Theology as Revisionary Metaphysics

Modern Protestant theology has tended to shun metaphysics. The philosophical underpinnings of our theological traditions have cracked under the weight of modern scrutiny. Robert Jenson is a theologian who has embraced the critique of inherited metaphysics, but who then finds contained within the gospel itself the basis for further and more specific critiques: the story of Jesus of Nazareth. Jenson argues that the appropriate response of theology to the contemporary situation is not to reject metaphysics, but to develop new and more radical metaphysical proposals. For several decades now, he has been pursuing a theological program of revisionary metaphysics--an attempt to speak about the gospel in a society more and more characterized by epistemological disquiet. Gathered together in this volume is a collection of his proposals for theology laboring under this task of revisionary metaphysics. Robert Jenson has long been the 'best' theologian in America. Therefore, to have these essays collected in one book makes Theology as Revisionary Metaphysics a treasure. I had read a number of these essays in their original context but gathered together they take on new strength. Few writing today can match Jenson's erudition, theological insight, and courage. --Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School Paul said Christians must 'take every thought captive to obey Christ.' What if we were to take the apostle at his word? What if every thought, 'being,' 'time,' 'truth,' even 'God,' were made subject to the man on the cross? That would be a daring enterprise. It is just such daring that we encounter in these essays by Robert Jenson. In his inimitable style, Jenson draws us into the central mysteries of Christian faith and into the deepest human questions, which turn out to be the same thing. A book to be savored. --Joseph L. Mangina, Wycliffe College Robert W. Jenson is the former Senior Scholar for Research at the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey, and Professor Emeritus of Religion at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. With Carl Braaten, Jenson founded the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology and coedited the journal Pro Ecclesia. His many publications include the two-volume Systematic Theology (1997-99) and recent theological commentaries on Song of Songs (2005) and Ezekiel (2009).