Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion

Description

Analytic theology can flourish in the secular academy, and flourish as authentically Christian theology. Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion explains analytic theology to other theologians and scholars of religion, while simultaneously explaining those other fields to analytic theologians. William Wood defends analytic theology from some common criticisms, but also argues that analytic theologians have much to learn from other forms of inquiry. Analytic theology is a legitimate form of theology, and a legitimate form of academic inquiry, and it can be a valuable conversation partner within the wider religious studies academy. Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion articulates an attractive vision of analytic theology, fosters a more fruitful inter-disciplinary conversation, and enables scholars across the religious studies academy to understand one another better. Preface Contents I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Value and Distinctiveness of Analytic Theology 2. Three Theological Objections: History, Mystery, Practice 3. Analytic Theology in the Religious Studies Academy II. FOUNDATIONS 4. Why Do They Write That Way? Analytic Philosophy and its Discontents 5. What Is Analytic Theology? III. THEOLOGICAL ANALYTIC THEOLOGY 6. A Theology of Analytic Reason 7. How to Avoid Idolatry 8. The Real Trouble with Ontotheology and Univocity 9. On “Theistic Personalism” 10. Analytic Theology as a Spiritual Practice IV. ANALYTIC THEOLOGY AND THE ACADEMIC STUDY OF RELIGION 11. Inquiry and Argument in the Secular Academy 12. Naturalism as Metaphysics, Reduction without Fears 13. The Hegemony of Critique 14. Analytic Theology as Rigorous Appreciation: On Normative Inquiry in the Academic Study of Religion Conclusion: Analytic Theology after the Postsecular Bibliography Index