THE CONSTRUCTIVE PROMISE OF SCHLEIERMACHER’S THEOLOGY

Abstract

This volume shows how Friedrich Schleiermacher’s thought can be used to address contemporary doctrinal refinement and development. Taking a constructive approach, Shelli M. Poe weaves Schleiermacher’s theology together with current scholarship in feminism, womanism, ecotheology, and queer theology. While Friedrich Schleiermacher’s Christian Faith is widely acclaimed as the progenitor of modern theology, Poe is one of the first to use his work as a springboard to refine contemporary doctrine. Poe investigates four areas of Schleiermacher’s theology in his Christian Faith: the doctrine of the Trinity, Christology and redemption, the doctrine of creation, and ecclesiology. She then weaves in current themes, for instance by enriching Schleiermacher’s Soteriology with Womanist Atonement Theories or expanding his thought on Church and Spirit to a queer community of women. This book demonstrates the promise of Schleiermacher’s mature work for contemporary constructive forms of theology.