What is the primary purpose of Christian theology? What governs its deliberations and sets the standards by which its claims are evaluated? In Politics of the Theological , Barry Harvey argues that politics - the art and science of human life in community - provides the essential framework for answering these foundational questions. According to Harvey, the church is the community that models a new type of society to the world, ordered around the habits and relations of Christ. Theological inquiry helps the church to foster relationships that embody the divine offer of new life and challenge the dehumanizing practices of modern culture. The realization of this new society in the Christian community becomes for all creation the historical sign of God's peaceable kingdom.
"Almost unnoticed in the highly publicized conflict between fundamentalists and modernists in the southern Baptist community has been the development of a set of younger theologians whose voice is strong and constructive. Drawing on the richness of Christian traditions they help Baptists, as well as Christians everywhere, to read the situation of Christians today in a powerful new light. Barry Harvey stands out as one of those theologians who, in this book, provides a reading of Paul Lehmann that makes Lehmann's work have continuing importance for all who resist the modern attempt to displace the political significance of Christian convictions. This is not just another book about Paul Lehmann but a constructive theological proposal that hopefully will be widely read". (Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University)
"This book marks the rise of a shining star among young Baptist scholars. Harvey has taken the best of the recent past and transfigured it into something new and needed." (James Wm. McClendon, Jr., Fuller Theological Seminary)
"Baptist theologian Barry Harvey shows in this book how theology (growing out of church life) is always invested in some political configuration. If we have ever wondered how our church/theology can be edifying in a post-modern society, Harvey can be a good guide for us 'resident aliens' in a complex world. Speaking out of his own tradition, he shows how church/theology can offer a viable alternative to most of what we are hearing in our everyday life without violating our conscience or converting into apostasy". (Bob E. Patterson, Baylor University) "Barry Harvey has written a book for all interested in current theology, the work of Paul Lehmann, and matters of conscience. Most important, 'Politics of the Theological' raises issues theologians and ethicists must address." (William Schweiker, The Journal of Religion)
"This book promises much help and deserves to be read...Harvey confronts constructively assumptions of modernity, continued in postmodernity, with a biblical, theological alternative." (Philip E. Thompson, Journal of Church and State)
"This book marks the rise of a shining star among young Baptist scholars. Harvey has taken the best of the recent past and transfigured it into something new and needed." (James Wm. McClendon, Jr., Fuller Theological Seminary)
"Baptist theologian Barry Harvey shows in this book how theology (growing out of church life) is always invested in some political configuration. If we have ever wondered how our church/theology can be edifying in a post-modern society, Harvey can be a good guide for us 'resident aliens' in a complex world. Speaking out of his own tradition, he shows how church/theology can offer a viable alternative to most of what we are hearing in our everyday life without violating our conscience or converting into apostasy". (Bob E. Patterson, Baylor University) "Barry Harvey has written a book for all interested in current theology, the work of Paul Lehmann, and matters of conscience. Most important, 'Politics of the Theological' raises issues theologians and ethicists must address." (William Schweiker, The Journal of Religion)
"This book promises much help and deserves to be read...Harvey confronts constructively assumptions of modernity, continued in postmodernity, with a biblical, theological alternative." (Philip E. Thompson, Journal of Church and State)