Unapologetic Theology: A Christian Voice in a Pluralistic Conversation

Rating:
Summary: The Best Intro to postmodernism
Review: Along with Grenz's Primer, this is the best general intro to postmodern thought and its intersection with theology.

Placher examines the contemporary theological state of affairs and the effects of postmodernism on theological method. Placher is a moderate postliberal. The book examines the following areas of contemporary thought:

epistemology - the demise of foundationalism and objectivism science - the end of claims to unique rationality for the scientific method linguistics - Wittgenstein and the emergence of language game theory theology - the rise of revisionist and postliberal theologies hermeneutics - the Gadamerian fusion of horizons theory ethics/politics - the downfall of liberalism

Placher accepts many of the trends in postmodern thought and wishes to find a via media between objectivism and relativism. He urges Christians to get rid of their obsession with apologetics and legitimation, and instead to engage in dialogue with other communities and faiths.

Placher's book is very good. It is the best I have read on the topic thus far. Though he rejects evangelical notions of biblical inerrancy, he does not push the typical anti-realist view of narrative theology. In the end, he takes a moderate pluralist position, a result of his weak view of the Bible. If he truly accepted the Bible for what it claims to be - the true Word of God and the final standard for truth - he would tend to be less optimistic about the possibilities for dialogue.

Rating:
Summary: An exceptional introduction to postmodernism
Review: Whether you're a philosopher, a theologian, a historian, an anthropologist--or a student looking for the world's best Cliff's Notes on postmodernism, this is your book. Placher's writing clear, engaging, and accessible as he provides you with an overview of everything you need to know about Rawls, Habermas, Foucault, Putnam, and any number of other interesting features on the current intellectual scene. His focus is on the implications of contemporary currents in intellectual and cultural life for Christian faith, but even those from other traditions, and those Christians who do not share his "postliberal" perspective, will find this an extremely valuable resource.

Rating:
Summary: Deals with concrete and abstract theological ideas
Review: William Placher is a gifted writer and theologian. Today, when it almost seems "wrong" to talk about Christianity in our pluralistic culture, Placher serves as a guiding voice. A must-read for any serious Christian.