theology is the redefinition or reconceptualization of what historically has been known as systematic theology.

Purpose

The reason for this reevaluation stems from the idea that, in systematic theology, the theologian attempts to develop a coherent theory running through the various doctrines within the tradition (Christology, eschatology, pneumatology, etc.). A potential problem underlying such study is that in constructing a system of theology, certain elements may be "forced" into a presupposed structure, or left out altogether, in order to maintain the coherence of the overall system.

Use of the term and relevant publications

In response to these perceived problems, some modern theologians, especially Christian feminists such as Sallie McFague, Catherine Keller, and Sharon V. Betcher, feel that the term systematic is no longer accurate in reference to theology, and prefer the language of constructive theology. However, constructive theologians vary as to whether they reject the term systematic altogether, with the term systematic continuing to be preferred especially by Roman Catholics. While not a proponent of the language of constructive theology, Karl Barth frequently criticized the practice of systematizing theology or structuring a coherent system upon a philosophical foundation external to theology's own internal commitments. Constructive theology tends to be interdisciplinary, imaginative, open-ended, public facing, lay-led, and practical.

The term constructive theology has been in use mostly since the 1980s. Constructive Theology is also the title of a journal on the subject. A Bloomsbury book series on constructive theology, titled Rethinking Theologies, Constructing Alternatives, is edited by Marion Grau, Susannah Cornwall, Steed Davidson, and Hyo-Dong Lee. This has included Cornwall's Un/familiar Theology, Jan-Olav Henriksen's Christianity as Distinct Practices, an edited volume entitled What is Constructive Theology? by Marion Grau and Jason Wyman, and Shelli M. Poe's The Constructive Promise of Schleiermacher's Theology.

See also

• Charles Hodge
• John B. Cobb
• Langdon Gilkey
• Gordon D. Kaufman
• Progressive Christianity
• Catherine Keller

References

Bibliography

• Rieger, Joerg (2013). "Constructive Theology". In Runehov, Anne L. C.; Oviedo Lluis (eds.). Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. pp. 483–486. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_263. ISBN 978-1-4020-8265-8.
• Wyman, Jason A. (2017). Constructing Constructive Theology: An Introductory Sketch. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Fortress Press. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1pwt3qp. ISBN 978-1-5064-1861-2.

Further reading

• Barr, William R., ed. (1997). Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide Church. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-8028-4143-8.
• Carmody, Denise L. (1995). Christian Feminist Theology: A Constructive Interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-55786-586-1.
• Jones, Serene; Lakeland, Paul, eds. (2005). Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Fortress Press. ISBN 978-1-4514-1629-9.
• Kaufman, Gordon D. (1993). In Face of Mystery: A Constructive Theology. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0-674-44575-8.
•  ———  (1995). An Essay on Theological Method (3rd ed.). Atlanta: Scholars Press. ISBN 978-0-7885-0135-7.
•  ———  (2006). Jesus and Creativity. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Fortress Press. ISBN 978-0-8006-3798-9.
• Kim, Grace Ji-Sun (2011). The Holy Spirit, Chi, and the Other: A Model of Global and Intercultural Pneumatology. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. doi:10.1057/9780230339408. ISBN 978-0-230-12030-3.
• Smyth, Newman (1913). Constructive Natural Theology. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. LCCN 13019088. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
• Tanner, Kathryn (2001). Jesus, Humanity and the Trinity: A Brief Systematic Theology. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. ISBN 978-0-567-08770-6.