Rethinking of Religion in a Theological Context

Abstract

In recent years philosophy of religion seems to have fallen on bad times in theological quarters in Canada. This might also be said of other sub-disciplines such as philosophical theology, systematic theology and Christian ethics. In shaping its curriculum, current theological education appears to place the emphasis on biblical, historical, or pastoral studies, as confirmed by recent appointments. Although budgetary cutbacks might account for this narrowed emphasis, one might still ask why the primacy of these particular branches. Few appointments or announcements have been made in the areas of philosophy of religion, or philosophical or systematic theology — a fact suggesting that philosophy of religion is somehow being edged out of the curriculum. Further, in the last few years at least five institutions with responsibility for theological education have appointed deans, principals, or directors who seem to accord little or no significance to philosophy of religion or its cognates, and yet in all likelihood will set the agenda for Canadian theological education for the next decade.