What are the most original and interesting theologians today?

[Lucy27]

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[Kemosloby]

Could gospel song writers be considered theologians? Songs are definitely the most interesting way to express theological ideas.

 

[Brickjectivity]

He is more of a historian but John Dominic Crossan has a book titled Is God Violent: How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian it is worth your time to look at it. I think it is theologically relevant, though its really focused on clarifying some things the Bible says and is not philosophical or a complete treatment of Bible study or of theology. It does not put forward a theology so much as critique and debunk the violent image of the Bible that is often put forward by some people.

I do not think I am the person to ask about modern theologians, but I would not recommend any modern theologian. Are you a theology student, and are you familiar with ancient theological scholarship? Its probably good to know what bad theology is and not just good theology. I don't read a lot, but I would say CS Lewis is an example of a bad modern theologian, a real stinker who is nevertheless very popular. You should read some of his work. He is very conscientious yet duplicitous, working against knowledge, seeing it as an enemy. He's so afraid of oncoming technological revolutions that he decides to beef up superstitions instead of dealing with them squarely and causes a lot of trouble for modern Christians. He also writes some terrific fiction -- very fun stuff.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I've borrowed a book on tape called What Jesus Meant. So far he has introduced something called the Jesus Seminar and criticized it. I've got another one called Reading Judas by Elaine Pagels, but she is more of a historian than a theologian. Potayto/Potahto?

 

[pearl]

I avoid those theologians known as apologists, whose only purpose is to defend the faith and either ignore or refute findings of exegetes who question. I pretty much stick to biblical scholars who are center, neither liberal nor ultra conservative. My favorite is probably Raymond Brown, have read several of his, a couple of which were a collaborative work, and was the editor of the Jerome Biblical Commentary. Joseph Ratzinger, his earlier writings and his 'Jesus of Nazareth series. Hans Kung, interesting in spite of his problems with the Church, 'Does God exist', 'On being a Christian', 'The Church'. Karl Rahner and his emphasis on mysticism, Abraham Heschel, who wrote 'God is search of man' and 'The prophets', I think he writes from the 'heart' of Judaism. Jacob Neusner, 'A rabbi talks with Jesus', presents the reason why Jews cannot except Jesus as Messiah. Pinchas Lapide who claims the Resurrection to be an historical event, but Jesus is not the Messiah.

 

[pearl]

I would say CS Lewis is an example of a bad modern theologian

Apparently Lewis suffered a humilatng defeat in a debate with
G. E. M. Anscombe over a critique of his book 'Miracles', the last time he wrote on Christian apologetics.

 

[Brickjectivity]

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Suggestion:
Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church (by Dr. Ron Moseley). This book is endorsed by a faculty member of Hebrew University of Jerusalem and of Oral Roberts University, by one of the translators of the NIV Bible, and by one president of the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies.

I cannot vouch for everything in the book, however it is full of facts and useful information and is available in libraries. It would be a very good complement for anyone in formation classes or considering baptism.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Today I am adding another book which I have not read thoroughly but which shows a lot of promise: There is No God and He is Always with You: A Search for God in Odd Places by Brad Warner

https://www.amazon.com/There-No-God...F8&qid=1509910211&sr=1-2&keywords=Zen+and+God

He has some interesting parts where he discusses God and the Bible, and I recommend them. His book is a peek in to the relationship between atheism and monotheism, an ongoing and ancient relationship which many people today deny, but I like authors who deal with the subject directly and honestly like Brad Warner is doing.

 

[pearl]

It is an idea that religious adherents ought not to be fearful of.
from the editorial review;
Warner never shies away from such complications; instead, they become grounds where the Western understanding of God and the Buddhist approach to reality and experience meet. For Warner, his practice is a way to approach and understand God without dealing with religion. His God is one to be experienced, felt, and intuited, something that lies beneath the surface of reality that is already naturally understood, if only one could learn to listen to silence, to listen to nothing, and to learn from nothing.

 

[pearl]

Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church (by Dr. Ron Moseley).

There can be no church without Israel. As Christians it is our faith heritage.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I avoid those theologians known as apologists, whose only purpose is to defend the faith and either ignore or refute findings of exegetes who question. I pretty much stick to biblical scholars who are center, neither liberal nor ultra conservative. My favorite is probably Raymond Brown, have read several of his, a couple of which were a collaborative work, and was the editor of the Jerome Biblical Commentary. Joseph Ratzinger, his earlier writings and his 'Jesus of Nazareth series. Hans Kung, interesting in spite of his problems with the Church, 'Does God exist', 'On being a Christian', 'The Church'. Karl Rahner and his emphasis on mysticism, Abraham Heschel, who wrote 'God is search of man' and 'The prophets', I think he writes from the 'heart' of Judaism. Jacob Neusner, 'A rabbi talks with Jesus', presents the reason why Jews cannot except Jesus as Messiah. Pinchas Lapide who claims the Resurrection to be an historical event, but Jesus is not the Messiah.

Thanks for the replies and ideas.

 

[DavidFirth]

There is no greater or equivalent Christian theology than that presented in the 66 books known as the Holy Bible. Why anyone would even think of looking elsewhere is a mystery to me.

 

[pearl]

There is no greater or equivalent Christian theology than that presented in the 66 books known as the Holy Bible. Why anyone would even think of looking elsewhere is a mystery to me.

Are you acknowledging that the Bible reflects the theology of its writers within time and culture?

 

[DavidFirth]

Are you acknowledging that the Bible reflects the theology of its writers within time and culture?

No.

 

[outlawState]

Michael Servetus is without doubt a very interesting theologian (and martyr), although he is not "of today," but he can be accounted so because his greatest work "christianismi restitutio" of which only one or two copies exist in the world today, due to being burnt by order of the Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century, has only recently become available to be read in English, although it is very expensive to buy. I borrowed a copy (it's in several parts) through my local library and retain comprehensive notes(!) on it. Actually it is fascinating, and well worth the trouble to obtain. Trinitarians beware.