... in the present situation, where dogmatics in English-speaking circles is at best a fragile enterprise in the academy and has almost completely lost its hold on the life of the mainline churches, what is needed more than anything elsei is a recovery of theology's exegetical and catechetical vocation. Christian theology will only be worthy of the title 'Christian' if it allows itself to be led all along the line by the witness of Holy Scripture, and if it modestly and humbly, and yet also with courage and astonishment, tries to indicate what it finds there. The essential task of Christian dogmatics, whether in postmodernity, modernity or premodernity is one of patient, respectful attentiveness to the biblical testimony, allowing itself to be shaped by the hope which is there expressed, and quietly letting that hope disturb, shatter and remake human thought and action.
John Webster, 'Human identity in a postmodern age' in
Tolerance and Truth: The Spirit of the Age or the Spirit of God? (ed.) Angus Morrison, Rutherford House, 2007, 76.
If only all theologians were as eloquent and Christian as is John Webster...
Posted by: WTM | October 11, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Andy, it's only vaguely related (through the Webster connection), but I thought you might be interested in a new article we've just added at postchristendom.com: John Colwell in Defence of Christendom.
And he calls himself a Baptist! ;-)
Posted by: graham | October 12, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Thanks Graham - i had read it already in baptist minister's journal.
Posted by: andy goodliff | October 12, 2007 at 10:37 PM
great quote. it should be given to every entering doctoral student.
Posted by: joshua | October 13, 2007 at 01:37 PM