The Tradition of Liberal Theology

by Michael J. Langford

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2014

Overview

Many of the early apologists, including Justin Martyr and Origen, presented a defense of the Christian faith that sought to combine the message of the Gospels with respect for the kind of rationality associated with Socrates and his followers. Michael Langford argues that, despite many misunderstandings, the term “liberal theology” can properly be used to describe this tradition. Langford’s Tradition of Liberal Theology begins with a historical and contemporary definition of “liberal theology” and identifies eleven typical characteristics, such as a nonliteralist approach to interpreting Scripture, a rejection of original guilt, and the joint need for faith and works. Langford then gives vignettes of thirteen historical Christian figures who personify the liberal tradition. Finally, he explores some contemporary alternatives to liberal theology—fundamentalism, the Catholic magisterium, Karl Barth’s theology—and presents a rational defense of the tradition of liberal theology.

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Key Features

• Explores a historical and contemporary definition of “liberal theology”
• Identifies eleven typical characteristics of liberal theology
• Provides thirteen historical Christian figures who personify the liberal tradition

Contents

• The Meaning of the Term “Liberal Theology”
• Eleven Typical Characteristics of the Liberal Tradition in Theology
• Thirteen Key Figures in the Liberal Christian Tradition
• Some Alternatives to Liberal Christian Theology

Product Details

• Title: The Tradition of Liberal Theology
• Author: Michael Langford
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 176
• Resource Type: Topical
• Topic: Theology

About Michael J. Langford

Michael Langford is professor emeritus of philosophy and bioethics at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His previous books include A Liberal Theology for the Twenty-First Century: A Passion for Reason and Unblind Faith.