Radical theologies

Mike Grimshaw

doi:10.1057/palcomms.2015.32

Abstract

AbstractRadical theology as a field encompasses the intersections of constructive theology, secular theology, death-of-God theologies, political theologies, continental thought and contemporary culture. It expresses an inter-disciplinary engagement and approach dedicated to redefining the very terms of theology as a concept and practice. This article provides an introductory overview to a multi- and inter-disciplinary thematic collection dedicated to thinking in this area.

Highlights

I t used to be social science orthodoxy that was religion in decline but that there was no place for theology or allied religious discussion and critique
It is interesting to note that the American theologian Van Harvey identified this as a possibility back in 1970, where, in reassessing what was opened up in the wake of the 1960s Secular Theology and the Death of God he argued for a new home and possibility for theology in Religious Studies
Referencing Victor Preller of Princeton, Harvey terms this a “meta-theology” (Harvey, 1970: 28) or “a genuinely secular theology” (Harvey, 1970: 29) that is to be thought, critiqued and argued in departments of Religion. This is what I term the American strand of origin of radical theology: a theology that, arising out of the American encounter with modernity, arising from secular theology and the Death of God theologies, sought to express a theology not held captive by the church

Summary

Introduction

I t used to be social science orthodoxy that was religion in decline but that there was no place for theology or allied religious discussion and critique. This is from an intellectual tradition open to the use the language of theology as a political and social counter-claim, a grammar and language that holds within it both the excess and limit of possibility.

Results

Conclusion