Disciples and Theology: Understanding the Faith of a People in Covenant

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Summary: A developing theology...
Review: As the text itself states, to put together the denomination of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the subject of theology is somewhat contradictory and out-of-place. Disciples have traditionally avoided the subject of theology in systematic forms as it comes too close to the idea of doctrines, dogmas and creeds that must be adhered to, quite antithetical to the 'no creed but Christ' idea of Disciples formation, and problematic to the overall ideal of Christian unity.

However, as the Disciples have matured over time into a denomination with a strong identity, the ministers, educators and laypersons in the church have found need of explaining and clarifying their own beliefs. Author Stephen Sprinkle identifies four primary periods in the development of a general Disciples theological framework -- the Campbellite/foundation period, from 1804 - 1866; the Milliganite synthesis, from 1867-1899; the Liberal synthesis, from 1900 - 1957; and finally, the current period, from 1958 to the present, which Sprinkle describes as the Ecumenical synthesis.

From the very beginning, the term 'theology' was avoided by the founders, but the actual practice and development of theological thought was not. This was because 'theology' at the time represented grand systems of doctrines and creeds, often attached to the very denominations the early Disciples meant to distinguish themselves from in their identity. Still, the early Disciples, as with every succeeding generation, have had ideas of Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, soteriology and the other classic divisions within systematic theology. That these ideas tends to be less rigourous than other contemporary systems does not negate their value; indeed, Disciples would argue exactly the opposite, in the quest for congregational freedom and greater Christian unity.

Historians and theologians will find Sprinkle's early chapters of interest, but general readers and ministers will probably want to concentrate on the final chapters, which look at the Ecumenical synthesis and the future of theological development in the Disciples context. The Disciples practically embody the ecumenical ideal in the twentieth century -- this has in turn been of great importance in developing Disciples ideas. Sprinkle looks at key persons (Garrison, Robinson, Blakemore, and Osborn), as well as the current situation that involves persons such as Clark Williamson and Larry Bouchard, writing in ways to strengthen the ideas of covenant and community. Sprinkle also highlights the newest expressions of theology, including those that take race, gender, and social context into consideration as foundation or interpretation issues.

Sprinkle's book is a good introductory survey, accessible to laypersons, seminary and college students, as well as useful for ministers and scholars as a guide. The bibliography is useful - I might have included a few more texts that were not included, but as a beginning bibliography, it provides a useful starting point.



Rating:
Summary: Important Theological History for Disciples of Christ
Review: Steve Sprinkle, educated at Atlantic Christian, Yale, and Duke, on the faculty at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, has authored a wonderful book about the theology of the Disciples of Christ. I read it for a doctoral level independent study on "Disciples' Ethos" at Lexington Theological Seminary and found it to be a great narration of Disciples' theology from a historical perspective. Don't be put off by the fact that I read it for school. It is well written and quite easy to read. I would recommend it for any Disciple or anyone who wants to travel through Disciples' history to gain a better understanding of this denomination and its way of thinking theologically