THE CHURCH IN MODERN THEOLOGY

Abstract

For our purposes here, the phrase ‘modern theology’ refers to that period of theological inquiry which began about the same time as the nineteenth century, and which has only recently and partially been displaced by postmodern issues and methods. The story of the church’s self-understanding within this two hundred year period is complex, due not least to the diversity of ways the various Protestant, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches engaged with the modern world. Since this is the story of the church’s diverse and developing theological self-understanding, rather than simply the story of the church as such, it is necessary to focus on the work of specific theologians, movements and denominations that illustrate various theological developments, rather than present a straightforward chronological account.