The Tradition of Liberal Theology

Describes and defends a long-standing tradition that maintains a proper balance between religious faith and human rationality

Many of the early apologists, including Justin Martyr and Origen, presented a defense of the Christian faith that sought to combine the message of the Gospels with respect for the kind of rationality associated with Socrates and his followers. Michael Langford argues that, despite many misunderstandings, the term liberal theology can properly be used to describe this tradition.

Langford's Tradition of Liberal Theology begins with a historical and contemporary definition of liberal theology and identifies eleven typical characteristics, such as a nonliteralist approach to interpreting Scripture, a rejection of original guilt, and the joint need for faith and works. Langford then gives vignettes of thirteen historical Christian figures who personify the liberal tradition. Finally, he explores some contemporary alternatives to liberal theology -- fundamentalism, the Catholic magisterium, Karl Barth's theology -- and presents a rational defense of the tradition of liberal theology.

Author: Michael Langford
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Published: 01/01/2014
Pages: 166
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.95h x 6.11w x 0.46d
ISBN: 9780802869814

Review Citation(s):
Choice 08/01/2014

About the Author
Langford, Michael: - Michael Langford is professor emeritus of philosophy andbioethics at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Hisprevious books include A Liberal Theology for theTwenty-First Century: A Passion for Reason andUnblind Faith.

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