Biblical Criticism and Faith in Tillich and Niebuhr

Abstract

MAJOR problem in contemporary theology is the relationship of the results of biblical criticism to the particular theological position being propounded. Often the biblical critic and the theologian seem to speak different languages although both are devout Christians. In a sense this is unavoidable since the language of biblical research is indicative' and empirical, while the language of theology, dealing as it does with ultimate convictions, cannot be so neatly labeled but instead occupies an ambiguous position. Some would assert that such language is simply emotive and prescriptive. While these elements are often present in theological language, such a designation is inadequate for it fails to recognize the reflective nature and rational structure of most theological language. Some claim that this language is simply tautological. This claim also is inadequate for while it is true that theologians use some tautological language, it is not the case that any particular theology is completely tautological. In short, theological language occupies an odd position. It combines elements of all four types of language just named indicative, emotive, prescriptive, and tautological. Perhaps it is fair to say that it is basically evaluational and as such may include in varying degrees, depending on the peculiarities of the particular theologian, the other four types of language. My thesis is, then, that indicative or empirical language is to be distinguished from theological language, but that there is no absolute segregation of the two since indicative language has a role to play in theological language. Theological language transcends indicative language, for the theologian is concerned with the language of faith which is primarily evaluational in nature. The language of faith, while transcending indicative and factual language, is nevertheless interpenetrated and influenced by it. It is obvious to one even superficially acquainted with contemporary theology that there is no universal acceptance of this thesis among theologians on the contemporary American scene. Conservative, orthodox or fundamentalist theologians are likely to reject the distinction altogether, asserting that theological language is the language of the Bible, and it is indicative, factual and true in an empirical sense. Faith determines fact. Liberal or naturalistic