System and Story: Narrative Critique and Construction in Theology: 87 (Princeton Theological Monograph)

Description: System and Story is intended to develop a means for bridging the gap between critics of system and those who may find value in doing systematics from a Biblically oriented context. Narrative theologians have rightly identified and critiqued the development of system in academic theology. Unfortunately they have not identified the ways in which systematic elements have always played a role in theological knowledge. This study demonstrates the inherent systematic tendencies that still exist in narrative approaches to theology while at the same time acknowledging the appropriateness of aspects of the narrative critique of system. The reaction against Enlightenment modernism is examined from the perspective of the heightened role of system in religious epistemology. The work of Stanley Hauerwas serves to carry much of the conversation regarding the critique of system and a narrative alternative as it is discovered in communal formation. After summarizing Hauerwas theology if such a thing is possible the final chapters explore the ecclesiological concerns of narrative theologians according to a more systematic rendering of pneumatology. A Biblical rendering of pneumatology from the perspective of the Spirits role in ecclesiology allows for a modest (i.e. pre-modern) systematic presentation commensurate with narrative communal formation. Thus the narrative attempt to once again do theology for the church is seen as compatible with a Scriptural (i.e. modestly systematic) theology of the Spirit. Endorsements: I have often claimed that my work is a call for help-that is help to do more faithfully the work that needs to be done for the upbuidling of the church. I am therefore indebted to Gale Heide for his critical presentation of what I have tried to do and even more for his constructive account of how I should think of the work of the Holy Spirit. I am profoundly grateful for all Heide has taught me through the work he has done in this book. -Stanley Hauerwas Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Studies Duke Divinity School Stanley Hauerwass sermons lectures articles and books have stimulated the thinking of Christian for decades. Gale Heidi has done us a great favor by providing an outstanding introduction guide and assessment of the enormous quantity and variety of Hauerwass material. This enriching assessment which is like a conversation between men of great heart and intellect coming from deep understanding of Hauerwas is the strength of Heidis book. -Gerry Breshears Chair Division of Biblical and Theological Studies Western Seminary About the Contributor(s): Gale Heide is Academic Dean and Professor of Theology and Biblical Languages at Montana Bible College in Bozeman MT. He is author of This Is My Fathers World (1998).