Between Athens and Berlin: The Theological Education Debate

The 1980s produced an unprecedented large amount of literature and a vigorous debate on the purpose and nature of theological education in North America. Surveying and probing the major positions in this debate David H. Kelsey argues in this book that the central differences between various voices in theological education emerge most clearly when viewed in light of Athens and Berlin. For Kelsey Athens and Berlin represent two very different--and ultimately irreconcilable--models of excellent education. In the case of de facto says Kelsey that modern North American theological education for historical reasons is committed to both models resulting in ongoing tensions and struggles. Kelsey shows how a variety of significant thinkers--Newman Niebuhr Farley Stackhouse and several others--fit in the Athens-Berlin framework. In presenting a keen analysis of major themes and patterns of movement in the theological education debate Between Athens and Berlin itself makes a significant contribution to the debate. Kelsey demonstrates his gifts as a judicious fair and comprehensive reporter on an important discussion which is in danger of being treated as merely academic. Perhaps this interpretive summary can reinvigorate the discussion of theological education in such a way as to generate some actual change. --John B. Cobb Jr. School of Theology at Claremont [F]or anyone interested in the exciting conversation about the future of theological education this book is a must. --Joseph C. Hough Jr. Vanderbilt Divinity School David H. Kelsey is professor of theology at Yale Divinity School New Haven Connecticut.